The Arctic is unforgettable. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The educational system is based on a visiting-professor model, where each subject in the class is taught by an expert in the field who comes up to Svalbard for a week. The system was with its flaws - namely it was difficult to keep everyone on track, so we learned a lot of things twice or even three times - but I also enjoyed it for the networking opportunities and the incredible stories, perspectives, and lectures from all the different professors.

On-site administration of your program

Norwegian bureaucracy has made it successfully to the tiny university, and so things are quite difficult to get done. This is very frustrating in such a small community!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing in Nybyen was fantastic, no complaints. It's a 3.5km walk to UNIS, but I really enjoyed it. Nybyen will be no more in a few years, however, as new student housing is being built in town (in addition to Sjøskrenten).

There is a small canteen that serves great sandwiches and hot lunches for good prices in the university - definitely something nice to treat yourself to every once in a while! The canteen lady - Veronica - is very nice as well.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There is nothing being done to bridge the gap, and I had some involvement with the local community, but I didn't expect anything and I didn't feel like I missed anything from it either.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Information was readily available about health care issues if something happened on field trips, but I was on my own for private health insurance. Luckily, I never had to deal with any insurance things!

Outside of the occasional stolen bike, there is zero crime in Longyearbyen. Always carry a rifle outside of the settlement, though! Those polar bears are very unpredictable.

The program is exposed me to basic arctic terrestrial biology and has made me hungry for more. There is much to be desired in terms of the Student Council, but I hugely enjoyed being a part of it as it exposed me to the logistics of living in an extremely isolated place!

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Food in Longyearbyen is not cheap. Turns out, food in Norway isn't cheap either, but it's just a little more expensive in Longyearbyen. There are ways to eat cheaply, but it isn't easy. Housing is pretty expensive as well - but, hey! No tuition :)

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• N/A

Select all that apply

• Other

• Education
• Location
• Friends

• Administration
• Administration
• Class coordination

The Avid Adventurer