UArctic has sponsored country-specific internships from Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark, and Finland, but this has marked the first America-focused position. The American Arctic Connection internship and space, located at the University of Lapland, are the result of collaboration between University of Lapland and the United States Embassy in Finland.
The focal points of the internship have branched between joint research ventures, visiting scholars, international studies, and Arctic education. The intern, Chloe, analyzed student exchange data between the University of Lapland and US universities and attended the annual north2north coordinators meeting Alta, Norway, that focused on pressing student and researcher exchange challenges among UArctic member institutions. Other work included designing and implementing content for the American Arctic Connection info screen in the AAC space.
During the internship, she also participated in the UArctic-sponsored Arctic WASH Summer School in Greenland and the online Korea Arctic Academy, contributed to a course about American culture, and joined in public lectures hosted by the University of Lapland.
Chloe is returning to Tampere University to finish her M.Sc. in Sustainable Architecture and to continue the Circumpolar Studies minor. She expresses gratitude for the excellent learning experience and optimism that the internship position will continue and expand in the future.