 Last night I arrived to Sisimiut, a city inside the Arctic Circle. After a clear day in Nuuk that provided a better glimpse of the beautiful capital, a small Air Greenland plane took Hans, Alice, and I (Team post) north. Yesterday (November 1st) was a planned travel day. The first events of Greenland Science Week were starting in Sisimiut, a city 200 miles (320km) up the coast. We had no formal plans other than getting back to the airport. Alice and I checked out of our rented rooms and had a few hours to spare. We were welcomed at the archives division of the Greenland National Museum & Archives and spent the spare hours getting a look at the University of Greenland and the National Archives, which share a building right on the water. I was able to secure an interview and more formal tour that I can photograph/video for you all next week, so stay tuned for more about the work of Greenland's National Archives! Prior to the informal tour, Alice and I wanted to head to the water. The day was much more clear than when we arrived so we had proper views of the surrounding landscape. It was....breathtaking. Let me allow the coastline to speak for itself here....    A look back up at the outer edge of Nuuk.  Two Greenlandic flags frame a breathtaking view.  What a place to rest peacefully.  Always think deep thoughts in a place like this...  ....and then take a Selfie. After the morning walk around the water, Alice and I were given an informal tour of the University of Greenland. I have always loved getting a glimpse into universities outside the United States. Could you even enroll in a university in another country? What might be the biggest hurdle to finishing a degree outside the country where you were raised? What would be the biggest benefits? Here is a quick look...for anyone interested in enrolling in the University of Greenland - Ilisimatusarfik!  A typical classroom at the University of Greenland  Library at the University of Greenland  Entry area at the University of Greenland  There is even an "American Corner" at the University of Greenland! (this is my serious American student face). Alice is still looking for the Scottish Corner.... In mid-afternoon, we headed back to the airport for our flight to Sisimiut. It was a bit delayed. We landed in Sisimiut after dark, but the weather was rather mild. A fine greeting from the Arctic Circle. It was incredibly exciting to step foot inside the Arctic Circle for the first time. It feels a bit like a life achievement, to say I ventured this far north in our world. While I didn't get much of a view of Sisimiut last night, I could already tell it would be a colorful place to explore. Looking forward to reporting back tonight on this Greenlandic city!  Deplaning in Sisimiut  Sisimiut Airport in the dark  Hans and Alice in the kitchen, as we end a long day with a good meal.
19 Comments
Laurie Cocco
11/2/2021 07:24:14 am
A beautiful and interesting place for sure. Glad things are going well.
GEORGE
11/2/2021 12:20:58 pm
Hi Katie, thanks for letting us follow your adventure. Any chance for you to view the Northern Lights there?
Katie Allen
11/2/2021 06:18:31 pm
Yes! They are most visible from September to March in Greenland...so fingers crossed they make an appearance!
Brianna N Novotny
11/2/2021 01:41:02 pm
The view is beautiful! Stay Warm!
Krista
11/2/2021 05:34:15 pm
"The American Corner" haha, what kind of books do they hide over there?!
Jeimi Toribio
11/2/2021 06:00:07 pm
I can only imagine the beautiful scenery visible from the windows of the library. It suits the peaceful and quiet aesthetic of libraries.
Katie Allen
11/2/2021 06:25:41 pm
Yes the views! Every classroom and library seemed to have the best views! And homesickness can feel harder with more distance between you and your family. When I was an undergraduate, I chose a study abroad program that was shorter (5 weeks) because of that. The 'end date' allows you to just enjoy yourself that first major time overseas, knowing you will see family again soon.
Charlie Sarkioglu
11/2/2021 06:06:15 pm
I think it would be a fascinating opportunity to enroll and study at a university outside of the US. However, one concern that I would have about studying abroad would be the availability of classes being taught in English. Much to my dismay, one of the first things that I noticed as I explored the University of Greenland website was the following disclaimer: "Please note that we only offer few courses taught in English."
Katie Allen
11/2/2021 06:21:46 pm
From what I was told, most classes right now are in Greenlandic or Danish...so that would be hard for an English-speaking student! It might be more doable if there was a semester exchange with a few classes in English meant for students in that specific study abroad program!
Amaya Campbell
11/2/2021 06:37:04 pm
Your pictures are beautiful, glad you made it there safely! Enrolling in a university in a different country is defiantly something I would do. Personally I think the biggest hurdle would be if there were to be a language barrier and difficulty trying to learn a new language. If that were not the case it would probably be being away from my friends and family for a long period of time. The biggest benefit would be experiencing the culture and a different way of life and being able to take that home with you when you leave.
Bette
11/3/2021 04:57:34 am
Thank you for sharing this amazing journal of your adventures! I am so excited for you, and for what this experience will offer to our students.
Kelsy Shumaker
11/3/2021 09:25:46 am
I love the "American Corner" that was at the University of Greenland! Personally I think it would be totally awesome to be enrolled in a University that was in another country because I feel like you would learn more about that country than you probably would in the U.S. I think it would provide a fresh take on things and give you the opportunity to see the world in a different light as well as learn about a topic in a different way too. The biggest hurdle that would come from trying to finish my degree in a different country would definitely be the language. If I enrolled in a university that spoke another language, how would I be able to learn anything if I can't understand what it is that they are teaching me? Another hurdle for me is that if I enrolled in the University of Greenland specifically, the cold would definitely be a hurdle for me!
Anthony
11/3/2021 02:13:56 pm
I love the scenery and the pictures you took really, I think this is a interesting in terms of design inside and the architecture in the University of Greenland. I think I would love a type of school with this modern look. This maybe could be possible grad school maybe for me!!!
Connor
11/3/2021 08:19:51 pm
Ha! That American corner is delightful! They sure do know how to make American students feel right at home. If I had the chance to enroll in a university outside of the United States I think I would take it. While there would possibly be a language gap depending where I enrolled. Although the benefits I think would far outweigh the negatives, being to see and live in another country, getting new experiences, making new connections, not to mention that there would also potentially be significant cost reductions depending where I enrolled.
Melissa Michel
11/3/2021 08:19:58 pm
I really like the pictures you take. I Seen someone mention northern lights and I second that. if you get a chance, id love to see a picture. even though it seems so fresh , like the air is fresh, and everywhere seems clean . I wouldn't enroll in a university in another country. the biggest hurdle might be the language for me. the benefits just might be the new experiance of trying new foods , meeting new people and trying new things .
Gabriella Scott
11/3/2021 09:00:46 pm
I’m so glad you’re having fun and enjoying these beautiful views! Greenland has been on my list of places to visit so I thank you for doing this and taking us along on your journey!
Elaine Majors
11/4/2021 08:15:33 pm
The landscape there is absolutely breathtaking! It seems like a lovely place to be when the weather is nice. I think it would be a very interesting experience to attend a University in a different country and something I would love to do. I think one of the biggest hurdles though would be if the place you went to spoke a different language. You'd have to first learn bits of the language before you even go or else you wouldn't be able to understand any of your classes. I feel like it'd probably be lonely for a bit too especially if you're shy and have trouble making friends quickly. I've seen some people here in the comments say that they might get homesick but for me personally I don't think I would. Potsdam is already around 4-5 hours away from where I live so I only see my family during week long breaks in the semester. So, I don't think studying away in a different country will feel much different on the being farm from home side.
Christian Mott
11/5/2021 03:16:38 pm
These pictures are amazing especially the ones overlooking the water! I think it would be cool to attend the university here or that of another culture! I don’t think that I personally would ever do it but I think it would be an astounding experience to learn from a whole different perspective!
Cipher Gallagher
11/5/2021 10:46:26 pm
What a beautiful place! I envy you and the others getting to see this gorgeous place, hopefully one day I can go and see it for myself. I hope you're having a great time! Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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About me:
I am an anthropology professor, writer, researcher and global traveler. In fall of 2021, I led an experiential eLearning project connecting US students (and public) with the people, places, and industries of Greenland. I redesigned a research trip into a virtual field trip for my students who didn't have any Study Abroad options. All of the videos, photos, interviews, and storytelling are still here to enjoy! 
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