North Carolina State University student Kenna Talhelm had long considered studying abroad when her friends told her about a program that would include boat cruises through Norwegian fjords and cold plunges in one of Sweden’s largest and deepest alpine lakes; it was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

Talhelm, a third-year student majoring in environmental sciences, joined students from NC State and Pursue University this summer to embark on a month-long journey through four cities in Norway and Sweden, where they enjoyed new experiences and new cultures — all while gaining a global perspective on natural resource use.

The program, known as NR 350: International Sustainable Resource Use, is held in partnership with Purdue University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Science. Students study cross-cultural environmental policy and stewardship, along with other topics like global resource consumption and sustainable production issues.

“There are not many times in your life when you get the chance to see new places of the world with the structure and learning opportunities that study abroad provides,” Talhelm said. “I felt that studying abroad would allow me to grow as a person, student and future professional through new experiences and exposure to new perspectives and cultures.”

In Sweden, Talhelm and her peers visited Kiruna Mine, the world’s largest underground iron-ore mine, and Abisko Scientific Research Station, a major hub for subarctic ecological, meteorological and climate change research. Then, in Norway, they watched seal training at Polaria — the world’s northernmost aquarium — and enjoyed a boat cruise through fjords to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Talhem and her peers also made the most of their free time. They hiked the trails of Abisko National Park, cold plunged in Lake Torneträsk, tried reindeer hotdogs – a popular street food made with a smoked sausage containing reindeer meat – and visited a spa.

In the following Q&A, Talhelm discusses her study abroad experience in Sweden — including her motivations for pursuing the opportunity, what a typical day looked like, some of the biggest challenges she faced, and how the experience contributed to her career goals.

What motivated you to pursue this study abroad program, and how did you find out about it?

Kenna Talhelm: I knew when I arrived at NC State that I wanted to take advantage of the many study abroad programs that the university offers. I learned about this particular study abroad program from friends of mine that had done the trip in previous years and really enjoyed it.

Being a part of Epsilon Eta at NC State, I have gotten the opportunity to get to know lots of students from similar majors, including older students with a variety of experiences. Many of the upperclassmen I knew from Epsilon Eta had been a part of this trip and highly recommended it. They also were able to give me packing lists and an idea of what to expect during my travels, which made the experience more comfortable.

What was the biggest challenge you faced, and how did you overcome it?

Talhelm: This was my first time being somewhere I did not speak the native language … With time, I was able to become more comfortable asking people to switch to English, without feeling awkward or inconsiderate … I was able to pick up on some Swedish during our travels by listening to others talk and sometimes could navigate a grocery store checkout without anyone knowing I did not speak the language.

What skills or knowledge did you gain from this experience?

Talhelm: I learned lots of unexpected things during my time studying abroad. While we were visiting Abisko Scientific Research Station, we were able to join a bird banding session with some researchers where I got to learn about how they catch, handle, ring, log and release birds. Our group found a bluethroat, willow warbler and reed bunting – species I knew very little about before our trip. This trip sparked a new interest in birds for me, especially by seeing the enthusiasm of my classmates towards finding new species as we travelled to new places.

For our final project in the class, our team designed a “choose-your-own-adventure” style game that challenged classmates to place themselves in the shoes of a Sami reindeer herder during the spring migration to the north. Players had to balance being Swedish citizens in modern times while trying to preserve as much of their culture as possible — something Sami people grapple with every day.

How did this experience influence your career goals or academic interests?

Talhelm: I think that this study abroad experience really reaffirmed my interest in urban design and planning. As we travelled throughout Sweden and Norway, I found myself drawn to the ways in which their cities were designed differently from ours and how that allows them to live in such cold weather and to be more sustainable.

I noticed the transportation infrastructure for bikes and pedestrians and the approach to waste management and recycling. I noted the integration of urban forestry and the way sustainability is ingrained into their culture. I believe that this made it clear where my passions lie in my personal and professional interests and helped me to clarify my future career goals.

Can you share a memorable moment or experience that had a lasting impact on you?

Talhelm: One of the most memorable parts of this trip was getting to experience midnight sun while we were in northern Scandinavia. While staying in Abisko National Park, we did a midnight sun hike and it was absolutely beautiful.

We took a ski lift to the sky lodge, where we drank tea and played cards until it was time to hike to the summit for the midnight sun, which technically happens at 1 a.m. The hike was a bit longer and muddier than I had expected, but once we reached the top, it was incredible to see the sun as it just barely touched the horizon before beginning to rise again. I think I will always remember the view from the top of that peak, overlooking the midnight sun.

What advice would you give to students considering study abroad?

Talhelm: I would tell students that are considering a similar study abroad program to do it. It is super neat to get to explore new parts of the world and doing it through study abroad allows you to meet people and go places you wouldn’t usually get to with independent travel.

Studying abroad also expands your worldview and allows you to take the new perspectives and approaches that you learn abroad and bring them back to campus. I have an interest in sustainable city design and getting to visit many new cities in Sweden and Norway gave me firsthand experience seeing new and unique approaches to waste management, transportation and urban design, among other things.

Editor’s note: This Q&A has been edited for clarity and brevity.