Natalie Smith - Trent Study Abroad Program

Why did you decide to travel abroad?: I decided to travel abroad to expand my understanding of the international north and learn more about the history, culture, and lives of Indigenous peoples in Alaska.

Why did you choose to study at The University of Alaska? How did you learn about it?: This opportunity arose following the coordination of Kate Logan and Heather Nicol creating an opportunity to send students to Alaska following the completion of a circumpolar studies course or for completion of a reading credit. Heather and Kate emailed to see if students were interested and posted about it on Trent study abroad Instagram. Interested students were invited to zoom meetings with Heather and Kate to learn more about the opportunity. I choose to participate in this field course to learn about the history, environments, peoples, and resources of Alaska through the seminars with the University of Alaska Anchorage during this field course and pair this learning with what I have already learned through the circumpolar studies courses I have completed thus far.

What was your experience like? What are some of the differences & similarities with Trent?: As I visited the University of Alaska Anchorage in the summer the campus was quiet. The views of campus in Alaska were beautiful just like our campus here at Trent. I traded the views of the river and forest at Trent for views of the mountain range while on campus in Alaska. The main difference was that the Anchorage campus was a lot bigger and hosted more students than Trent.

What did you find was the most challenging/difficult while abroad?: I did not find much challenging while I was away, but I think in terms of our group we all found it surprising that Alaska is made up of one major road system, with only one main road navigation was not necessarily harder but just different and took some getting used to.

In your opinion, what would you say are the benefits of studying abroad?: I think the benefits are definitely getting to not only explore a new place, but learning about its history and culture from the people you meet while you are there and getting to see and try new things.

What was one of your favourite memories from your time abroad?: My favorite memories from my trip were hiking to the glacier and exploring it, getting to see seals and reindeer up close and going to Whitter, a town only accessible by a 2.7-mile-long tunnel.

If someone told you they were thinking about studying abroad but weren’t convinced they should, what would you tell them?: I would tell them about all the stories and friends I made from my study abroad experience and all the new foods and activities they could try. I would also tell them not to worry as they will find ways to connect with new people while they are away.