Cirkum Polare

Circum Polare means around the (North) pole. This programme takes you to one of the largest wilderness areas around the North Pole – magnificent Alaska. There you will be given the opportunity to explore the joys of nature, culture, and outdoor pursuits. It is also possible to incorporate an individual trip to other polar wilderness areas on Svalbard. You will also be able to seek out adventures and experiences in the Arctic regions of Northern Scandinavia.

The programme is divided into parts involving different activities and themes. The aim of the programme is that the student may develop his or her competence within outdoor life with an emphasis on Arctic regions. Further, you are to become well acquainted with the nature and the people of the Arctic. The programme emphasises independence, but also the ability to work in a team.

We start out with an introductory part in Alta, to get acquainted and in order to make the necessary preparations for the trip to Alaska. We will go on trips to get coordinated and to experience the coldness of Finnmark in January, and thus test our equipment.

We go to Alaska in the middle of February, where we start of with a week´s base in Fairbanks. Here we will head out on our first skiing trips, visit a dogmusher, and experience a little of the Alaskan life. Following the first week we will fly out into the bush to the small, cut-off, Native American village of Takotna. This will be our base for the next four weeks. Together with local hunters and trappers, we will attempt the lives of the fur hunters, hunting and trapping various animals. The hunting- and skiing conditions in the area are splendid. We will stay both in the village and in a hunters cabin out in the wilderness. In March, when the worlds longest dogsled race, the Iditarod, starts, the village truly comes to life, beeing one of the checkpoints. During the race We’ll take in the atmosphere and volunteer at the checkpoint. We also will arrange a day out on skis for the children in the village.

We will return to Fairbanks in the middle of March to plan a two-week long ski trip out into the wilderness of Alaska. Our destination is the vast and beautiful Brooks Range in north. This will be a challenging trek during which we will also set up base camp and attempt summit ascents. The last part of the stay in Alaska gives you the opportunity to do what you want.

In the beginning of May we meet in Alta before the studens spread out on self studies. The purpose of this is for you to specialize on a polar subject of special interest to you. Øytun’s guide will be helpful with tips and support. The preparations for the self study best be initiated already in January, before the departure to Alaska. The opportunities are numerous and exciting. You may join reindeer herding Sámi and the reindeer migration from winter to summer pastures or plan and execute your own expedition (a minimum of two people together). Øytun has contacts on Svalbard who make it possible for you to join local hunters and dogmushers there. This will incur extra costs.

After the self study period, the study will be concluded in May. Prior to the ending we will take a series on trips around Finnmark. Key words are spring ski trip, char fishing, reindeer herding, and coastal adventures.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Application requirements:
Øytun requires the following:

You should have a year´s study of outdoor life at a folk high school or college, or be able to document similar experience, particularly within winter ourdoor life.
You must be over 18 years of age
The programme requires a lot of cooperation and sets high standards for own learning and independence.
The various self studies might require certain specific skill and competence
You must be granted a visa to the US

Equipment:
The student is responsible for obtaining all necessary personal equipment required for the programme. A specific equipment list will be sent when your application has been accepted.

Schedule (changes may occure):

November: Deadline for sending applications for visa and weapon permission
January: Introductory course at Øytun in Alta
Ca. February 7th: Flying to Fairbanks, Alaska
Ca. February 12th to 15th: Adventures and trips in the area around Fairbanks, and packing for Takotna
Ca. February 15th: Flying to Takotna, four weeks stay there
Ca. March 6th: The dograce Iditarod commences
Ca. March 15th: Return to Fairbanks to plan and pack for the long trip
Ca. March 20th: Two weeks ski trip commences
Beginning of April: Back from trip – plan vacation
Ca. May 5th: Last possible departure from the USA
Ca. May 7th: Meeting at Øytun
Ca. May 10th-24th: Self study
Ca. May 24th-31th: Final trips in Finnmark. Evaluation.

Costs:
The programme will cost NOK 56,000. Out of this, 10,000 is paid as an enrolment fee. The enrolment fee is paid to Øytun as soon as you have been accepted for the programme. The amount covers Øytun’s commitments with regards to agreements made in Alaska. This is non-refundable.

This cover:

Airfare Gardermoen – Alta, two return trips
Airfare Gardermoen – Fairbanks, return trip
Airfare Fairbanks – Takotna, return trip
Other joint travelling in Alaska, including the long ski trip
Lodging and food (apart from the period of self-study)

We reserve the right to make small price changes in the case of airfare changing due to the currency conversion rates or a small number of applicants. Changes will be announced well in advance of the initiation of the programme.

In addition, individual costs will be incurred by the self study (travel, boarding, food). The cost will vary according to the chosen self study and standard of living. You will also have to consider the cost of tickets to and from Gardermoen airport.

Application start: May 1st
Application deadline: October 1st
Students are advised to apply in good time prior to this deadline, however, as available places may be filled rapidly.

Application must include:

A statement that you are applying for the half year programme Outdoor Life Circum Polare
Full name, address, city, county
Birthdate, personal number, phone number, cell phone number, e-mail address
Prior education and work experience, memberships in various associations and such (enclose verified copies of diplomas and references)
Outdoor life resume with emphasis on your experience when it comes to winter outdoor life in the high mountains
Why you are applying to the programme, and what you expect to gain from it Send to: Øytun

Send to: Øytun folkehøgskole, 9518 Alta. Tlf 78 44 91 40, fax 78 44 91 70. E-post oytun@oytun.no

Applicants will be contacted some weeks after the intake in order to make the necessary agreements.

Øytun reserves the right to cancel programmes with an insufficient amount of applicants. Minor changes with regard to programme and dates might occur.