The North Atlantic Sustainable Tourism Fellowship: East Greenland
The Arctic Education Alliance and The THOR Institute
🌍 About the Fellowship
Jointly spearheaded by the Arctic Education Alliance and the THOR Institute, this international fellowship centers on destination stewardship across North Atlantic communities. Hosted in direct partnership with Visit East Greenland (the area’s destination management organization) and Campus Kujalleq (Greenland’s vocational tourism college), the initiative brings together Maine and Greenlandic students and faculty for immersive, place-based learning in Tasiilaq.
By engaging directly with local operators and residents, fellows explore how remote regions balance economic opportunities in tourism with community priorities and environmental protection—a transformative experience that highlights the vital importance of community-led stewardship.
Today, we are sharing field reflections from Student Fellow Jeremy Powers (UMF) on local economies, working sled dogs, and bringing Arctic lessons back home to Maine.
Student Spotlight: Jeremy’s Perspective
💡 The “Aha” Moment: Tourism and Local Economies
What was the exact moment during your time in the North Atlantic when your project really came to life?
“It all clicked between walking around town the first day and the day of the boat tour—realizing how much impact tourism has here. Almost everything ties back to it, showing how supported the local economy is, but also how delicate it is when things like flight schedules change.”
🐕 The Shift: Culture and Working Animals
What is one piece of local expertise or a ‘way of life’ you saw in Greenland or Iceland that totally shifted your perspective on tourism?
“Seeing how the Greenlandic people interact with their dogs was super interesting. They aren’t pets in the same sense as in America—they live outside year-round and operate more like a pack of wolves because they’re working animals.”
🌲 The Maine Connection: Ecology and Perspective
What is the #1 lesson from the North Atlantic ‘terrain’ that you’re excited to bring back to Maine?
“I have a much greater appreciation for Maine’s natural beauty and wildlife now that I’ve seen the hardy yet fragile ecosystem of East Greenland. I look forward to seeing how that changes my perspective on future camping and hiking trips back home.”
