Geographical conditions call for flexible study options

Greenland’s Minister of Education, Nivi Olsen, visited the University of Akureyri in mid-June. She was accompanied by Nuka Kleemann, Permanent Secretary, and Kresten Lennert, assistant to the Minister.

The purpose of the visit was to learn more about the university’s activities, with a particular focus on distance learning, education related to fisheries and agriculture, as well as opportunities for continuing education and lifelong learning for skilled professionals. These issues are especially important in the Greenlandic context, where geographical conditions call for flexible study options.

On behalf of the University of Akureyri, the guests were welcomed by Hreiðar Þór Valtýsson, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Natural Resources; Tom Barry, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences; María Jónsdóttir, Director of Student Counselling; Elín Díanna Gunnarsdóttir, Pro-Rector; Stefán Guðnason, Director of Continuing Education; Helena Sigurðardóttir, Educational Developer; Jóhannes Már Pétursson, International Officer for the student union; and Auðbjörg Björnsdóttir, Director of the Centre for Teaching, learning and IT.

During the meeting, representatives of the university presented its activities and the development of flexible study programmes, and engaged in constructive discussions with the delegation on opportunities for further cooperation between Iceland and Greenland. The visit was both positive and productive, and formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries in the field of higher education.