Why Lapland is a great place to study tourism

Snowy winters, bright midsummer nights, and amazing nature – there are many good reasons why to live in Lapland. Nevertheless, I did not move to Rovaniemi only because of the nature, but mainly for my studies in Tourism, Culture and International Management (TourCIM) Although I could have applied for many other tourism master’s degree programmes around Europe, Rovaniemi seemed the best place for studying tourism.

Close to business

Rovaniemi is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Finland. As the biggest city in Lapland, many tourism companies are located here. This offers many possibilities to connect to local businesses already during the studies: For example, our international degree programme collaborates with local partners who regularly hold guest lectures about current topics and issues within the industry. Also, it is possible to gain practical work experience during the studies – for example by doing an internship, which can be integrated to the studies. Thanks to the lively tourism business in Rovaniemi, I can see how theoretical concepts learned at the University are applied in the sector, which makes my studies in tourism research very practical and interesting. 

Arktikum is a museum and the location of the Arctic Science Center. Photos: Vanessa Hylton.

Collaboration with tourism institutions

Since tourism is such an important sector not only for the local economy but also for research, our University has many forms of joined networks and collaborations in order to facilitate cooperation within the sector. Thanks to the Lapland University Consortium (LUC), it was possible for me to take courses from Lapland University of Applied Sciences (LapinAMK) and integrate them to my studies, which offers a great choice off different courses within tourism, culture and management studies. Since the Arctic Science Center regularly runs research projects related to Arctic Tourism, it is also possible to get hands-on insights into research work conducted here in Lapland. Further, tourism students have their own student association (Jalot Villit) with members from the two international master’s degree programme as well as from the Finnish programme. Jalot Villit organizes regular events in cooperation with alumni or local partners so that it is possible to discuss tourism related issues also with students from other programmes. 

All in all, I can say that I could not imagine any better place for studying tourism. Whether you plan to work as a researcher or in tourism business after your studies: The tourism studies at the University of Lapland offer great opportunities to connect to local businesses and research projects already during your studies and to get practical insights to the industry.

Vanessa