Abstract

The TRANSFOR (Transatlantic Education for Global Sustainable Forest Sector Development) program has promoted international student and staff exchanges among four Canadian (Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick and Toronto) universities and universities in four European countries (Germany [Freiburg], Finland [Joensuu], Sweden [Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umea] and the United Kingdom [Bangor University, Wales]). The program incorporated five components: one or two semester study visits for undergraduate forestry students, working internships, summer field courses, study visits for academic staff, and TRANSFOR project meetings. The summer field courses were a highly innovative part of the program and allowed students to spend three to four weeks learning about forestry activities and challenges on a continent different from that of their home institution. The program fostered internationally focused understanding of forest ecology and management, as well as economic and cultural factors, as will be required to develop effective international standards for sustainable forest management. Most student participants reported that it was a very positive experience and a high point of their education.

Keywords

international exchange; undergraduate forestry students; internships; field courses; international forestry

Published in

Forestry Chronicle
2010, Volume: 86, number: 1, pages: 57-62
Publisher: CANADIAN INST FORESTRY

SLU Authors

• Karlsson, Anders

  • Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Sterner, Maria

  • University administration, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Staal Wästerlund, Dianne

  • Department of Forest Resource Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Valinger, Erik

  • Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all


UKÄ Subject classification

Forest Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5558/tfc86057-1

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/48537