Request edit access
North Atlantic Sustainable Tourism Fellowship Application
The Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation (THOR) Institute, in partnership with the Arctic Education Alliance, is now accepting applications for our Spring/Summer 2026 North Atlantic Sustainable Tourism Fellowship. This is a unique opportunity to engage in rich place-based learning experiences in Maine, Greenland, and Iceland.

This fellowship is designed to support and deepen students’ understanding of destination management and stewardship in remote Northern communities with an emphasis on the importance of local voice in sustainable tourism development. All undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree, major, minor, or certificate related to the THOR academic disciplines at any of the University of Maine System institutions are eligible.


Accepted fellows will contribute 10 - 20 hours per month to project tasks and virtual meetings, in addition to the 2-week travel course in July, which is valued at approximately $10,000 and will be fully funded. Fellows will also be awarded a $500 stipend. 


Applications are due Friday, February 6, 2026. There might be an interview (Zoom) as part of the next step in the application process so make sure you have availability between February 7 - 13.

Prospective fellows will be notified about application decisions by February 13, 2026. 
Email *
Name *
MaineStreet ID Number *
Home Institution *
Please indicate your current degree program (major/minor) and your anticipated graduation date (month/year). *
Please provide the contact information for one faculty member within the University of Maine System who can speak to your academic rigor and ability to thrive in a self-directed, remote environment. *

International Travel Commitment

This fellowship requires a full commitment to an intensive travel itinerary of approximately two weeks in early-to-mid July 2026 in remote regions of Iceland and Greenland.

To facilitate international travel arrangements and flight logistics, all fellows must possess a valid passport in-hand by March 13, 2026. Please note that most international customs require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of travel (specifically through January 2027).

Do you currently hold a valid passport (or have a plan to receive one by March 13)? 

Are you able to commit to the full duration of the July travel dates? 

 *
Required
Remote Logistics, Adaptability & Accessibility

Prospective fellows should be prepared for an authentic, off-the-grid experience in remote environments that require a high level of adaptability. This includes operating with limited digital connectivity and in areas distant from comprehensive medical care. 

This program offers a unique opportunity for place-based cultural immersion in communities that rely on traditional food systems. While we strive to support all students, the remote logistics and local supply chains mean that diverse dietary substitutions are significantly limited.

After reviewing the logistical realities described above, please reflect on your own comfort level and preparedness for this environment. Given the remote and resource-constrained nature of the field sites, do you anticipate needing to meet with the program lead to discuss specific health, dietary, or accessibility needs?

 *
Logistical Planning & Accessibility

To help us ensure your safety and success in these remote environments, please describe any specific accessibility needs, medical requirements, or dietary restrictions that may require logistical planning or accommodation. Please be as specific as possible regarding how these needs might be impacted by the remote, off-the-grid nature of the fellowship described above.
 *
The "Uncertainty" Scenario

In remote travel, things rarely go exactly to plan — a flight might be grounded for three days due to fog, or a planned site visit might be cancelled at the last minute.

Tell us about a time when a plan you were invested in fell apart. How did you manage the frustration, and how did you pivot to make the best of the new situation?

 *
Academic Integration & Disciplinary Lens


Your academic background provides the "lens" through which you observe and interpret the world. Please describe your current program of study and explain how your specific field — whether in the sciences, humanities, business, or social sciences — has prepared you to engage with the themes of sustainable tourism in this fellowship.

In what ways do you intend to apply the theories or frameworks from your coursework to the real-world challenges of tourism stewardship in the North Atlantic? Are there specific academic questions or research interests you hope to explore while in the field?  What is it about the North Atlantic landscape — the rugged coasts of Maine, the volcanic highlands of Iceland, or the glacial fjords of Greenland — that resonates with you personally?

*
Please sign your application here using your initials as your digital signature.  *
A copy of your responses will be emailed to .
Submit
Clear form
Never submit passwords through Google Forms.
This form was created inside of University of Maine System.

Does this form look suspicious? Report

Google Forms