As an anthropologist, Ville has a social scientific approach with an emphasis on everyday people as the drivers of development. In addition to his studies which are part of the Society and Change program, he has been a dedicated actor in social movements concerning the environment, migration, and global solidarity. Even though Ville describes himself as a city-boy from the South with no knowledge of life up in the High North, he is very excited to be working and learning in Kirkenes for the next three months:
“At right this moment, the High North is an extremely interesting geopolitical hotspot! With its unique but fragile environment, Indigenous Peoples, and political interests of the NATO, China, and Russia, it is an exciting mix of politics to learn from. At the same time – like everywhere – on the ground it is just a bunch of normal people trying to get by and build better tomorrow.”
As a more-than-averagely extroverted Finn, Ville was thinking how he would handle living in a small town surrounded by ice and long distances. Ultimately, he has found Kirkenes to be quite active little place.
“My first impression here has been that the wind is hard and cold, but people are very warm and approachable. There are tons of events going on and world-class nature to visit right next to your backyard. I feel like every day I am learning little something about the world and myself here!”
