A BA Outdoor Adventure Education student from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has completed a placement at the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN).
The experience took Elenya Moore on different expeditions, ranging from the snow-covered landscapes of Nordic winters to a summer kayaking journey along the coast—an adventure that assessed her leadership skills, resilience, and passion for outdoor education.
During her six-month placement abroad funded by Taith, Elenya had the opportunity to travel across the country, and had the chance to work with fellow students from around the world.
“My role was to learn and to be part of a team during expeditions. The lecturers described it as an engine, and everyone has a part to play to keep the machine working. Whether that would be doing tasks for camp building, navigation, or trip planning, to engaging in lectures and helping those who were struggling.”
She embarked on four different expeditions. Three of those were in a snowy Nordic environment, where she mastered telemark back-country skiing and learned how to survive in winter conditions.
She said:
“The training was intense, but it prepared me to live and lead confidently in harsh environments. From nutrition to navigation, I acquired a wide range of skills that allowed me to succeed in the extreme cold.”
The summer expedition was different, as she explored Norway’s beautiful coast by kayak
“It was a completely different experience from the winter trips. But the same principles of planning, leadership, and sustainability applied, which made it just as challenging and rewarding.”
Studying in Norway has transformed Elenya. She gained a deep understanding of her capabilities, built resilience, and developed leadership skills that have left a lasting impact.
“I was very proud of myself for pushing outside of my comfort zone. I gained all these new experiences, and saw some incredible views of Norway’s landscapes, as well as learning new skills and techniques that I can apply later in life. I was more assertive in my day-to-day job when I returned, and felt positive about meeting new people, as my confidence had grown from having this experience.
“It’s made me want to work within the snow sports industry and travel around the world, working in centres, or for outdoor companies providing sustainable adventure for people.”
“It’s a once in a lifetime experience that develops you personally. By saying yes to all opportunities given whilst you’re out there, it allows you to learn and experience so much in the short time you are there. You learn so much in an interactive way allowing you to see how your learning is applied in a practical sense.”
UWTSD’s Outdoor Adventure Education Lecturer, Denise Leonard said:
“The programme in Norway is multi-national and delivered through a practical, expedition-based curriculum. Each student returns with a lived understanding of cultural difference in the field of Outdoor Adventure Education and beyond. Key attributes such as critical thinking and reflective practice are significantly enhanced, supporting the student’s capacity for success both academically and vocationally.”
Kath Griffiths, International Regional manager (North America and Outward Mobility), Wales Global Academy said:
“ A semester abroad at USN Norway offers outdoor education students unparalleled access to Norway’s stunning natural landscapes, providing hands-on experience in outdoor adventure, sustainability, and leadership in one of the world’s leading outdoor education environments. We are very fortunate at UWTSD to have been sending students to the Bo campus of USN for over 17 years.”
