Johannes Wiesenberg

Why did you apply for TRANSFOR-M?

I applied for TRANSFOR-M because I believe that being exposed to different environments is one of the best ways to deepen your understanding of forestry and ecosystem management on a scale beyond your home country. Canada offered a different context, ecologically, culturally, and professionally, which made the experience very valuable for me.

How did you prepare?

Before going to Canada, I applied for a study permit and started looking for housing. I arranged to live off-campus with four other TRANSFOR-M students: two from SLU Alnarp and two from Bangor University in Wales. Living together made the transition smoother and more affordable.

Health insurance was provided by the University of Alberta, and I’d recommend checking visa and insurance requirements carefully, as they vary depending on your citizenship. Other than that, the preparation was fairly straightforward. 

How did you find Canada?

This was my first time in North America, and I was surprised by how stereotypically North American everything seemed (for better and for worse). I moved into our shared house with the other TRANSFOR-M students, none of whom I knew beforehand. Luckily, we all got along really well from the beginning, and living together turned out to be one of the best parts of the experience.

Our first courses started with two weeks of field school, which was a great way to get into the rhythm before the actual lectures began. It also gave us a chance to get to know the other students and professors early on.

As mentioned above, I lived in a shared off-campus house with other TRANSFOR-M students. This setup worked really well for us, not just because it was more affordable (rent in Edmonton can be expensive), but also because it created a strong social base. 

How were your studies?

The academic system at the University of Alberta is quite comparable to Sweden in terms of teaching style, but there are more assignments throughout the semester, and most courses have both midterms and final exams.

How much you learn really depends on your background. I found the Canadian perspective on forestry especially interesting, particularly in the Forest Policy course. Another highlight for me was the Applied Statistics course, which helped me strengthen my skills in R programming.

Overall, I appreciated the depth and structure of the courses, and the professors were very approachable and supportive.

How was the social, outside-of-school life?

Living with other students who were also in the program was a big plus. It helped build a sense of community right from the start. Beyond that, the university does a great job organizing student events, clubs, and recreational activities, which are great opportunities to meet new people.

One of the best parts of the year was traveling around Alberta and British Columbia. Together with my roommates, I went on several road trips to the mountains, where we hiked, and camped. If you get the chance, I also recommend visiting the U.S. It’s fairly accessible from Alberta and adds another layer to the experience.

Recommendations for Future Students

• Try to arrange a shared place with other students—it's more affordable and more fun.
• Take advantage of weekends and holidays to explore Canada’s nature.
• Choose courses that complement what you already know and push you in new directions.
• Stay organized. Keep track of paperwork and deadlines. 
• Be open. Living and studying in a new country can be overwhelming at first, but it's also incredibly rewarding. 

Would you recommend the programme to others? 

I can 100% recommend TRANSFOR-M to anyone interested in forest management, international experience, and personal growth. If you're thinking about applyin, do it. You’ll figure things out as you go, and the experience is absolutely worth it.