Nathaniel Lüthi

Preparations before departure

I initially packed for one year in Canada, but as my stay extended, I realized I should have brought more stuff with me. The most important advice I can give is not to bring European winter gear. It takes up space and is not designed for the extreme cold of Edmonton, where temperatures can drop well below –30°C. The best option is to buy proper Canadian winter clothing after arrival.

It also helps to speak with students who have previously been through the program or to Canada. Their experience with visas, preparation, and daily life can be very helpful. One additional tip: bring quality hiking and camping gear. Once the snow melts, Canada offers some of the best outdoor opportunities in the world.

Academic experience

At the University of Alberta, I completed courses like Forest Environmental Science Field Skills, Forestry Field School Professionals and Forest Ecosystems. 

The courses that stood out most were the two initial field schools, which provided an excellent opportunity to engage in Canadian forest measurement practices and meet new people; the forest operations course, which introduced harvesting and transport systems which are very different from those in European forestry; and Wildland Fire Science & Management, a demanding but extremely well-taught course that showed Canada’s deep expertise in wildfire management.

A clear difference compared to Sweden is that in Canada, students manage multiple courses at once. This requires adjusting to a faster pace and balancing priorities.

Social life

Living with other TRANSFOR-M students was a key part of the experience. I shared housing with four colleagues from Sweden and Bangor, and these friendships became the foundation of my social life in Edmonton.

The cultural differences between Canadian and Swedish student life are notable. At the University of Alberta, student social activities are less concentrated on campus 
and more oriented toward the city. Restaurants, bars, and sporting events are key. While different from the strong “student union” traditions in Sweden, this was just another way of integrating into local life.

Travel experiences

Canada’s size cannot be overstated. Traveling within the country is highly rewarding but requires planning. The Rocky Mountains are essential to visit, and I recommend also experiencing both western and eastern Canada to appreciate the diversity of landscapes and cultures. Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies are particularly memorable.

One lesson I learned: public transport is limited, and Canadian cities are not designed for walking. If possible, buying a car or sharing one with other students truly improves mobility and allows more freedom to go on trips to the Rockies, Waterston or Drumheller.

Housing and living

I lived in McKernan, a neighborhood close to the university, and found it ideal. Other good neighborhoods include Belgravia, Allendale, Garneau, Ritchie, and Bonnie Doon. The closer the location to the university the higher the rent, but accessibility is important. I do not recommend living in Edmonton’s far north side or south side, especially not as a student.

Housing is typically found through Marketplace or Rentfaster.ca, and rents are comparable to Sweden, ranging from 500 to 1000 CAD per month for a room. For budgeting, I strongly recommend a Costco membership (or knowing someone who has one). 

Final thoughts

The TRANSFOR-M and Euroforester programs have been transformative for me. They offered not only academic development but also cultural immersion, professional connections, and personal relationships that will last a lifetime.

For future students, my advice is to take advantage of every opportunity. Attend field trips, say yes to social events, explore the country, and fully engage in the program. The year will challenge you, but it will also provide experiences and perspectives that go far beyond academic credits.