Remko Pape – Erasmus student (2024)
A graduation internship at Mountain in Motion.
From the 15th of February until the 7th of July (2024) I had the fortune of doing my graduation internship at PPF-Alpine. During this internship, I was tasked with analysing the differences between mountain ranges around the globe and how these differences influenced climate models. Furthermore, I also had to establish the difference between these climate models and in which mountain ranges these occurred.
Throughout this, I received plenty of support from a very helpful team of researchers and supervisor in weekly meetings and article discussions, who taught me plenty of new theories, programs, and work ethics that will positively impact my future career. This included programs such as ArcGIS, RStudio for analysing climate models and mountain characteristics and one of my new favourite note-taking programs called Obsidian. Furthermore, the team also collaborates in an international research environment, enhancing my communication skills and broadening my perspective on the latest global climate issues, mountain/alpine concepts or theories, and fostering plenty of new valuable connections for the future.
While the PPF-Alpine project offered plenty of enriching academic experiences, living in Bergen also offered great opportunities to explore breathtaking nature through the amazing fjords and high mountains around the region. Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse oneself in Norwegian culture through various language classes and Norwegian language hiking groups.
As I reflect on this transformative experience, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity provided by the PPF-Alpine team. The knowledge, skills, and memories I’ve gained will undoubtedly have a lasting positive impact on both my professional and personal life.