From the rural village of Gurb to Akureyri and finally Brussels

Adrià is a young and promising lawyer from the small rural village of Gurb in the Pyrenees mountains of Catalonia, near the city of Vic. He has completed a BA degree in law with a minor in international and European law, a BA in international relations, and a master's degree in law from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Last spring he graduated with a masters degree in Polar Law. 

From Akureyri to Brussels

Recently, Adrià was selected from numerous applicants for an internship in the so-called EC Blue Book Programme at the European Union's External Action Service (EU).

The Blue Book traineeship program is a five-month paid training offered by the EU Commission. The program is highly sought after and competition for positions is fierce. This year, 16,000 applicants applied, which is a record number. Adrià's main tasks will be to monitor political matters related to EU relations with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, EEA, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, Faroe Islands, as well as matters concerning EU participation in the Arctic.

"My experience as a teaching assistant in European Law, my studies in Polar Law at the University of Akureyri, and language skills were significant factors in getting hired. Studying Polar Law has given me extensive practical knowledge of laws and policymaking in the Arctic and Antarctic. By being a teaching assistant in European Law, I got the opportunity to apply my education on EU regulations, learn from Professor Ragnheiður Elfa Þorsteinsdóttir, and increase my knowledge of the two-pillar structure of the EEA," says Adrià about the experience that contributed to his hiring.

When asked what advice he has for current university students planning to work in the international arena, Adrià says: "Be aware of opportunities, there are many and they appear monthly, especially within the EU and EFTA. Whoever you are, know your worth and let others see it. There is intense competition for jobs related to international relations with thousands of applicants for entry-level positions, but I still believe there is a place for everyone who wants to put their heart into it. We are all specialized in our own way, find what you like, give it as much attention as you can if you feel it brings you closer to your goal at that time, and don't think of any decision as 'wrong'."

From Spain to Akureyri

Why does a young lawyer from Spain choose to come to Akureyri to study Polar Law? "After graduating in law, I didn't want to follow the traditional path right away. I decided to postpone my master's degree and bar exam in Spain for a year to follow my interest in the Arctic. I chose to study international relations and got the opportunity to come as an Erasmus+ exchange student to the University of Akureyri, and there I became captivated by the studies, teachers, university, and Akureyri. It was therefore an easy choice to return shortly after for a master's degree in Polar Law."

In recent months, Adrià has been working at Hotel Kjarnalundur on the outskirts of Akureyri. "At Kjarnalundur, I found another family. I first came as a guest in 2021, and subsequently, I was offered a job. I checked in and never checked out. Cleaning rooms and apartments, serving dinner, doing laundry, and ensuring customers were satisfied taught me the value of service. In Akureyri, I've made many friends, both Icelanders and immigrants. The best thing about Akureyri is the open community, the great natural beauty, and the fact that it's 1000 times better than Reykjavík."

"I'm not quite sure what the future holds, but I'm content. I would just like to have a career that allows me to visit my friends in beautiful Eyjafjörður at least once a year and continue helping to gather sheep in the autumn roundups. I would like to own a small farm sometime in my life. I can be a bit of a workaholic and thrive when my calendar is full. I'm always looking for new challenges, but I also want to learn to find peace and slow down - life shouldn't be all about career," Adrià concludes about how he sees his future.

The application deadline for Polar Law 2025-2027 is 1st of April 2025, and all further information about requirements, application portal, and the program can be found here.