Linda Milortok of Repulse Bay and Nadia Aaruaq of Baker Lake each received a five-month scholarship to attend folk schools in Greenland.

The girls were selected from a list of applicants from across Nunavut.

Program co-ordinator Sue Ball of Arviat says this is the third year for the scholarship program.

She says the program originated when the Inuit Circumpolar Conference offered it as a gift to Nunavut when it came Canada's third territory.

"The scholarship focuses on youth, circumpolar unity and Inuit issues," says Ball.

"Nunavut students attend classes at either Knud Rasmussen in Sisimiut, or Sulisartut in Qaqortoq."

The winning students are selected by members of a scholarship committee.

This is the first year two students are making the trip at the same time.

Ball says there are still not as many students applying for the scholarship as she would like, but the number of applicants has been growing.

To meet the requirements of the scholarship, students must be 18 years of age and speak Inuktitut.

"We look at other things during the selection process, such as community service, leadership skills and volunteerism.

"It's not a scholarship for which you need a 95 per cent grade average.

"This scholarship is open to many students."

Milortok says she decided to apply for the scholarship for the experience of being introduced to a new culture and meeting youth her own age from another country.

"I'm really looking forward to meeting different people and seeing the land over there," says Milortok.

"I've never been this far away from home before, and it's the first time I've travelled alone, so I'm a little scared and nervous.

"But, I'm sure it will be worth it in the end."

Aaruaq says she found out about the scholarship through Kivalliq Student Services in Baker Lake.

She says participating in the Canadian Phase of the Nunavut Youth Abroad program this past year kindled her desire for new experiences.

"I want to learn all I can about their culture and I'm looking forward to attending school in Greenland," says Aaruaq.

"It will be a good experience and a lot of fun."