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IKALUKTUTIAK/CAMBRIDGE BAY - At only 16 years of age, Mason Greenley has strolled through the streets of Paris, felt the salty spray of the Bay of Fundy on his face, celebrated democracy on the slopes of Halifax's Citadel Hill and immersed himself in the arts and culture of the nation's capital.

The Grade 11 student from Cambridge Bay represented Nunavut at the youth program Encounters with Canada this past year, where he met up with students from across the country, both in Halifax and in Ottawa.

"I learned a lot of new stuff (like) how it's like in their hometown and what they do," he said. "I told them a bit (about our) culture and I brought some pins with me. (They were) really curious. They asked a lot of questions, most of them."

This past summer, Greenley continued his travels, going overseas to London, Normandy and Paris with a friend's family. He later accompanied them to Saskatchewan as well.

"It was a holiday, but educational too," he said. "We took tours and checked out the sights."

The best part about travelling, Greenley added, was seeing new places and getting a different view of life. He liked Europe but thought London was too crowded.

His favourite place, based on his travels this past year, was Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia, which afforded beautiful vistas of the Maritimes' coast.

"It's just nice - a great view," said Greenley.

Next year he is planning to go to Italy as part of a school trip and will be helping his classmate raise funds for the journey.

For now, however, Greenley is spending time catching up with his family. As it turns out, his time away was a learning experience for his parents, too.

"When Mason was going on his first trip on holidays with friends from here, it was hard, but we knew he would be well looked after," said his mother Patty Greenley. "He is so responsible and knew what to expect while travelling."

Her son said being responsible and hardworking is something he has learned from his parents, who are "always working so hard," said Greenley.

"I just want to learn after them."

"We respect Mason for being a role model as he is responsible, (a) fast learner and intelligent," his mother said.

"Being an older brother has helped him, too. From when he was a young age, we've told him to trust, be honest and if he wanted to be treated with respect he would have to treat others with respect.

"Role models are looked up to and I hope young people look up to Mason as one."