When I was 16, I spent two months in France on a cultural and language exchange. I attended school, made friends, and skied competitively while there. My French really solidified in those two months, and I'm still very proficient in French to this day because of it.
Lily
Gostovic
A Canadian software engineer in London, applying to spend part of this winter living and working in the Arctic.
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Where I'm from
Raised on snow
I grew up in Canada, spending winters ski racing and summers hiking. Being outside in big, cold landscapes is still where I feel most like myself.
A habit of moving
New places, new routines
I have found a passion in moving to new places. At only 23, I've already lived in five different countries thanks to the various opportunities I've had. From educational exchange programs to working abroad, I'm very used to moving countries at this point, and I love it!
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I spent four months here for a summer internship during my bachelor's degree. I wanted to go to Berlin because I love techno and wanted to experience the nightlife. I learned a lot that summer, especially that I love Europe and want to spend as much time there as possible.
I did a semester abroad here during my bachelor's. I loved the serenity and peacefulness of the city. I love the fashion and the easy access to swimming throughout the city, and I especially loved the pastries.
The place I've called home for the past two years. An amazing big city where I've started my career and made so many lifelong friends. I love my job and all the art and culture the city has to offer. One thing London really lacks for me is easy access to nature and mountains, and I really want the next place I move to be closer to both.
Next stop:
the Arctic?
What I do
Helping runners find their next race
Few meetings and flexible hours, so I can say yes when the community has something on.
After graduating I moved to London to join Runna (acquired by Strava) and I've lived in England ever since.
I'm a Software Engineer on Strava's race discovery platform, growing our database of running races so people can find events to take part in. It's focused, independent work I can do from anywhere.
Why I want this
The North has been pulling at me for years
Iceland, as a kid
My first trip to Iceland was as a child, and it has stayed with me ever since.
The Faroe Islands
Years later I visited the Faroes and took part in Closed for Maintenance, volunteering alongside locals to look after the islands.
Knitting
The Faroes got me knitting. What started as one project now shapes most of my free time.
Hemsedal
Then ski touring in Hemsedal showed me the kind of winter I grew up with, in Norwegian mountains. It's also where I took my Avalanche Safety 1 and 2 courses, so I can head into the backcountry prepared.
Iceland
Faroe Islands
Knitting
Hemsedal
I've always wondered whether I should live in a Nordic country. My next move after London might well be north.
A few weeks of real routines and real neighbours, through the dark months, is the honest way to find out.
What I bring
What I'd give back
First, I'd join whatever's already happening locally and learn how the community works. Beyond that, here's what I can offer.
Photography
Photos I took during my ski touring course in Hemsedal are now used as the main branding of the course. I would love to document local events and places for the community, or run a beginner photography session. See more of my photography
Crafting
Knitting, cyanotype printing and making things by hand. I'd love to join a local knitting circle and learn regional techniques, and I'm happy to teach beginners or host a crafting afternoon.
Coding
If there's interest, I could run intro coding lessons, or help a local business or project with its website or tools.
Logistics
Easy to fit in
4–6 weeksThe length of stay I'm hoping for.
From 15 JanDates are completely flexible after that, so any slot in the February to April window works.
Skis packedAnywhere with ski touring or cross-country skiing nearby, such as Geiranger or Þingeyri.
Thank you for reading.
I'd love the chance to spend a winter with you.
Lily Gostovic