The international activities of the Sámi Education Institute aim to preserve and develop the languages, cultures, and traditional livelihoods of the Sámi and other indigenous peoples around the world.
International activities target the entire circumpolar Arctic region, including the Nordic countries, Russia, Canada, and the United States (Alaska).
Reindeer herding as a livelihood serves as a unifying link among northern peoples. Founded in 2007, the Sámi Education Institute is a leading member of the BEBO, which includes partnerships studying reindeer, crafts, tourism, media, and languages. The Sámi Education Institute is a member college of the University of the Arctic. Through membership, student and expert exchanges are widely implemented throughout the circumpolar region. Student exchanges are therefore an essential part of international activities. The Sámi Education Institute has a Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Northwest Campus in Nome, Alaska. The goal is to foster joint collaboration between the Sámi and Alaskan Iñupiat, Yupik, and Siberian Yupik, on reindeer herding education (High Latitude Range Management Program) and applied arts (traditional handicrafts). Professor Jackie Hrabok-Leppäjärvi is stationed six months of each year at each educational institute to carry out instruction and research.