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Better insight into how people connect with each other around the world

Tina McDougall (photo)

The fieldwork is an excellent opportunity to meet people from different cultures. It changes the way we perceive the world.

Tina McDougall

Bachelor in Development Studies

Why did you choose the bachelor in Development Studies?

I have been interested in politics for quite some time now, therefore I knew I wanted to pursue something in that field. This programme gives the possibility of studying many different subjects, such as culture and politics. The fact that it combines different topics is precisely what makes the bachelor in development studies interesting.

We learn how people connect with each other and how people think in different parts of the world. The fieldwork is an excellent opportunity to meet people from different cultures. It changes the way we perceive the world. I believe it has also made us more aware of how things will be once we are out in the job market. 

What have you learned in the programme so far?

I think the course is very good. The lectures are very thought-provoking and diverse, and the topics interest me on a personal level. In two of the courses that I am taking now there are quite a few international students, which is a very positive thing because we learn to see things from their perspective.

It has also been quite enriching to learn about how people have solved different issues around the world. The programme has given me better insight into how things work. Before I started this bachelor's, for example, I did not know much about aid organisations or how they operate, and now I have a better understanding of the topic. My thoughts and opinions about some subjects have changed after learning more about them. This makes me feel better prepared to go out in the world and work in this field.

What are your plans for the near future?

I am still not one hundred percent sure what I will do when I am finished with this programme. Continue studying for a master’s degree is one of the options; the other is to work for an organisation, namely an aid organization or related to development in general.  

This will be the first time that Development Studies will be taught in English. What is your opinion on that?

Most of the lectures we attended in the first year were in Norwegian, whereas now in the third year about two thirds are given in English. In my opinion, the biggest advantage of having this programme entirely in English is that there will be more foreign students in the course, which is excellent because they bring their own perspectives and experiences to share with us. In addition, it will be helpful to have such good command of the language when applying for jobs in the future. 

What is your advice for international students?

Norway is a really nice country with a lot to offer: beautiful nature, friendly people and good universities. At UiA you will find many interesting courses that are suitable for international students. Kristiansand is also a very nice place to live, especially in the summertime. I would recommend that international students take the initiative in contacting their Norwegian classmates and ask them to show them around. This way they will quickly become familiar with the area and get to know more people. It is definitely important to be social, but it is also important to stay focused on your studies.