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Everyone is helpful and friendly

Zane (photo)

Professors and students were welcoming, and, despite the intensity of the courses, I was able to follow the lectures with no difficulties.

Zane

From Latvia

Tell us about yourself

My name is Zane, I am 21 years old and I am from Riga, Latvia. Back home I am studying English-Norwegian Philology at University of Latvia. Currently I am in my fourth year of studies and I will be graduating next semester in spring. 

Why did you choose Norway?

Since I am studying Norwegian, initially I chose Norway because of my studies. Last summer after my second year of studies I spent six weeks in International Summer School at University of Oslo, where I took a C1 level intensive Norwegian course, and after that experience I realised that six weeks was not enough, so I decided to come back for a whole semester. I knew a couple of people from my faculty who had studied at University of Agder, so during my application process I knew that Kristiansand would be the right choice. 

How was your arrival? What was your first impression of the university?

Unfortunately, I arrived a couple of days later than most exchange students, therefore I missed out on the first events and activities in buddy groups. But that was not a problem. The next day I went straight to university and everyone was so helpful and friendly, I remember that I spent most of the day just chatting with the local students.

What do you think about the quality of the university and its courses?

Here at UiA I am taking two literature courses in Norwegian, so in the beginning I was a little worried about understanding the language and being in the same classes with Norwegian students. However, both professors and students were welcoming, and, despite the intensity of the courses, I was able to follow the lectures with no difficulties. The content of the courses is very rich, we do have to read a lot, and every lecture students are able to participate in discussions. The professors are very knowledgeable in their field and know how to make the study process more interactive.

What do you like most in Kristiansand and why?

I think that a lot of people would agree with me - it is the nature. I love that Kristiansand is big enough to have everything that you need, but small enough that you can go on different hikes in different places every single day. Also, the people here is another reason I don’t want to leave Kristiansand. The locals are friendly, the city itself is peaceful, but what I will miss the most is the international students that have grown into a big family. And, of course, coffee hour every Tuesday!

Have you planned any trips during your stay?

I have done some smaller trips to nearest towns, as well as weekend hiking trips, and I can say that Norway has a lot to offer. There are so many things to do here that the semester goes by very quickly!