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"The wide variety and quality of the academic content is both valuable and intriguing."

The best part is that you get to discuss different topics with people from all around the world with different perspectives and experiences.

Vetle Søiland from Norway

Master in Global Development and Planning

 

Name: Vetle Karlsen Søiland 

Age: 24

Study programme: Global Development and Planning - Specialisation in Development Management

Homeplace: Larvik, Norway

 

Why did you choose to study Master in Global Development and Planning?

I chose the Master in Global Development and Planning mainly because I had already finished a bachelor's degree in global development studies, and because I wanted to continue on that same path. After finishing the bachelor’s degree, I never doubted that I wanted to go deeper into some of the development issues we had discussed there, and learn more. Therefore, the Master in Global Development and Planning became a natural choice for me.

The flexibility that was offered through the online lectures and discussions, and the fact that we got to meet and take part in discussions with people from every corner of the world, also made the programme attractive.

What is the best part of the study programme?

There are two things, in my opinion, that make this study programme particularly enjoyable. First of all, the wide variety - and quality - of the academic content is both valuable and intriguing. Even though there is a common thread throughout the whole programme, you get to learn about and discuss everything from crisis management to gender issues, with great opportunities to use your own experiences and passions as foundations for learning. The best part, however, is that you get to discuss all these different topics with people from all around the world with different perspectives and experiences than what you typically encounter. I think this helps you obtain a broader understanding of the academic content, and it definitely triggers some fascinating discussions.

What is the most challenging part?

The most challenging part about this study programme is also what makes it so valuable. Studying online full-time can be challenging, especially if you are used to physical education and meeting your peers every day. It can also be challenging to collaborate with people who are used to different routines and ways of working than yourself. This challenge becomes even greater if there are considerable time differences within the group you are working with. But that is also what makes this study programme so valuable for both academic and personal growth. You are forced to be disciplined, to pick up a certain routine, and to operate outside of your own comfort zone.

How do you experience the social aspects of your study programme?

As I am sure we are all tired of hearing and talking about, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the social aspects of this study programme quite challenging. I have been fortunate enough to meet some of the people I have been studying with, but I was hoping to meet all of them during the first and second face-to-face sessions of the study programme. However, due to the quality of technology in modern times, we have been able to make the most of the situation we have found ourselves in. I have made friends and strong connections online that I will remember for the rest of my life, and I am hoping I get to meet all of them in real life one day.

How would you describe being a student at UiA?

Being a student at UiA has been one of the best experiences of my life. I have been a student here for five years now, and as I mentioned, my time at UiA has given me friendships that I will cherish for the rest of my life. The facilities at UiA, and Kristiansand as a city in general, have also played an important role in making my life as a student highly enjoyable.

What kind of job would you like to have in the future?

During my time as a student, I have become particularly interested in people and different cultures. In my bachelor's thesis, I tried to gain an understanding of post-conflict development and ethnic relationships in Sri Lanka. My master thesis will bring up topics related to immigrants’ ethnic and national identities, and how different cultural and social aspects have influenced their experiences of integration in Norway.

In the future, I would therefore like to work with challenges related to how complex, often marginalised, groups of people can be included in socially and culturally complex communities. Working with integration projects in Norway would be an interesting place to start.

Any advice for new students?

Do not be afraid to make mistakes, step out of your comfort zone, and do not be afraid to take risks - it is super rewarding. You should also take part in as many social and academic activities outside the study programme as possible, but remember to relax and enjoy life outside of the studies as well. Enjoy it while it lasts!