Harald Løvseth
Where did you go?
Palermo, Italia.
Course
"Entrepreneurship Summer School" at Università degli Studi di Palermo.
What was the best part of the place you travelled to?
Palermo offered a fantastic combination of culture, food, and warm people. It was exciting to experience Italian culture while also getting the chance to work with entrepreneurship in an international environment.
Why did you choose to go on an exchange with FORTHEM?
I chose to go on an exchange with FORTHEM because many of the expenses were covered, which made it an affordable and accessible opportunity. In addition, the stay was organised in Italy, a country I had always wanted to visit but had never been to before. This made it especially appealing to combine learning and academic development with experiencing a new country and a new culture.
How was the programme, and what did you learn?
The week was intensive and educational, with workshops on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and pitching. We worked in groups and developed our own ideas, which we presented at the end. I learned a lot about teamwork, idea development, and how to present a project in a convincing way.
Did you need to know a lot about the topic in order to go?
No, you didn’t need to be an expert. The most important things were being motivated, open to learning, and willing to collaborate with students from different backgrounds.
How was the application process?
The application process was straightforward. UiA provided clear information, and I submitted the application with a motivation letter and my study details.
We had different perspectives and ways of working, but that made the collaboration both exciting and educational.
Was it expensive?
No, the trip was funded through FORTHEM, so the costs were relatively low. I mainly paid for travel and some food, but the accommodation and teaching were covered.
Who did you travel with?
I travelled with a small group of students from UiA, and we met participants from several European universities.
What was it like working with people from so many different countries and cultures?
It was incredibly inspiring! We had different perspectives and ways of working, but that made the collaboration exciting and educational. I gained both new friends and professional contacts.
How do you think you’ll benefit from the experience in the future?
The experience has given me stronger teamwork skills, intercultural understanding, and confidence in presenting ideas. This will be useful both in my studies and in working life, especially in international projects or entrepreneurship.
Any tips for others considering an exchange with FORTHEM?
Apply! It’s a fantastic opportunity to combine academic development, networking, and cultural exchange. Be open, engaged, and make the most of the chance to learn as much as possible.