Caterina Sarita Pillai is a first-year bachelor student in global development studies from Italy. She has always wanted to study abroad and visited Norway many times before deciding to study here.
“The schooling system is more open minded, there is a reciprocal respect between teacher and student, and you’re treated like an adult”, says Caterina.
Max Nordbø has always planned on studying in Norway because of his dual citizenship – Norwegian and Polish. He decided to take the bachelor in global development studies at UiA, as it aligns with his interests and is fully taught in English.
Zarrah Amelie is a first-year business administration master’s student, with a specialisation in finance. She worked as an academic assistant on her way to becoming a university lecturer, when she was given a last-minute exciting opportunity to further her academics at UiA via scholarship.
“Before that, I never considered coming here, because it’s so far from home”, she says.
Angelo Romano is a global development student from Italy. This autumn marks the beginning of his third year at UiA. When looking for universities abroad, he found Southern Norway to be a good choice.
Mick Tolenaars is a first-year student in global development studies from the Netherlands. He explains that the catalyst that led him to UiA was a dream he had where he was doing international aid work.
“I applied specifically for this university, for this programme, and nowhere else”, he says.
What was the biggest culture shock when moving to Norway?
When moving to a new country, there is always going to be some level of adapting to a new culture and environment. Zarrah was shocked at just how much nature there is to explore in Norway.
“Norwegians enjoy nature and use it to relax. Meanwhile, back in Indonesia, I would usually just go shopping in the mall”, she says.
Another culture shock to the students was the cost of living.
“If you go out with friends to get a pizza, it’s way more expensive here”, says Angelo.
For Max, the biggest cultural shock for him was the Norwegian social style. During the Buddy week, he noticed that Norwegians seemed somewhat cold and closed off. “But then, when you get to know them, they open up very much.”
"It's a very international university" - Caterina
What is your favourite thing about studying in Norway/at UiA?
Max appreciates the flexibility of his studies.
“We have a lot of time for self-study. This type of education works best for me, from what I’ve learned, so it’s a perfect match”, he says.
Caterina mentions that one of her favourite things about studying in Norway is talking to all of the students she meets at UiA.
"People speak very good English in Norway, so it’s very easy to communicate”, she says.
Mick is very clear about what his favourite part about studying at UiA is.
“My favourite thing about studying in Norway is getting to know all of these cool people”, he says.
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What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
At UiA there are many different student activities and options for having fun in your spare time. Angelo is on the lacrosse team and most of his spare time goes to practice.
"I have been on the lacrosse team since my first year", he says
Zarrah does not have a lot of spare time, as her study programme is quite intense. She enjoys going on walks in the city.
“In my next semester I hope to find a part time job or become a research assistant, so I can improve my skills for my future career”, she says.
Caterina’s favourite thing to do is hanging out with her friends.
“I’ve met a lot of, not only Norwegians, but also international students and it’s so nice to socialise. It’s a very international university”, she says.
What is your most memorable experience while at UiA?
When asked about their most memorable experiences at UiA , all the first-year students say that the first week, the Buddy week, has been the clear highlight.
“The most memorable part was the trip to the zoo, it’s a pretty cool one. Also, the parties were pretty cool. It was a great way to get to know everyone and get to know the city”, Max says.
Angelo has had many memorable experiences in the two years he has been a student here.
"The 17th of May (Norways Constitution day) was definitely a highlight because of how big of celebration it is here.", he says.
For Zarrah, one of the most memorable moments is attending the waffle hour at the Global Lounge.
“Especially since that was my first time tasting the ‘brunost’, it was quite an experience!”, she says.
What is something you wish you knew before you started studying in Norway?
“I wish I knew Norwegian!” Zarrah says. She spent four years studying German before coming here, as she originally planned to do her bachelor in Germany.
“It was very sudden, so I didn’t really research much about Norway or the culture”, she says.
Mick mentions his student housing, as he would’ve opted for a shared apartment instead of his single one.
“I'm very happy to have my own bathroom and kitchen, but it is still a bit lonely”, he says.
What is the most important thing you've learned about yourself while being here?
Cate values the independence and responsibility she has gained from being a full degree student at UiA.
“Attending classes is not mandatory so you need to set rules for yourself in order to succeed. There is no one telling you what to do, you have to take care of yourself”, she says.
Zarrah has learned how to adapt to the new environment and to appreciate the less stressful lifestyle in Norway.
“I think it’s quite common in Indonesia to live fast paced. So, I have learned to appreciate life in a slower pace”, she says.
Max and Mick, on the other hand, both learned that they are more social people than they originally thought, and enjoy spending time with their fellow students.
“During the Buddy week, I was going out of my way to talk to every in person that I met, actively pushing myself to talk to as many people as possible”, he says.
“Moving here, the number of social things to do has opened me up somehow”, Max says.
Tips to future students:
Caterina: “Be open-minded, don’t be scared about not making friends. You are going to meet so many people and make so many friends. Even if it all can seem overwhelming, it’s just part of the process, and it gets better!”
Mick: “Go to every social gathering, even if you don’t want to. Even if you’re the most introverted person on this Earth. The buddy week is a great opportunity to connect with people.”
Zarrah: “Research Norwegian culture first, so you won’t get so shocked. Also, enjoy yourself here. You will get the chance to experience nature and eventually love going back to nature. Back in Indonesia I would always decline when my mum would ask me to go to the forest or to the mountains. And now, here I am, surrounded by trees and all this greenery!”
Max: “Attend social events in the beginning of your studies. Join clubs, take part in the buddy week, and get to know people from your study programme. Making friends is the most important part here, because I would be very bored if I didn’t go to those things and hadn’t met anyone.”
Angelo: “I’d just say be yourself and put yourself out there, give your all and enjoy everything.”
Read more interviews with degree students here