Caterina Sarita Pillai
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Country of origin: Italy
Study Programme: Bachelor in Global Development Studies, Kristiansand
Tell us about yourself!
I’m Caterina, I’m 20 years old and I am from Rome, Italy. I just graduated from high school this summer and I went straight to university. I’m currently in my first year.
I enjoy meeting people, making friends and am very sociable.
Why did you choose Southern Norway?
I knew that I wanted to study in Norway and had previously heard about Kristiansand. I mainly thought that since it’s in the south, the most southern university in Norway, I thought the weather was going to be nice. Less snowy. I really like how the country works, it’s very safe and there’s a good sense of mutual respect towards each other. Coming from Rome, which is a big and noisy city, this a very big difference.
What were your first impressions upon arrival?
I was very overwhelmed, but as soon as I got to know my buddy and my room, that feeling quickly went away.
I love that Kristiansand is a town by the sea.
What is your opinion of the study programme?
It’s a very good study programme. We do so many different things, we don’t only talk about one country or point of view. We talk about things that they don’t even talk about in the news, so the programme goes very in depth. It’s very eye-opening.
What do you like most about Kristiansand and why?
I love that Kristiansand is a town by the sea, which makes the weather nicer. I love the nature and going on walks. I even like the public transportation! Going from university to the city centre is very easy. It’s a very clean city, too.
What did you discover about Norway that was unexpected?
That Norwegians aren’t as cold as expected. People are friendly and you shouldn’t come here with judgements and generalisations.
What would you like to share about UiA and this programme to others?
It’s a programme you wouldn’t really find anywhere else, and that’s also one of the main reasons that I chose UiA. If you get the opportunity to take this programme, you should!