"Going abroad to have an international experience was very important for me"

Tell us about yourself!

I am Riccardo Checchin from the University of Padova in Italy. I studied mechatronics engineering in the department of technical and management of industrial systems based in Vicenza (Italy). I came to UiA at the end of my master's to make the thesis project. I stayed in Campus Grimstad for the autumn semester and I arrived there on the 3rd of August before the lessons start.

Why did you choose Norway?

Going abroad to have an international experience was very important for me. There are many reasons why I chose Norway and especially UiA - Campus Grimstad. First of all, I wanted to make my thesis project on the Control Theory field, and my supervisor in Padova manages the Erasmus connection with Professor Michael Ruderman at UiA. Secondly, I was looking for a peaceful place both to stay focused on the job and to establish good and deep relations with new friends.

What were your first impressions upon arrival? 

When I arrived, the campus was almost empty, because it was two weeks before the lessons started, so for me that was the hardest part, but I was never left alone. People from the international education office helped me come to the small city of Grimstad and move into my flat. Thus, my first impression was that everything is very well organised.

I think with an Erasmus experience in Norway you have the possibility to enjoy many things at the same time: being with international people, seeing wild nature, and staying focused on your studies in state-of-the-art facilities.

What is your opinion on the courses you are attending?

Since I only did my master's thesis at UiA, I didn't attend any classes. I appreciated the way my supervisor guided me to solve the task he assigned me. Most of all I appreciated his availability.

What do you like most about Grimstad and why?

I enjoyed two things most. One is the tininess of the city because makes the relations more intimate. The other is that the city is surrounded by nature. It is very nice to go out for a walk after work, and you can do that in the forest or along the beach.

What did you discover about Norway that was unexpected?

The high focus on students' needs impressed me. There are many events for students to have fun and to meet other people that take place in, for example, Bluebox. There are many other little things such as free breakfast on Wednesday morning during the exam period, Waffle hour, the Christmas calendar, the Norwegian Café every Friday, and so on. All of this does not exist in Italy and increases students' well-being.

What would you like to share about UiA to others?

I think with an Erasmus experience in Norway you have the possibility to enjoy many things at the same time: being with international people, see wild nature, and stay focused on your studies in state-of-the-art facilities.

What are the highlights of your time at UiA?

My daily schedule was working from morning till evening, and having lunch with international friends in the canteen. During the afternoon I met other students for waffles, coffee or tea. Every second or third day I left a little earlier to have time to go kayaking in the fjords, cycle or walk in the forest. Then I had dinner with my flatmate. After dinner and on the weekends, I spent a lot of time with friends both going to parties and going on a trip.