Name: Selene Muscianese
Partner university: Ciels Bologna, Italy
Country of origin: Italy
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Selene Muscianese, and I’m an exchange student from Ciels Bologna in Italy. I’m studying for a bachelor’s degree in applied languages. I chose this path because I’ve always been passionate about connecting with people from different cultures. Learning languages is my way of building bridges between people and understanding their perspectives. I love the idea of breaking down barriers and discovering new ways to communicate
Why did you choose Norway?
I chose Norway because it seemed like such a fascinating and different place. Honestly, it was a bit of an impulsive decision, but it turned out to be the right one. I didn’t know much about Norway before coming here, but I was curious about its reputation for being environmentally friendly and progressive. Once I arrived, I loved it so much that I decided to stay for an extra semester. It’s been such an exciting and eye-opening experience.
What were your first impressions upon arrival?
The first thing that I noticed is how organised everything is. Public services in Norway are very efficient, and everything runs so smoothly. But what really amazed me was the nature. It’s absolutely breathtaking, and the way Norwegians take care of the environment is inspiring. For example, their bottle recycling system is so smart.
I also noticed that people here are a bit reserved at first, but once you get to know them, they’re really kind and respectful. It’s such an open-minded and inclusive place, which makes it feel very welcoming.
I noticed that every course I’m attending focuses on group works. It’s a great way to build teamwork skills and learn how to collaborate with others.
What is your opinion on the courses you are attending?
The courses I’m taking here are very different from what I’m used to in Italy. They’re much more practical, while back home, we usually focus more on theory. I noticed that every course I’m attending focuses on group works. It’s a great way to build teamwork skills and learn how to collaborate with others. The classes are interactive, and the professors encourage participation, which makes learning more engaging and fun.
What do you like most about Kristiansand and why?
What I love most about Kristiansand is the nature! The coastline and the islands nearby are stunning, and there are so many hiking trails close to the city. It’s perfect for exploring the outdoors without having to go far. Even though Kristiansand is a small city, it’s full of life and activities. For example, during Christmas, there is a big ice-skating rink in the city centre where you can skate for free.
What did you discover about Norway that was unexpected?
I discovered friluftsliv, which means “life in the open air.” It’s a huge part of Norwegian culture, and it’s all about spending time in nature. Norwegians love hiking, skiing, or even just walking in the forest, and I think it’s such a beautiful mindset. I also learned about allemannsrett, or “the right to roam,” which allows everyone to enjoy nature freely, even on private land. It’s something I didn’t expect, but I’ve really come to appreciate how much Norwegians value and respect their natural surroundings.
What would you like to share about UiA to others?
UiA (the University of Agder) has been such a welcoming place for international students like me. They organise a lot of social and cultural events, especially through ESN (Erasmus Student Network), which makes it easy to meet people and make friends. This is so important, especially during the long, dark winter days. The campus is beautiful and has so many great spots to study or just relax. The university offers many clubs, both sports and non-sports, giving students great opportunities to socialise.
Studying here has been an amazing experience—it’s helped me grow not just academically but also personally. I’d recommend it to anyone thinking about studying abroad. It’s such a great way to open your mind, meet new people, and try something completely different.