Semester start for Global Development Studies, bachelor
Semester Start for Global Development Studies
Step into a world of opportunity—discover what is waiting for you as a new student at the University of Agder and our study programme!
Welcome as a New Student!
Throughout the Global Development Studies programme, you will gain international experience through exposure to global perspectives, critical engagement with real-world development challenges, and opportunities for fieldwork.
In order for students to interact before semester start, we have created a closed Facebook-group for the 2026-cohort. Our student teaching assistant, Lennia Marie Gallati will be administrating the Facebook group and answer questions you might have.
The title of the Facebook group is UiA Global Development BA 2026-2029. Send an email to lenniamg@student.uia.no if you cannot find the group.
Information About the One-Year Programme
- eric.kimathi@uia.no
- Phone
- +47 38 14 10 19
- siv.i.kolstad@uia.no
- Phone
- +47 38 14 11 37
Semester Start and Orientation
International students are welcome to join a special orientation programme from 7 August. The official semester start programme begins on Monday, 10 August.
Orientation programme
Welcome programme for all new international students starting their studies at UiA.
- Time: 7 August, 10:00 - 15:00
- Location: Campus Kristiansand, B1 018
The orientation programme is relevant for international students moving to Norway for the first time.
Monday 10 August - Mandatory Registration
It is mandatory for students in both the bachelor's and one-year programmes to join a roll call meeting between 12:30 and 1:30 pm. This meeting takes place in room B3 001. It is followed by activities from the university's buddy groups, UiA Buddy / "Fadder".
Tuesday 11 August
Course in Digital tools (in English)
Get to know the systems and software you’ll need as a student.
10:15-11:00: Digital tools
See also: User guides for systems and software
Start-up Seminar Programme
The start-up seminar is mandatory for all students starting the one-year and bachelor's programmes in Global Development studies.
Wednesday 12 August
Room: B1 006.
9:00–9:15 Welcome to the Department of Global Development and Planning!
Eric Kimathi (Study program Leader) and Siv Kolstad (Study advisor)
9:15–10:00 Introduction to Global Development Studies: What is it about? + Introduction to the fall semester activities (Eric Kimathi)
10:15–11:00 Meet your lecturers and fellow students:
Vito Laterza, Morgan Scoville Storm-Simonds, Magnus Bragdø and students Mick and Martina.
11:00 –11:45 Lunch Break (Bring your own lunch)
11:45 –12:00 Arnhild Leer-Helgesen (Head of Department)
12:00 –14:15 Documentary and discussion
14:15 – 15:00 Socialising and informal program (with Teaching assistants)
Thursday 13 August
Room: J1064
9:15 –9:30 Grab your coffe/tea and find a nice spot to sit
9:30–10:45 Shifting power and decolonisation of the aid sector (Henriette Reierson Johnstone, SAIH President)
10:45–11:30 Lunch Break (Bring your own lunch)
11:30–13:00 Western Sahara: Africa’s last colony - with Erik Hagen and Asria T. Mohamed from the Norwegian Support Committee for Western Sahara
13:00–13:15 Break
13:15–14:00 Why and how to engage in Global Development Studies
14:15–14:45 Election of Student Representatives
14:45–15:00 Closing Remarks
New student at UiA
Useful information for new students
Guidance and courses
We provide a wide range of courses, digital guides/courses, and personal guidance.
- Academic support and career guidance
- Essential systems and software
- University Library: literature searches, academic writing, proper source citation, and more
Welcome to Kristiansand!
You've chosen a great town to be a student in!
Get to know it better: