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The University of Agder is a really good and high-tech university.

I’m looking forward to the rest of my time here in Kristiansand and I already can say that this semester is/was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.

Katrin

From Austria

Tell us about you and from which University you are from.

Hi, my name is Katrin and I’m from Austria. I’m a quite happy, motivated and positive thinking person and I really love to travel – that’s actually one of the reasons why I’m on my second exchange semester at the moment. My home university in Linz is called “PHDL (Pädagogische Hochschule der Diözese Linz)” and I’m gonna be a primary teacher one day. Right now, I’m in my third year (5th semester) and in total I have to study for five years.

Why did you choose Norway?

I always wanted to do an exchange semester in a Scandinavian country. My home university offered me quite a lot of possibilities and finally I chose Norway, especially Kristiansand because of the “NORSEC course”. That’s a course package, where first one has lectures about the Norwegian society, culture and education. Second, the course offers three field trips, where you literally explore the country. The third course offer is perfect for future teachers – school experience in primary and secondary schools. Another reason, I chose Norway is of course it’s really impressive nature and landscape.

How was your arrival? What was your first impression of the University?

My arrival in Kristiansand was really uncomplicated, because the university organized it super-well. On the arrival day, the buddies from UiA were already waiting for us at the bus terminal and created a very warm welcome for us. I got my keys for accommodation and even a ride there. I was really impressed of this good organization and have been feeling really good since that moment in Kristiansand – thank you very much for that!

What do you think about the quality of the University and its courses?

I think the University of Agder is a really good and high-tech university. For me, especially the library and printing system were two of the most impressive things. Compared to my home university it is much easier to use. Another high quality of the UiA is the good and familiar relationship between professors and students. As I already mentioned, I’m following the NORSEC course – besides all the interesting topics, I’m also enjoying a good relationship between teachers and students. That makes studying and learning much more fun! All in all, I can say that the combination of Norwegian facts, excursions and school experience is literally great and makes the NORSEC course to a very special one.

What do you like most in Kristiansand and why?

I really like, that Kristiansand offers a lot of different kinds of things. There is a cinema, many, many good restaurants (often with special student prices), an indoor swimming pool, a bowling hall and so on. But what I definitely like most in Kristiansand is the lake at “Jegersberg” next to the university. This is kind of a chilling and relaxing area for me. When I wanna read a book, have to study or just want to be out in the nature, I always go there.

Have you planned any trips during your stay?

Beside the three field trips, organized by the university, I’ve already been to a 5-days-trip to Geiranger, Ålesund and Trondheim. Further on, I will go to Oslo on one of the weekends. In the end of October, I plan to go to Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands. And after my stay here in Norway, before going back home to Austria, I will also visit Iceland. As I already mentioned, I love to travel. So maybe I will add some more trips during my stay here in Norway. I’m looking forward to the rest of my time here in Kristiansand and I already can say that this semester is/was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.