JANUARY_UNIKUM_WEB

Wafa’a, England
Studying abroad was an opportunity I never thought about because it was something I didn’t know that I would have the
chance of taking. It was a whole new experience that I knew nothing of, and from there I knew it would teach me a lot.
Whilst I cannot say that the study abroad team at home were always useful, I can say that the team at UiA were able to
handle things appropriately and in good timing. What I didn’t expect was everything that studying abroad would bring
to me.
Being away in a new country with a new culture and learning a new language developed me in a personal sense but
also in an academic sense. The education system was a pleasant change and one that opened my eyes on the various
methods of teaching and assessment – such that I can apply to my studies at home and even in my future career. Aside
from those benefits, I learned a lot more about myself in an environment that felt both warm and welcoming. Meeting
people from different countries in Norway was a lot more helpful and was a factor that I didn’t think too much of until
I associated myself with it.
What I will say is the concept of the Buddy Groups should be developed. It is an ideal concept in theory, but in practice
it is something that needs various changes. For starters, not all of the groups clicked in terms of all creating a small
community where questions could be asked and where events within the circle were regularly organised. For some
groups such as the one I was placed in, communications ceased within a week or two after the welcome week. That
is something that I feel could have been improved. It is important for weekly check-ins and for events that cater to
everyone to be offered for a stronger bond to be formed.
From the start, I knew I would not be living on campus and did have the initial fear of perhaps missing out once again
from the ‘full student experience’ especially living 30 minutes away from the university by bus. Back home, I commuted
to university and quickly found myself not engaging in social events (possibly for the best to be fair), but I wasn’t too
bothered about it. Being in Norway, I wanted to push myself and do things that I never had before. Sure, the travel
was a bit of a pain sometimes, but I welcomed it. Travelling there and back still allowed me to be social and gave me a
chance to look at Norway from a day-to-day living perspective rather than the tourist’s outlook. Norway felt comforting
and was a place where I needed to realise stuff about my own self as well as things that can be applied when I reached
home. I will always be thankful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and will be grateful to the teams that allowed it
to happen. It was definitely something I needed. It boosted my independence and sense of self. Studying at UiA was a
positive experience and contributed to the sense of learning that I typically go for, and it welcomed me into my 2nd year
of university very well. Need an adventure? Take up a study abroad experience.
10
Freya, England
My first semester at UiA was amazing. I think the best thing I got out of it was
personal growth. I had to have a new level of independence as well as face
things which were uncomfortable to me. I managed to do a lot of travelling
in semester one which allowed me to tune into my more spontaneous side
which is a side I often shy away from.
I think my biggest challenge was meeting people in many situations. I have
found the first people you make friends with are unlikely to be your friends
in the end because you sort of rush and force that first friendship. But by
the end of the semester, I had made some amazing friends through a shared
love of Taylor Swift and I miss them very much.
To all those considering a semester abroad: Do it! You will get to experience
so much! What is even more valuable is what you learn about yourself and
how much you will see yourself grow.