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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.
Jay, New Zealand Norway is about as far away from Aotearoa, New Zealand as one can get! But I was set on doing an exchange here as soon as I knew it was possible. First came all the paperwork and waiting to see if I was accepted on UiA’s side, then came the trip itself. On the NZ end my exchange team were warm and helpful at any opportunity, but I was a bit of a guinea pig because they’d had a team change over since they last were able to send a student overseas 2 years ago! So, some things had to be figured out, whereas on the Norway side everything seemed to run as a greased wheel for the admin stuff. New Zealand has a similar green image and geology to Norway. As countries I notice we both take pride in our hiking scene. I wish I could have taken full advantage of the trails here but my disabilities held me back. But I was impressed by the walks close to the Kristiansand campus! The lakes are right nearby and are wonderful places to spend time. There is so much I could go into about my experience, but here‘s two standouts: a positive and a negative. Positive would be the events, with so much more to do than where I am from! Taking advantage of BARE and the university student associations was a fabulous way to meet new people my age. On the flip side, I was shocked to find that there was no print out to come with my grade explaining it, and how it fit into the rubric. I was told I could request it by talking to my head of department, but back home it is defaulted. I think the NZ way is better for transparency and helps me figure out what I need to work on. Being disabled I often encounter complications when doing new things, arriving in Norway was no different. I think my biggest hurdle was moving stuff. If it hadn’t been for being able to arrive on arrival day, I have no idea how I would have moved my luggage to my apartment. In the first few weeks I had so much trouble with my groceries but no one I talked to had any advice until someone guided me to the one food delivery service that would work. Both countries are quite expensive right now. Norway has a reputation overseas, but in general I found that NZ prices are close. Notably the quality of things in Norway appears to be higher to me, whether that be food (less processed etc), or home goods and clothing. I tried not to count pennies though. Being on an exchange was a once in a life time experience, but I did have to be extra conscious of my spending. Many unforeseen costs come up when you are living away from your home country. You find you cannot borrow things from people. Your stuff breaks. Or you find something isn’t going to work overseas (not being able to pay for things because you cannot have a Norwegian bank account is a real problem.) It’s these sort of things people take for granted when they live somewhere. JANUAR 2024 <strong>UNIKUM</strong> NR 1 11
Page 1 and 2: Studentavisen for Agder GRATIS | Ja
Page 3 and 4: LEDER DET GJEMTE PREMISSET Da vi gi
Page 5 and 6: En annen følelse som kan melde seg
Page 7 and 8: Michael, England A chapter has come
Page 9: Adam, Scotland My name is Adam Zawa
Page 13 and 14: La det fremmede bli kjent! Oppdag v
Page 15 and 16: Foto: Privat Foto: UiA jeg pensumb
Page 17 and 18: Culture calendar for students 08.01
Page 19 and 20: POEM In Winter’s Grasp.. In winte
Page 21 and 22: frame, dripping its blazing chaos t
Page 23 and 24: Photo: Private Synne Elisabeth Stra
Page 25 and 26: ENTERTAINMENT PIT STOP Down 1. The
Page 27 and 28: who often seems frightened at every
Page 29 and 30: Happy New Years everyone! Except fo
Page 31 and 32: FAVORITTENE LIFE HACKS MED FORBRUKE

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