Exactly three weeks ago I left the Netherlands and went off to Bergen (Norway) to stay there for a semester. I packed my bags, said goodbye to my family and took the plane to Bergen. Packing my bags was not as easy as I thought, since I had to bring clothes, shoes and other stuff to be prepared for all different types of weather. The weather for the most places in Norway is quite unpredictable and can change rapidly. In order to be sure to have enough space I decided finally to take two suitcases with me. When I had some space left I filled it with some food. You have to realize yourself that in Norway everything is very expensive, especially meat, fresh vegetables and alcohol.
Anyway, next to this the country offers only benefits! Let me start with the magnificent surroundings, landscapes and nature of Norway, and especially Bergen. It is never far to go for a trip in the mountains for hiking or to enjoy the amazing scenery of the environment. Bergen is known for the seven mountains around them and together with other international students we regularly climb one of those. When you are on the top you have amazing views over the whole city.
Bergen is a relatively small city, the distances within the city are short. Almost all international students live in Hatleberg, a complex which is situated next to the university. From here, it is only ten minutes by bus to the city centre. Next to this, the Norwegian people are very kind. When you ask a question they are always willing to help you. The city has also a vivid nightlife, always an interesting topic for exchange students. We already went to some pubs and clubs, and I can tell you that the Norwegians are crazy party animals. They look so brave with their blue eyes, so you (at least I) wouldn't expect it from them.
One more benefit is that everything is well-organized in this country. I had already noticed this at the moment I was accepted at NHH. I received some messages from my international coordinator who told me what to do to prepare myself for my exchange. We had to fill out some forms and could also apply for housing, in order to be assured of a room. In addition, the study association and the university together organized a welcome week for all new international students. During this week I got to know a lot of international students during all kind of formal and informal activities. In the morning, we got information about the course registration, attended an introduction in the Norwegian language course and got an official welcome from the rector and the international committee. Besides that, all kind of student and sports associations presented themselves. In the afternoon and evening the informal activities took place. Every evening we organized a preparty one of the kitchens and after that the welcome week program continued. Most of the time in Klubben, the club in the basement of the university. It is almost unbelievable, but there is a club in the university. When you enter the university the next day, you only smell beer…! After all, I can say that the welcome week was a good opportunity to meet my fellow students. We experienced the most crazy things and still talk about this amazing week!
Last week the classes started and the during the next weeks I have planned some trips. I will tell you more about this in my next blog.
Anyway, next to this the country offers only benefits! Let me start with the magnificent surroundings, landscapes and nature of Norway, and especially Bergen. It is never far to go for a trip in the mountains for hiking or to enjoy the amazing scenery of the environment. Bergen is known for the seven mountains around them and together with other international students we regularly climb one of those. When you are on the top you have amazing views over the whole city.
Bergen is a relatively small city, the distances within the city are short. Almost all international students live in Hatleberg, a complex which is situated next to the university. From here, it is only ten minutes by bus to the city centre. Next to this, the Norwegian people are very kind. When you ask a question they are always willing to help you. The city has also a vivid nightlife, always an interesting topic for exchange students. We already went to some pubs and clubs, and I can tell you that the Norwegians are crazy party animals. They look so brave with their blue eyes, so you (at least I) wouldn't expect it from them.
One more benefit is that everything is well-organized in this country. I had already noticed this at the moment I was accepted at NHH. I received some messages from my international coordinator who told me what to do to prepare myself for my exchange. We had to fill out some forms and could also apply for housing, in order to be assured of a room. In addition, the study association and the university together organized a welcome week for all new international students. During this week I got to know a lot of international students during all kind of formal and informal activities. In the morning, we got information about the course registration, attended an introduction in the Norwegian language course and got an official welcome from the rector and the international committee. Besides that, all kind of student and sports associations presented themselves. In the afternoon and evening the informal activities took place. Every evening we organized a preparty one of the kitchens and after that the welcome week program continued. Most of the time in Klubben, the club in the basement of the university. It is almost unbelievable, but there is a club in the university. When you enter the university the next day, you only smell beer…! After all, I can say that the welcome week was a good opportunity to meet my fellow students. We experienced the most crazy things and still talk about this amazing week!
Last week the classes started and the during the next weeks I have planned some trips. I will tell you more about this in my next blog.
Hi Leonie,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great blog, it sounds like you are already having a lot of fun in Bergen! Your pictures look great, it's such a beautiful place. Good luck with your courses!
Kind regards,
Maaike