Gå til hovedinnhold
0
Jump to main content

The university teachers are so equal with the students

I was amazed that everyone here speaks English so flawlessly! Every person I met during the first days were very welcoming, especially the people from the buddy group programme ESN. So, thank you for that!

Janina

From Finland

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Janina, and I’m an exchange student from Finland. In Finland I’m studying Lifelong Learning and Education as my academic major at the University of Tampere. Here in Kristiansand I’m studying NORSEC - Norwegian, Society, Education and Culture, which is intended for international students who are training to be teachers. 

Why did you choose Norway?

Because of the nature, it’s just so beautiful in here.

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

I was amazed that everyone here speaks English so flawlessly! Also, every person I met during the first days were very welcoming, especially the people from the buddy group programme ESN. So, thank you for that! Besides that, it was a nice surprise that the university teachers are so equal with the students. Even if I can speak to my teachers using just their first name in Finland, I guess that to some exchange students this is quite a big difference from what they are used to.

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

The Buddy group programme is totally something that I would transfer to my home university. It integrates people well to the exchange student community. Additionally, a Norwegian language course I’m taking here has a lot of speaking exercises. I find this a good way to learn. In the same way, the NORSEC course offers a more practical way of learning, and the whole course is quite unique, containing teaching practices and excursions to different cities, which I would never have in my home university.

What do you like most in Kristiansand and why?

The feeling of togetherness in the dorm, we are like a big family. Plus, I like the great sport activity opportunities which Kristiansand offers.

Have you planned any trips during your stay?

I have hiked to Preikestolen and Trolltunga already, and both were fantastic experiences. I would like to hike more in the mountains, because back home we don’t have any. A trip to Lofoten would be mind-blowing too. And, of course, I’m heading to the student cruise with my fellas.