Last week, 150 exchange students arrived in Kristiansand and Grimstad to study at the University of Agder (UiA). The students came to Southern Norway from all over the world: Europe, Australia, Africa, South America, Asia, the USA and Canada.
Due to the extreme weather conditions at the start of January, some experienced unexpected challenges upon arrival.
Delays and last-minute solutions
Yaron Klotz, is a mechanical engineer student from Stralsund, Germany. The snowstorm had already started to affect his journey in Denmark, where all trains from Aarhus to Hirstals had been cancelled. Klotz ended up taking having to take the ferry to Larvik the following day. A family drove him to the bus station so he could make it to the university in time.
“Thanks to this family of strangers, I was
able to catch the last bus to Grimstad by two minutes”, says Klotz.
Due to the absence of public transportation during the blizzard, about 15 students had to spend the night in a hotel in Kristiansand, organised by the Student Association in Agder (SiA). Others had to wait for hours at Kjevik airport before managing to catch a taxi.
From the sun to the snow
Mwajjuma Nakabale is pursuing a master’s degree in information systems at Makerere University in Uganda. She was one of the exchange students who arrived from her sunny and warm home country to a winter white landscape.
“This is the first time I am experiencing snow, coming from a tropical country like Uganda”, says Nakabale.
Despite the temperature differences between Norway and Uganda, Nakabale is looking forward to the semester ahead of her.
“It is very cold, but I am adapting really well and I can't wait for all the exciting adventures I will experience here”, says Nakabale.
Warmly received
On Orientation Day in Kristiansand, the students were welcomed by rector Sunniva Whittaker. She talked about her own experience as an exchange student, encouraging the international students to get to know locals and local culture during their stay in Norway.
Members of Student Organization of Agder (STA) and Erasmus Student Network (ESN) gave presentations on opportunities and activities for students to participate while studying at UiA. In addition, Inger Løwø Syversten, from Midt-Agder Friluftsliv presented a guide on "Norwegian Survival 101".
“This is highly relevant material in these times. Information on how to dress, safety on the ice, and everything else that is important for enjoying Norwegian nature”, Elisabeth Balchen from the International Office at UiA says.
In Grimstad, students were greeted by the interns at Global Lounge and by staff from the International Office at UiA.
“We also had a nice welcome evening on Saturday organised by ESN”, says Klotz.
Balchen sees this particular event as one of most successful ever.
“Everyone seemed very happy with the day. In my opinion, this was one of the best Orientation day’s ever. Kudos to the International Office team, student assistants and interns, and all our wonderful ESN buddies!”, says Balchen.
