Written by: Rachel Lysne
To get started, my experience is something I cannot explain in only words. It was scary, exciting, adventurous and sometimes I felt like I was in a five-month long dream (seriously!!!). I studied abroad in Stavanger, Norway (spring of 2018) and OH MY, it was simply amazing. I traveled there with another student from UND and we were the first to attend this university. I was a part of the “Comparative Studies” group which included all future teachers! I had class just about everyday (Monday-Friday) but had many breaks and days off! I also had a chance to spend one full week in a Norwegian Kindergarten. I do not speak Norwegian so yes, there was a language barrier. But, it was so amazing to see how you can interact with children who do not speak your language. I also took a music course, drama course, and an inclusive education course. All three opened my eyes, gave me a new perspective on education, and showed me how it is portrayed in different countries! The courses I took were simply amazing! I believe this experience changed my outlook and perspectives on my future career, as helped me to realize different educational issues I wouldn’t of thought of by staying in the U.S. I think going abroad for future teachers is an amazing thing (and other careers as well). I strongly believe this due to the fact that children in your future classroom someday may not speak English, be from the area, or may just need help adjusting. There are many other reasons, but these are some that just popped into my head!
To the friendships I have created abroad, they are like no other. My mother recently asked me, if I feel as though my connections to my friends abroad are stronger, than some other friends I’ve known (for the same amount of time). The answer to that question? Absolutely. The friends you meet abroad become your support system and it is so amazing to have people from all over this world to lean on. I still keep in contact with my friends I met and maybe someday they will help me if I wish to work abroad, or just travel! I relied on them as much as they needed me and we became one big family. It is hard to not see them everyday since I’ve returned home, but a few FaceTimes and messages later always does the trick!
To my family and friends I left behind for five months, it’s only five months and boy does it go quick!!! I always told myself on the days I felt lonely that before I knew it, I would be back home wishing I could relive my whole Norway experience. Also, I’ve learned on the days you are missing your support system from back home, it is best to go explore and surround yourself with other students and friends! I can guarantee they have felt the same way at some point and it’s always nice to have some company.
Going abroad is an amazing way to experience a new culture, way of learning, and simply have the perfect opportunity to travel and explore! Since I was in Norway, I had easy access to travel a lot of Europe. I traveled to other cities in Norway, along with Sweden, Scotland, England, Ireland, France, Spain, The Netherlands, and Germany. I couldn’t pass up those cheap flights and easy transportation methods. Living in Stavanger, Norway was such a perfect way to experience the Norwegian culture. It was the perfect size and I was able to ride the busses all over! Since I was on the west coast (arriving on January 1st, 2018) there was no snow and I was happy to escape the brutal ND winters! But, we did get a lot of rain, in fact, it was called the rainy city by many. Stavanger is a city with many aspects and many things to keep you busy in the outdoors. The beauty of the Norwegian outdoors is phenomenal and a must to experience when spending time in this country.
During my five months, I believe I grew as a person. I am able to trust in myself more and I definitely tested my independence (majorly) while in Norway. You learn to get to know people deeply and find connections with people you wouldn’t normally spend your time with. I also would like to mention that I’ve realized you don’t need five bags for a one-week vacation! Normally, I would pack so much for a family vacation but after living out of two suitcases for five months, I’ve learned you can survive off of little. I would also like to note that I believe I have become more open minded after experiencing so many new cultures and environments. I think, due to this, I have allowed myself to live life in the best way possible and be open to new opportunities that come my way.
Returning home is just as hard as leaving, believe it or not! It’s hard to explain but is a bit of a reverse culture shock. Also, it’s like leaving a new family behind, but one you know you can always keep in touch with. Yes, it’s hard to arrive there right away knowing no one and yes, it’s hard to come home after five months of amazing opportunities. But YES, it is SO worth it and beyond any experience you will get by staying in the U.S. to study. I would relive it everyday if I could! It changed my life, and it changed me, for the better. So, go explore this world!!!
I’m already dreaming of becoming a teacher abroad and returning, but we’ll see where life takes me!
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