By Fred Donovan

I am departing from Bergen and the University of Bergen with mixed emotions. Norway has left an indelible mark on me with its breathtaking landscapes, rivalling those of New Zealand. Personally, after a surprise from a DNA test confirming my roots are in both Scandinavian–Viking and Aotearoa–Tangata Whenua cultures, it has deepened my connection to both countries.

Exchange Highlights

My travels from Bergen were particularly memorable. Some standout experience was assisting in coaching the Bergen women’s rugby team and triumphing at a national tournament in Stavanger. Travelling by train from Bergen to Oslo highlighted their national parks and the glorious beauty on display.

Living in Fantoft student accommodation was enlightening due to its diverse international community. I highly recommend engaging with this environment to anyone considering the Bergen exchange; it offers a global perspective and a deeper understanding of various cultural challenges. Conversations here provided me with insights into the Russian-Ukrainian and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts far beyond what the news offers.

My culinary highlight was the Skoleboller, a delightful Norwegian custard and coconut bun.

The Bergen train system is known as the Bergen Light Rail, or “Bybanen” in Norwegian. It serves the city of Bergen, providing an efficient mode of public transport that connects various parts of the city and includes stops at key locations like the airport, Fantoft (student accommodation) and the CBD (University of Bergen).

Challenges Encountered

The initial challenge was adjusting to the frigid temperatures of -10 degrees, but I quickly learned the importance of proper attire. The persistent wetness from the snow was another hurdle, eventually leading me to adopt gumboots as my footwear of choice. The initial lack of sun had me jumping on a plane to Senegal – Africa during a break, (something that Norway offers is a gateway to Europe and Africa).

As a senior adult student, I found making friends challenging, though I did form some cherished connections. I think the experience would have been a lot better as a student in their late teens or early 20s.

An unusual observation during my stay was the absence of public aggression. People generally kept to themselves, quietly going about their daily activities. Surprisingly, I found myself missing the occasional public disagreement. This environment made me feel very safe, almost to an unexpected degree.

Lessons Learned from the Exchange

Academically, I discovered that New Zealand’s education system is quite progressive in comparison. The University of Bergen lectures offer a basic framework for courses, requiring extensive personal research and memory for exams. This experience taught me vital self-study strategies.

Socially, the exchange underscored the principle that the energy you put in directly correlates with the rewards you reap, enhancing both my educational and personal experiences. By engaging extensively with individuals from various nationalities, participating in seminars and cultural events, assisting with sports teams, and travelling, I was able to derive significantly richer experiences from the exchange.

The high cost of living and the varying quality of groceries posed significant challenges, from which I learned the valuable skills of meal prepping and minimizing waste. The Global Shop is an excellent source of diverse food items. Kiwi, known for its cost-effectiveness, is a great option for budget-friendly shopping. Additionally, Meny, conveniently located near the student accommodation, offers a “specials” bin that is essential for those looking to stretch their budget.

Future Impact of the Exchange

The perspectives I gained on European views of history, current conflicts, and global issues like climate change and refugee crises will profoundly influence my future judgments. My main takeaway is the importance of empathy before criticism.

I sincerely thank everyone who supported me through this enriching experience. Your encouragement was pivotal to the positive outcome of my stay.

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