Are You Excited, Yet?

“Are you excited for France?” Ever since I started sprinkling my plans to go abroad into conversations, this question has pecked at me like a hungry bird. Mouth open, it waits for my answer, the expectation of a resounding ‘yes’ and an expression of unwavering enthusiasm. While I know my inquirers have positive intent, it has been hard for me to view my upcoming trip with the same optimism and perspective as them. With the never-ending requirements of pre-departure, it is easy to get lost in the details and forget the end goal: actually studying abroad.

I would wager that the true application to study abroad is the departure preparation process. Are you responsible enough to read through all the forms, check due dates, and keep track of all your personal information? Do you have the initiative to apply for scholarships in the midst of homework and classes? Will you keep your patience in a brightly lit waiting room without a phone for three hours while you wait for your name to be called so you can meet with a man for 10 minutes in order to get your visa? Can you be timely enough to catch the 6 am train to go to that meeting, navigate the city in search of a printer, and grab Christmas gifts at the German market for your family? Just me? Well, if you feel you can handle this challenge, congratulations, there are still about 15 more forms, two plane rides, 100 phone calls, and a whole lot of waiting left to do!

Between these tasks, it is easy to see how the excitement to actually go abroad can get lost in the obligations. Most of the time, I did not feel excited about France. I felt anxious about getting my forms in on time without losing any important information. I felt nervous to meet my host family, and whether I will fit into their dynamic. I was so busy trying to stay on top of all the pre-departure work and manage the feelings that follow that I’d almost forgotten to look forward to the payoff. During this time, I tried to apply a skill I learned in Computer Science: ‘abstraction’. ‘Abstraction’ is essentially the choice to focus on the critical. When faced with a problem, it is easy to get overwhelmed with the big picture. By focusing on the smaller details, and essentially ignoring the rest momentarily, the problem becomes more manageable. Though this can be helpful, this mindset must also be balanced with perspective. Focus on the form, but don’t forget the deadline. Focus on the climb, but don’t forget the destination. Having a goal, a reward for the hours of preparation gives me a reason to do those not-so-exciting parts in the first place.

Focus on the climb, but don’t forget the destination

The other challenge I faced pre-departure has been somewhat more expected. Even though my time abroad will mark the beginning of a stage in my life, it also marks an ending, the last of my time at Hope College. It is the end of big things: going to class every morning, hosting my radio show, and studying with friends in the computer lab. But it is also the end of small things: singing in the car to relieve stress, the smell of coffee and the sound of the printer at my office job, and the chats with my roommate where she tells me this week she is finally getting her life together.

I already miss so many of these things, but instead of viewing this period as an ending, I try to see it as a beginning. The new things I experience in France will not replace what I have already lived, but will add a new layer of memories to my life. There will be new small moments, new big moments, and new moments I cannot even anticipate.

The other day, I finally thought about what I was looking forward to in France. Not just the large, abstract things like the classes or the food or the language, but the little things. I hope to notice the sound of birds in the greenery around my house, and the smell of the nearby river on walks. I’d like to play the piano in the IES center and make small talk in the halls. I’m especially looking forward to cooking. At home, I love to turn on some music, pour a glass of wine, and cook a meal, slowly appreciating each slice of zucchini or crush of garlic. In France I hope to continue to embrace this simple pleasure, though hopefully with better wine.

The opening question no longer shadows me in expectation. I’ve learned to embrace all of the mixed emotions that come with departure. It is alright to feel stressed, ecstatic, sad, and excited about France. Just because going abroad is a grand experience doesn’t mean there will be a flow of nonstop magical feelings to follow. Besides, it is unrealistic and exhausting to live in a perpetual state of happiness. Even in France, I am sure there will be times of stress and anxiety. But the fact that I have already learned to cope with these feelings increases my self confidence for the future. It also reminds me not to discount the little things, the small joys that help me overcome the stressors in life. Excitement for those is just as valid as excitement for the big picture. So, am I excited for France? Today, yes I am.

Until France!

Isabella

Reasons to Study Abroad in Oslo

Upon returning home from a semester in Norway, I have had a lot of time to reflect on my overall experience abroad. I was fortunate to have a generally positive experience and already miss my friends and the lifestyle I lived while in Oslo. Here are a few of the things I have found I miss the most and what I believe was unique in choosing to spend a semester in Oslo, Norway!

Nature

There is no place quite like Norway. The chance to study in a place with mountains, rivers, oceans, or islands can be special but put them all together and you have the magical Norwegian homeland. From after-class hikes to weekend getaways, nature has heavily influenced how I spent my time abroad. It also inspired me to become more active and explore the unmarked beauty around me. Hundreds of thousands of tourists travel to Norway each year so why not take the opportunity to live in a place where most others only brush on the surface?

Quirky Hang Outs

Norwegian summers are warm and endless. Norwegian winters are cold and dark. This means that bars, restaurants, and clubs need to be able to accommodate for all types of environments. The result? Unique spots which entertain year-round. Some of my favorite spots have included Mabou, Kulturhuset, and Oslo Street Food. Thanks to life in Oslo, places with chill coffee shop vibes in the morning and dance music and games in the evening now hold an even nearer place in my heart.

The Basement of “Oslo Bowling” is filled with students and parents alike, all out for an evening of fun!

Ocean Views

Coming from West Michigan, I have been fortunate to visit Lake Michigan on a regular basis each year but there is nothing quite like living on the ocean. From summer beach days to FREEZING winter fjord jumps (quickly followed by a sauna session) the Oslofjord holds many dear memories.

Advice: take advantage of unique opportunities to take a swim in the fjord, freezing or not it is great for your health!

Islands

Students in Oslo only have to pay $50 for unlimited public transport each month…including ferries to nearby islands. Studying on the beach of Lindøya after class and exploring the old ruins of Hovedøya are just a couple of fond memories. Regardless of your adventure, it is quite the treat to have unique spaces just a boat ride away!

Unique Friends

I know what you’re thinking, meeting cool people from different countries and cultures is what EVERYONE does while abroad. However, Oslo is not the first city that comes to mind for most students deciding where to study abroad. This means that when a student does choose this unique location, they are likely to have a unique personality to match. Norway is not always sunshine and northern lights, it can be a cold, dark, and rainy place. With crappy weather set as a standard, students must push themselves to go out and adventure rather than wait for the rain to pass…the reality is it might not. Making friends in a place with unpredictable weather is a great way to ensure memorable adventures in memorable circumstances!

Small Town Vibes

While Oslo is the largest and capital city of Norway, it has total small town vibes. The city is surrounded by both fjord and forests and only houses ~675,000 people. I believe the Norwegian (and generally Nordic) culture in the city also contributes to such a small town feel. Despite the general shyness of Norwegians, they are still incredibly willing to help out when asked and tend to warm up in bars and clubs, which Oslo has plenty of. For the student who is nervous about leaving home for the first time, you might be surprised at how quickly this “small” big city can feel like home.

Even at 3:30pm in the city center, Oslo can be a quiet and relaxing place

Global City

Aside from oil, skiing, and beautiful landscapes, Norway isn’t exactly known for much. One thing I learned in my Norwegian History course was that Norwegians have always been GREAT at assimilation. The country is made of sailors and traders who had to interact with people from across the world, and did so as early as in the 700’s. What does that mean for the capital city of Oslo? It is a place filled with an appreciation for world culture!

While there might be a stereotype of what a Norwegian person looks like (blond hair and blue eyes) I quickly learned that the city has become almost as much of a melting pot as back home.

Norwegians are also excellent at English. As a foreigner, this meant communication was a breeze! This also meant that when attending conferences and business lectures, I could meet people from across the globe. Many travel to Oslo because it represents a progressive and sustainable country and they want to learn more.

Advice: Take advantage of the global city and attend events where you can hear ideas and meet people from unique backgrounds.

A selfie at the “Oslo Innovation Week” Opening Ceremony!

Candles and Fur

I have already mentioned that Norway can be cold and however this slight setback, in many ways opened up a wide array of beautiful coping mechanisms. One of my favorite ways the cold is combated comes in the form of cozy candles and warm furs provided at restaurants and cafes. Outdoor seating is provided year-round along with heat lamps to keep guest comfortable year-round. Despite the cool summers and snowy winters, it was always possible to feel warm and fuzzy in the city.

Check out the softest furs, all natural from Norwegian farms of course!

Peace

Oslo is home to the Nobel Peace Prize. Even back in the 1800’s when Sweden and Norway were still in a union, Alfred Nobel knew that Oslo held a special place in the world. Therefore he specified that while all other Nobel prizes would be awarded in Stockholm, the Peace Prize should always be Norwegian.

The presence of the Peace Prize resonates throughout the city through it’s policies, customs, and way of life. The Nobel Peace Center was the only location where I got a membership over the semester and was by far the place I returned to most frequently. Being surrounded by the stories and messages of Nobel Peace Laureates energized me. If looking for a place to reflect on the beauties of life and become inspired to make a positive impact, Oslo might just be the city for you!

I sincerely hope that you will consider visiting Oslo and the country of Norway at some point in life. This is a lovely place that upholds ideals which many other countries are just beginning to pursue. To those looking to find their home away from home for a semester, check out Oslo, while it isn’t the “obvious” choice you might be surprised at what a hidden gem you find!

Lessons I’ve Learned While Living in Norway

Quiet Doesn’t Mean Rude

Living in a city known for it’s “cold” personalities, I have gained a new appreciation for personal respect and privacy. While it was tough to adjust to minimal small talk and social contact with the residents of Oslo, I have started to understand why this is an accepted social norm. In the past, my extroverted personality would jump at the chance to speak up and ask lots of questions of others (while also speaking quite a bit about myself). After living in Norway, I now find myself taking a step back and allowing others the chance to grow comfortable with me before engaging. Respecting the privacy of others can be as simple as not asking too many questions in the grocery store or in line for the bus. Recognizing when others are taking time for themselves has allowed me to reflect more on my own thoughts and feelings while also soaking up more of my surroundings.

A Norwegian Bus Stop
Source : https://www.pinterest.com/pin/286963807486305593/?lp=true

Every City has its Challenges

At first glance, Oslo could easily be described as an ideal city. It is located in the world’s richest country. It is sustainable. It is gender equal. Having lived in Oslo, I would agree that many of these things make the city a pretty awesome living spot!

At the same time though, I have also attended several conferences and had some fairly skeptical professors over the semester. The discussions that ensued have helped me understand some of the struggles that Oslo and Norway are facing while maintaining the image of an ideal city. These struggles include gender employment inequality (only 60% of Norwegian women are working full-time compared to men), high taxes, and the moral dilemma between using oil as a main export while also establishing a sustainable society. Don’t get me wrong, I still believe that I would go back to Norway and work full-time in the country if given the chance, but I also can say that I have a new appreciation for the reality of life in a Nordic country.

Candles can get you through Winter

The terms “hygge” and “koselig” are beautiful ways to describe the cozy feeling experienced when snuggled up in a blanket with a warm fire and candlelight. It is more emotional than our english term “cozy” as it is something that really gets into the soul. The evenings I have spent warm in my Norwegian apartment reading or watching Netflix might be some of my favorites from the entire trip. I have learned to embrace the dark seasons of the year by adding light and warmth into my home instead. Rather than forcing myself into the snow, I began to appreciate the beauty that an apartment can have when filled with the yellow light from candles and adventures from my latest book.

Certainly upon my return, I expect to buy many more candles which have helped to survive such dark and chilly winters. I know it sounds cheesy but I challenge anyone reading to find a good book and cozy up to a candle-lit evening wrapped up in your preferred blanket and you too can feel the warmth of a koselig moment!

The view in my apartment on a koselig night in

Change up Your Routine

When studying abroad, it is rare to be bored or have to do the same thing twice. The ability to always experience new things has been one of the best things for my personality which craves newness and adventure. I have also found that I rarely let myself fall into habits for fear of letting my days feel mundane or slow. This could be as simple as taking a different bus home or walking down a new street to get to my university. These little changes were neither hard nor time consuming. While I recognize that my life in Kalamazoo might not have quite as much opportunity for new experiences as in Oslo, I have learned the importance of finding new things to appreciate in life. Returning home, it will be important to spice up my scheduled weeks and months to be sure that I am living life to the fullest!

Patience Patience Patience

One of my biggest advantages in life is that I speak English as my first language. One of my biggest disadvantages is that I do not have much language capability beyond preschool Spanish and a handful of Norwegian phrases. This semester I was in the shoes of both a teacher and a student countless times. As a teacher, I would help my exchange friends (from across Europe) edit their essays, refine their sentences, and correct their grammar as requested. I was always in charge of proofreading and had the responsibility of making sure our work was up-to-part when it came to how our thoughts came across on a page. As a student, I was constantly trying to learn new words from my friends who seemingly could understand one another based on the languages of their home countries. I have been forced to learn to be patient and intentional with my communication. The lesson of patience has also come across in my tolerance with myself, espcailly as I have pushed myself to learn elements of a new language. My impatience typically results in getting frustrated and quickly quitting. Having seen first-hand what wonderful progress can be made with dedication over time, my drive to improve my patience has been growing and can continue to improve throughout my life.

The folks who have helped me expand my appreciation for the many languages of the world!
In this photo alone we can speak 8+ languages in total!

Stay Humble

One of my favorite Nordic ideals is called the “Law of Jante”. This is essentially the mentality that within a society, there should be an emphasis on collective accomplishments and well-being rather than individualistic success. This is a big reason why teacher’s (even when holding their Doctorate degree) are only to be called by their first-name and students work in group projects far more frequently than solo. There can be some faults to this ideology, specifically when it comes to innovation and competition, but regardless the Law of Jante aims to foster a culture of collectivism which supports the society at-large. In business, this has helped me understand why it is so difficult to “network” with Scandinavians in the braggy way that usually is standard back home. The Law of Jante has taught me to keep in mind how my actions impact others and how to continue to stay humble as it can bring greater success over time.

Take a Walk, or a hike, or a ski…just get into nature!

Oslo is a capital city that is surrounded by nature and I don’t just mean surrounded by a couple of trees. Oslo has a forest, rolling hills, lakes, islands, rivers, and even a fjord! The beauty of this might not be apparent when standing in the city center but wander just a few hundred meters away and you can come across Akerselva, the city’s old mill river. Hop on a subway and in less than 30 minutes you can hike up Kolsåstoppen or Vettakollen for a fantastic view of the city. Float your way through the Oslo fjord and get acquainted with the five islands surrounding the city.

Since most everything is closed on Sundays in Norway, I have learned to embrace nature and dedicate my Sundays to the exploration of the natural beauty that surrounded me! I am so glad to have been given a day off from shopping and chores on Sunday because this day allowed me to relax and recharge while soaking up some fresh air and the occasional ray of sunshine. I have learned to slow down and appreciate the healing powers of nature and will seek out more natural methods of stress relief upon my return.

My Favorite Spots in Oslo

After nearly four and a half months of living in Oslo, I have begun to notice there are locations that have become more familiar to others. Certain parks, streets, and cafes seem to bring me an extra dose of happiness which is why I seem to have gravitated toward and revisited them throughout the semester. If you ever find yourself in Oslo, here are a few locations that you certainly cannot miss!

Mathallen

Literally translated as “the food hall”, Mathallen offers a collection of food stalls offering all sorts of delicious things! Here is where I first tried reindeer sausage and have enjoyed lots of samples (rare in Oslo). This is the place to go when you don’t know what you want to eat and enjoy trying new foods!

Frognerparken

A park literally designed to showcase the work of Gustav Vigeland. Frognerpark (also known as Vigelandpark) is filled with statues showcasing raw human emotion and looks equally beautiful in all seasons! Check out the angry boy…one of the most famous of the park statues and you can rub his hand for good luck!

Kulturhuset

It’s a bar, it’s a cafe, it’s a cultural center and one of my favorite places to meet up with friends to enjoy a beer, game of shuffleboard, or study break. Kulturhuset is a great spot as it is filled with people from all walks of life and is conveniently located near the city center.

Sognsvann

Sognsvann is the perfect place to unwind on a Sunday (when literally everything else in the city is closed). This lake is only 25 minutes train ride outside of the city center yet is one of the most peaceful spots I have ever been. If feeling adventurous, you can wander off the main loop of the lake and explore countless hiking trails or even make your own!

Icy waters are still beautiful for sunset views

Norsk Folk Museum

The perfect spot to brush up on Norwegian history and learn a little more about how the country has its culture. This open air museum was first constructed in the late 1800’s when Norway was still in a union with Sweden and is the a beautiful collection of buildings from across the country.

BI Norwegian Business School provided a free tour of the museum for exchange students

Nobel Peace Center

Despite my short time in Oslo, this is one place that I bought a membership and it was ABSOLUTELY worthwhile! Oslo is home to the Nobel Peace Prize which is given out every year on the 10th of December (tonight!). This center pays tribute to previous winners and showcases the causes that they fought for. Currently, there are exhibits about climate change and sexual violence in war but soon there will be a new exhibit featuring the work of Abiy Ahmed and his work in Ethiopia.

The golden image is of the newest Nobel Peace Laureate

Grefseskollen Restaurant and Hike

This place is great because depending on if you are up for a hike or just want to enjoy the views, you have options! On weekends a bus runs and takes patrons to the top of Grefsenkollen where there is a restaurant, cafe, and basement bar all with a fantastic view of the city. On warmer and week days, you can take the 20 minute hike up the hill which is also quite rewarding but definitely tiring on the legs. Regardless, the view is one you shouldn’t miss!

Group hikes certainly make the time pass more quickly!

Oslo Opera House

Whether you are a fan of the arts or not, the Opera House is a staple in the city of Oslo. Sitting next to Aker Brygge, it looks as if it is melting into the Oslofjord, especially in the winter when it is surrounded by icy cold waters. There are constantly shows running which include ballet, opera, and other dance shows and are only $35 for students, a steal in a capital city!

Floating saunas get a great view of the Opera House

Aker Brygge

The port near the Opera House and the main Oslo bus station has housed many fun activities on land and on the sea! From party boats to saunas and fjord swimming, this is one of my most memorable spots in Oslo

We didn’t flip the boat which was quite the success

The best way to celebrate a 21st birthday

Nationaltheatret

Technically this is a location and a neighborhood and I certainly prefer the surroundings than the theater itself. Nearby you can find the Royal Palace, Storting (parliament) and shops. In the winter there is even a giant holiday market.

The view of the street ending with the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace…the flag is up so the King is home

Kolsåstoppen

This is a more difficult hike and a bit further out of the city, around an hour, but absolutely worthwhile. When finally arriving at the top, you can actually feel the difference in temperature and can get a fantastic view of the entire city!

SALT

A sauna house and collection of cafes, SALT is the ideal place for an evening of music and interesting characters. When paying for entry to the sauna, you actually can go into four different saunas which hold anywhere from six to 150 people! Be sure to check out their weekend events which often host dj’s!

Yes…this is a sauna and yes, we were inside!

Glögg and reading is a lovely way to enjoy a chilly evening

So there you have it…a collection of fantastic spots in Oslo! While there may not all pop up when you google “Things to do in Oslo”, I certainly hope you will add them to your list and you can understand a bit more of what the locals enjoy in this nature-loving and eclectic city.

Celebrating Thanksgiving Abroad

I love the holidays! Ever since mid-October I have been playing holiday music while studying, cooking, and just walking through Oslo’s city center. The chilly air was really helping me to get excited about the upcoming holiday season, especially after visiting snowing Tromsø and returning to a while Oslo as well.

The one thing that has made me a bit nervous about this time of year is knowing it is my first holiday away from home. Even while at WMU, home is only 20 minutes away which means I have shared every holiday of my life with my mom, sisters, grandparents, aunt and newly added uncle. To me, what makes the holidays special is spending time with close friends and family as well as baking on the daily (I’m obsessed)! The way that I decided to cope with missing out on an American Thanksgiving this year was to plan one in Oslo.

I quickly learned that few of my exchange friends, most of whom are European, have never before celebrated the holiday of Thanksgiving. It makes sense really, why would Europeans celebrate a holiday commemorating the mass immigration of many of their ancestors to a new land? Regardless, I wanted to take advantage of the chance to host my very own Thanksgiving feast and show all of my friends what makes the event so fun!

One month prior to the holiday, I created a Facebook group and added around 15 of our closest friends here in Oslo. Since Thanksgiving is a holiday all about food, I posted a list of dishes that each guest could bring and I committed to cooking a turkey, gravy, and pumpkin pie (thanks Mom for sending canned pumpkin <3). The menu was to include mashed potatoes, green beans, cheese and crackers, lingonberry jam (the Norwegian version of cranberry sauce), salad, and lots of sweets!

As the date got closer I began to face an unexpected challenge…the turkey. Honestly, I had just assumed I could find a turkey at a local grocery store as we do at home, not considering the fact that Norwegians don’t prepare turkeys around the holidays. Here a traditional holiday dish would consist more of pork rib, fish, or lamb. Since meat can get pretty pricey around here I began to sift through the local butchers shops and found a GREAT deal on chickens amounting to around $12 for three chickens. This might not seem like that great of a deal but in Norway, a pound of chicken breast can easily cost $6 so this price was a steal. A bit impulsively, I decided to order nine whole chickens and planned to pick them up Thanksgiving morning to have room to keep my normal groceries in my fridge in the meantime.

Thanksgiving morning finally came and one more challenge came with it…cooking pans. For both the nine chickens and my pumpkin pie, I was going to need baking tins. This resulted in a final grocery run to a neighborhood called Grønland which is known to have low prices on vegetables and kitchen items. Grønland is actually home to many Pakistani immigrants who are trying to built lives in Norway and this allows for them to sell items at much lower prices than other large chains in the city. Lucky for me, this is where I was able to find disposable baking tins and a cheap clay pie round which were exactly what I needed to make Thanksgiving a success.

Before any of the guests arrived, I spent my afternoon elbow deep in chickens and herbed butter (rosemary, thyme, and garlic make a FANTASTIC herb combo) and I assembled what looked to be enough food for a small soup kitchen. It is worth adding that I decided to rein myself in and only cook six of the original nine chickens ordered which now means I can eat chicken meat until I go home. The great thing about living in an apartment complex near many of my friends was that I was able to borrow a few friend’s ovens which made cooking all of the birds much less of a challenge. Every 30 minutes or so I would walk up and down my hall, knocking on doors and turning the chickens before returning to my home base apartment.

The final step was the table. Our BSN apartments here are Oslo are cute. Don’t get me wrong, on a normal evening they are perfect for my roomie Paula and I to cook dinner and chill while having enough space to veg out and unwind when needed. However, these apartments are not the best for hosting company. With the exception of a small table and three wooden chairs, we aren’t provided with much in the way of common space which meant we had to improvise to ensure all 15 of our guests could enjoy this dinner comfortably. Again, the luck of having so many of said guests living on the same floor as me meant that we could borrow their tiny tables and wooden chairs to make one giant table in my bedroom. Paula’s room became the coat room/storage room for my bed and viola, we had a dining room! I am honestly a bit disappointed that we never thought of this arrangement before because it turned out to be far more comfortable than expected!

Two American cooks (Lauren and I) prepping for dinner

Around 7pm, our friends began to arrive and filled our apartment with lots of delicious scents and chatter. We were able to quickly set the table and began our Thanksgiving feast!

The thing that was must amusing to me was learning that very few of our guests had a clue what Thanksgiving was or why we celebrated it. This was even true for our Canadian friends who celebrate Thanksgiving themselves though a month earlier than the US. Myself and Lauren, a fellow WMU student, shared a brief version of the “pilgrim and indian story” with our guests and then required everyone to share one thing they were thankful for before digging in. The general themes were being thankful for the success of our study abroad (Erasmus) experience, new friendships formed, and fun! Personally, I felt most thankful to have a family of exchange students to celebrate my first holiday away from home alongside.

Our makeshift dining room aka my bedroom

Our plates were full and for a rare moment with our friends, the room was very quiet as we enjoyed the dishes shared by the group. We ended up eating four and a half chickens and one of our friends was even able to take a whole chicken home as a “party favor” which was a pretty hilarious sight. By the time dessert came around, we were all stuffed but took small slices of pumpkin pie and Norwegian pepperkake (gingerbread cookies) along with small glasses of Italian limoncello, for digestive purposes only…

Celebrating an evening of friendship as our semester abroad in Norway comes to a close made for a perfect holiday! As we wrapped up our festivities (and rebuilt my bedroom) I couldn’t help but think that I didn’t want the night to end. I am so glad that my first holiday away from home was still spend surrounded by beautiful people who have began to feel like a family abroad!

Our beautiful exchange family ❤️

Savoring my Final Weeks in Scandanavia

The Oslo subway looking like a winter dream

Wow how time flies! It feels like just the other week that I was nervously boarding a flight to Oslo, truly terrified of what the upcoming months would hold. Now looking back of course it seems so silly as I had nothing but new friends and adventures to look forward to.

The face of a girl who was not quite ready to leave home for a semester…

Today is Sunday, December 1st and my final month abroad has just began! I am quite lucky because I will actually head to Sweden to hang out with Hilda and her family for a week before flying home to Michigan just in time for Christmas. The weeks prior to leaving are filled with mixed emotions and schedules since finals week is among us students! My last lectures were two weeks ago and now I have four exams to pass before I can finally rest easy.

In some ways, having finals week correlate with my final weeks in Oslo is quite nice. The weather here has been a bit dreary (chilly rain with little sun) especially as the sun sets around 3:30pm and that has helped improve my study habits dramatically. My love of exploring new coffee shops has also yet to end which makes studying a bit more adventurous as it can be an excuse to try out a new brew and get into the city! I am feeling especially grateful that I have finally learned to love black coffee because it’s easier on my bank account and my brain (less sugar=less mental crashing).

My savior these past few weeks, black coffee paired with a variety of sweet rolls

Knowing that I only have a few weeks left in the city has certainly made me more nostalgic than ever before. At the same time, I feel surprisingly content with how much of the city I have experienced over the past four months. I have adjusted so well to life in Norway. In many ways I feel it will be harder to adjust to life back in Michigan than it was to adjust to life in Oslo. Some of the things that had made me most nervous about coming to this city have become some of my favorite features today. For example, public transportation, meeting new friends, and traveling solo are now things that I hope to incorporate into my life back home. I think I might even miss black liquorice and the many different variations that I can try here…and that’s crazy because I always HATED black liquorice!

My wonderful roommate (right) and fellow Michigander (middle)

So the question remains, “How do I want to spend my final weeks in Oslo”? The answer has become more simple than I expected. I want to enjoy my time with the people who have made this trip so wonderful. Of course I hope to visit a few more museums and restaurants, maybe return to a favorite park or theater, but in the end I just want to celebrate the relationships that have been formed in this city. I know I can always come back and visit Oslo. What will truly never be the same is having such an eclectic group of friends in the same place. The fact is, we all are coming from countries across the GLOBE and that will be hard to replicate in the future.

A snowy adventure in Lillehammer with my friend Max

I enjoyed spending the past Thursday celebrating an American Thanksgiving with my friends and hopefully will enjoy a few more evenings in the city together before we depart. I know these next few weeks will fly by but looking back, this time spent in Norway will forever be a turning point in my life. A time when I pushed myself to truly leave home for the first time and branch out. This city is definitely feeling like home but a large reason for that is the family that I have been given through my fellow exchange family!

An international Thanksgiving, the first for the majority sitting at this table

A Weekend in the Arctic Circle

The view of the ARCTIC from the top of Fjellheisen

Ever dreamed of being surrounded by ice and snow in a place with only 5 hours of daylight? I certainly didn’t. Being a warm-loving person, the idea of the freezing cold tundra was the furthest thing from vacation I could imagine but spending a weekend in Tromsø, Norway helped to change my mentality around wintery vacations!

When first arriving in Norway, we exchange students were bombarded with tips about Norwegian food, culture, and travel. Nearly EVERYONE told me to spend a few days up in Tromsø to see the northern lights and Lyngen Alps. While the idea of light flowing through a dark sky seemed intreguing, shortened days and even colder nights was making me a bit nervous. Luckily, my roommate Paula convinced me to join a trip she was planning for our close friends which we completed just last week.

The weekend I spent in Tromsø was one of the most life changing experiences I’ve ever had! Being surrounded by snowcapped mountains which the sun barely rose above gave me a great appreciation for the world and it’s beauty! Commercials and Animal Planet specials can’t compare in the slightest to the feeling of standing on a mountain top overlooking the Arctic.

The middle of the day in Tromsø, notice how the sun has barely shown itself?

While the majority of my trip was spent with friends, I chose to arrive in Tromsø a day earlier than my friends as I was also leaving a day earlier for a school charity ball, but that’s another story.

On the first night, my Airbnb was a quaint home only five minutes walk from the city center and owned by a Cantonese couple. The beauty of this place was that two other guests were also staying in rooms along with me and we were able to socialize quite a bit through the evening and following morning for breakfast. Also, our host Ming is a Cantonese chef and prepared delicious noodles as our included breakfast, the best! While my room was small, there was something so cozy about reading on the couch as tv was playing and the others were cooking, reading, and planning out their future travels. As the youngest renter that evening, I felt very inspired by the people I was meeting and loved hearing their stories of past travels.

My Cantonese breakfast at the Tromsø Airbnb…could barely finish it!

One woman who was particularly friendly and interesting was named Ella. She and I had actually met on the plane as I had accidentally sat in her seat and had to move upon her boarding. It was that brief interaction that made us both laugh when she knocked on the door of my Airbnb stating she too was a tenant for the evening. Despite our difference in age and native countries, we got along quite well and agreed to explore Tromsø’s small city center together and even enjoy each other’s company for dinner. Meeting new people and sharing a memories and life stories had been one thing I’ve valued most while traveling!

The second day in Tromsø, eight of my exchange friends flew up and joined me in the city. It was such fun greeting this quirky and unique group of people in the streets of a brand new city! We also were pretty spoiled as we were staying in a large apartment for the weekend complete with four bedrooms, a jacuzzi, and SAUNA! To say we were impressed was an understatement especially since this place was only a 3 minute walk from the harbor and city center.

My lovely exchange friends who are certainly optimists in the face of ice and snow

The first evening we spent together as a group was probably the most memorable for me. We booked a Aurora Chasing tour which featured five tour guides, thermal snowsuits, bonfire, reindeer sausage, and breathtaking photos! This is an activity that most Tromsø travelers make time for during their vacation and lights or no lights I think it was totally worthwhile!

Captured by our Aurora tour guide: us friends taking in the view of the Aurora!

Over the course of seven hours, our group was driven to a handful of cities west of Tromsø located on barely habited islands. One of our resting spots was a beach on the coast of the Nordic Sea surrounded by snowy mountains while another was an arctic desert with thick shadows cast from the moon floating low in the sky. Not only was it cool to see the faintest of streaks of the northern lights stretch across the sky, I also loved spending quality time with friends cuddling up around a campfire while drinking hot chocolate and soaking up the views. We were lucky to have guides who were open who also helped us pass the time by sharing some of their WORST northern lights tours which have included flat tires, speeding tickets (worth $200 in Norway), and of course days on end with no lights in sight.

Cooking reindeer sausages around the fire

One of my favorite memories from this evening was after we moved from our cozy campfire out to a deserted mountain range near a city called Rekvik. We moved with the hopes of seeing stronger aurora activity and when it wasn’t looking too good, we chose to wait around for about an hour before leaving again incase anything changed. The moment that followed is one of the reasons why I know I have found some awesome exchange friends in Oslo.

All nine of us students along with four of our five tour guides got into a giant snow fight! In the next hour, we totally exhausted ourselves by throwing snowballs, tackling one another to the ground, and running through knee deep snow to “safety” (aka out of throwing distance). We had so much fun and it really gave me a sense of awe looking around watching a bunch of 20 year olds playing in the snow beneath the milky way, mountains, and light white stripe of aurora! This was an experience I truly never knew I would have wanted to have in life but I am so glad that I did!

The Arctic desert and location of our snow fight

After packing up and driving home at 1am, we all slept VERY soundly that night!

The next day together was started with a relaxing morning of eating breakfast together before bundling up and heading into town. Tromsø as a city is actually quite small and doesn’t have so many activities but with the sun setting at 2pm, there isn’t so much “day” time to utilize anyway so it works out. We decided to ride the Fjellheisen, a cable car which takes riders to the top of the Storsteinen mountain. Being at the top of this mountain range and looking out to the rest of the area, it really hit me that we were in the ARCTIC! It may sound silly but this fact was something I couldn’t totally digest and am still not sure I fully was able to understand. It may sound funny but growing up, the Arctic has always seemed so foreign and unreachable to me. On top of that, I am very much a warm-loving person so the fact that I could possibly visit the Arctic Circle for less than a $100 plane ticket seemed far too casual and easy to me.

It’s a looooooong way from home up in Tromsø

Anyway, back to the adventure!

The views on the mountaintop were totally fantastic and became even more beautiful between the hours of 11am and 1:30pm when we got to see the sun barely rise above the mountain ridge and promptly set a couple hours later. The sunset was one of the most colorful I have ever seen and while photos don’t do anything like that justice, I am glad to have a decent camera to try to capture the feeling we had up there. As it was super chilly up there and we didn’t bring proper snow boots or pants, our group took a couple of breaks inside the cafe. Even inside we were able to see the majority of the views while sipping hot cocoa and eating Norwegian waffles and blueberry pie. It sorta felt like a ski lodge but with a more diverse crowd since honestly many of the tourists were far less equipped for the weather than we were.

Once the sun disappeared at 2pm, we all descended down the mountain, took a quick look at the exterior of the Arctic Cathedral, and then began cooking a late lunch/dinner for all. It was very odd trying to convince ourselves it was still so early when we were still tired out from the cold. The evening was spent relaxing in the comfort of our apartment while playing games, cooking, and eventually all cramming into the sauna and jacuzzi. The best of times!

It was bittersweet to leave a day before my friends but the memories we made in even a few short days are enough to last a lifetime! Pushing ourselves to explore one of the most unique natural landscapes and getting a taste of the Nordic lifestyle made me appreciate my time in Norway more than ever before! It would have been so easy to pick a warm, open country to spend my semester abroad but I am so glad to have chosen a place which is pushing me to find joy and adventure in less common circumstances! While a weekend vacation to the Arctic was never something I expected to experience in my lifetime, I am so glad to have done it early in life so that someday I can bring others to see how special it can be!

Maintaining Relationships While Abroad

I am a very independent person. Maybe in some ways that seems obvious if I voluntarily left The States to live in a new country for a semester but regardless this is a point I wish to make. Being independent does not however mean that I struggle with or lack having strong relationships in my life. I LOVE PEOPLE and have been blessed with a personality that makes it easy to connect and build relationships with others. I have also been lucky enough to be exposed to some pretty awesome people over the years who enrich my life with their unique ideas, experiences, and perspectives!

A challenge that I have been facing since leaving the USA is simply that it can be hard to feel as connected to those I love back home when facing challenges like different time zones and busy schedules. Of course, different types of relationships are maintained in different ways so in this post, I will give some examples of ways to communicate with loved ones while studying (or living) abroad.

Things to Consider:

Time Zones – This can be one of the biggest challenges, especially since I may accidentally call someone at 3am not even realizing the issue. The way the time difference between Oslo and Detroit works is that Oslo is 6 hours ahead of Detroit. That means that when it is noon in Norway, Michigan is barely starting their day at 6am. Funny enough, this also means that as the sun rises in Michigan around 8am, the sun is starting to set in Oslo around 2pm. Strangely enough, having the sun fully set at 4pm is not as bad as it sounds, but more on that another time. The best way I have found to battle the time zone difference is to schedule time for phone and video calls. While it might seem a bit extreme, it has been the easiest way to be mindful of the schedules of everyone involved.

Note: Daylight savings really screwed with my head as for one week Michigan and Norway were only FIVE hours apart rather than six. This was due to Norway switching their clocks back one week earlier than The States. Since I had a handful of important calls and interviews scheduled during this week, it was critical for me to understand how this difference worked.

A map of time zones for reference. Check out Australia if you want to see something really crazy!

Apps – Many phone companies in The States offer international phone plans for those leaving the country for a while. Unfortunately, those back home don’t always have the ability to make long-distance calls without racking up fees. A few apps that have come in handy for international communication are WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype. All three of these allow for individuals to make audio and video calls with internet or data connection. WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger also allow for individual and group chats to be made. Our immediate family has since made a handful of group chats allowing us to share random details of our day with ease.

Sister skypes are always quite eventful.

Letters – Call my old fashioned but I LOVE to write letters home. There is something so timeless and romantic about knowing a piece of paper is physically crossing an ocean to get to its owner. Besides, I have yet to meet a soul on this earth who doesn’t appreciate finding a note for them in their mailbox. For this reason, I try to send notes home to different individuals on a weekly basis. The way I see it, postcards are a cheap and easy souvenir and it can be fun to take time seeking them out with a particular person in mind.

Letters from Florence, Italy all the way to Michigan and Iowa.

Social Media – It can be easy to view social media as a waste of time but since removing myself from my close friends and school organizations, platforms like Facebook and Instagram have really helped to bridge gaps in communication! I currently maintain an Instagram page (@lemusstudyabroad) which is dedicated to my study abroad experience and I have gotten loads of positive feedback from friends and family about how nice it is for them to see my photos. At the same time, I have had to limit my social media use at times to avoid experiencing any FOMO (fear of missing out) when seeing events back home. It is great to have a platform for mass sharing of information but I still prefer Facebook and Instagram direct messaging to actually catch up with people.

While it is not always easy to keep in touch, I feel very lucky to be living in an age when I can call up my loved ones with a press of a button. We just have to keep working on matching up our schedules so that they can answer!

My Study Abroad “Sponsors”

The study abroad scholarships that made my experience in Oslo, Norway possible!

The version of study abroad that I have been able to experience has been extremely privileged. On top of studying at a private Norwegian university, I have been able to afford studying in coffee shops, taking trips across the country (and a few in the continent) as well as occasionally eat out which in Oslo is quite the treat!

I want to be up-front about this because it would be easy for a student to view my blog and Instagram and assume that Oslo is not as expensive as it seems. It would be dishonest of me not to address the good fortune I have had in scholarships and funding as they have had a huge impact on the activities and lifestyle I have been able to participate in while in Oslo.

The truth is, Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in the world. This has been most apparent in the cost of food and housing which easily add up to $900-1000 a month depending on my level of hunger and self-discipline (belly full of pastries = wallet empty of $). While there are certainly ways to cut costs while living in this city, it is not always easy to make the 25 minute subway ride to Grønland to get cheap groceries or wear extra blankets rather than turn up the heat.

There are a few people and organizations that have helped to support my study abroad experience financially which allows me to be a little more care-free when deciding to get a coffee when studying or buying food out. These people include my parents (THANK YOU!!!!) and organizations which have provided me with scholarships to study abroad.

I will include a few links along with descriptions of these organizations below in case there are any students in the future who might be interested in studying in Oslo and have similar qualifications as myself.

A note: Several of these scholarships such as the Lee Honor’s College and Stemler Scholarship required membership into organizations prior to my departure. This is a big reason why I chose to join such organizations early in my college career. Though it may not have been clear at the time of joining, being a member in honors societies and honors colleges have certainly provided opportunities for funding that otherwise would not have been available.

Western Michigan University – Lee Honor’s College

Qualifications: Students must be a member of the Lee Honor’s College and in good standing. Students traveling as part of a WMU-sponsored study abroad program are given higher preference for funding.

The Lee Honor’s College at Western Michigan University (WMU) was founded in 1962. The honors college now serves more than 1,700 undergraduate students and offers honors courses, evening mix-it-up events, Peer Success Coaches, scholarships, and Study in the States opportunities.

While it may sound daunting to join an honors college, I absolutely recommend doing so! I look forward to developing my senior honors thesis for the college in my final year and have appreciated the chance to study in smaller classes with students who have similar goals to myself in the honors courses.

Alpha Lambda Delta – James G. Stemler Scholarship

Qualifications: Only students who paid their membership dues to Alpha Lambda Delta prior to March 1, 2020. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher. The student’s study abroad program must be taken through a US-based institution.

Alpha Lambda Delta is the nation’s oldest honors society. ALD awards 20 scholarships to outstanding undergraduate members to support their educational opportunities as part of study abroad programs. There are ten $2,000 scholarships and ten $1,000 scholarships established to help qualified members offset the costs of study abroad.

The Stemler Scholarship applicants from WMU had to submit a pre-application to the university chapter’s executive board before submitting anything nationally. This was because each university chapter was only allowed to submit 2 applications to nationals. I was lucky enough to be chosen to represent our school in the national pool of applicants and secured one of the 20 awards.

U.S. Department of State – Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

Qualifications: Students must submit two essays as well as acquire letters of recommendation from faculty. The first essay is a statement of purpose which outlines your intention for studying abroad. The second essay is a proposal for a service project that can be completed upon return from studying abroad. If selected as a winner, the scholar must submit a follow up essay documenting their experience and outcome of the service project.

The Gilman Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and is assisted in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE). The Gilman Program provides grants for undergraduate U.S. citizens of limited financial means to study and intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity.

About 20% of applicants are awarded the Gilman and while it can take a lot of time to develop quality essays, the outcome can be well-worth the time spent. The Gilman is also extremely supportive of its scholars and provides opportunities to connect with others abroad, teach students via Skype about global learning, and gives updates about political events in the area of study.

A letter of welcome to the recipients of the Gilman Scholarship from the White House. It feels good to know that I am here in Oslo as a representative of the USA as well as my home university.

Phi Kappa Phi – Study Abroad Grant

Qualifications: Any student who attends a university with a chapter of Phi Kappa Phi can apply even if they are not a current member (I am not a current member).

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is an honor society established in 1897 to recognize and encourage superior scholarship without restriction as to area of study and to promote the “unity and democracy of education”

With 75 study abroad grants being awarded each year, this is one scholarship that students should ABSOLUTELY apply for! The odds of receiving an award are great and the application process is relatively simple compared to others.

Advisors Securing scholarships for my study abroad experience would have been much more difficult had I not had the chance to speak with some wonderful mentors and advisors. Two individuals in particular were both willing to share their time and give feedback on how to improve my essays and applications while having VERY busy schedules. I am extremely thankful for the dedication these individuals had to helping their students succeed and certainly hope to do the same for students in the future!

So I know that was quick but I hope seeing a bit more of a behind the scenes look into funding gives a clearer picture into how I am experiencing Norway the way I do. I can’t stress enough how thankful I am to have the support of people across the country and look forward to returning and paying it forward to other students in the future!

Learning to Navigate While Abroad

#FollowCat

One unavoidable aspect of travel that has caused me some pre-trip worries (and general frustration, even back home) was navigation.

This may sound silly because our generation is fully equipped with technology to give directions and even real-time traffic updates but nonetheless it has always something that has frustrated me.

Surprisingly, when I arrived to Oslo this concern quickly disappeared. Not only was I able to understand the Ruter app which give in-depth information about public transport routes, I found at times I didn’t even need the directions at all!

During the first few weeks in Oslo, when the honeymoon phase was in full swing, my friends and I were eager to explore every inch of the city to better understand our new home. The biggest challenge was the one person always had to be a designated navigator otherwise our group was sure to stray away from the path. For some reason, I volunteered to be navigator (what better way to improve than be forced to learn, right?) and the joke #FollowCat formed.

Since my friends were enjoying being able to follow someone who seemingly had it all under control, it became common to say that we would just “follow Cat” to our next adventure destination. It even became a hashtag that we started to use on Instagram as a joke among the group of us. I will also admit I have a tendency to be a planner so it was second-nature for me to search up cool places to visit and simply pitch them to my friends as group activities.

From the food-filled Mathallen to the waters in Aker Brygge and Huk beach, my friends would chat and joke away as I learned the city through navigating. It may sound like a chore but honestly I am so glad that I was given the responsibility of getting our friends to new places because it helped me to gain a better sense of direction while making fun memories!

Now that I have learned how to be better oriented in Norway, I have even been able to bring these skills to other trips.

Student tip: Searching up a city’s local transportation app has been incredibly useful when visiting a new place and helps me to save money and waste by using an app rather than buying transport cards.

I think the main reason why I have been able to improve my skills is that in the past I have been able to blindly travel to places based on memorizing a route. In Oslo, I have been intentionally learning my surroundings as it is cool and new which has helped me to understand how public transport works. Gaining confidence in my navigation skills has helped me to grow on this trip and feel that I can achieve anything I set my mind to!

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