Category: Thoughts

One Door Closes, Another Opens

I’m back in the States!

Actually, I’ve been back for quite some time, but between graduation, taking summer classes, working at Plainwell Ice Cream, job hunting, car hunting, catching up with friends, working on a certification, gardening, and just living life, this final post has been pushed off just a bit.

In fact, I’ve pushed it off long enough that the week has approached where the next Lemus leaves on her own trip across the pond! This Friday we will be dropping Alejandra off at the airport where she will fly to Aberdeen in Scotland (in the UK? it’s confusing to me too).

This said, I write this final post not just as a reflection on my time abroad, but as advice to her as she gets ready for her journey.

First, enjoy my favorite pictures from Croatia. Blog post about Croatia can be found here.

My first piece of advice : Don’t study.

Ok, maybe study a bit. But when it’s your last week of classes and you have the choice between spending 3 hours in the library, or 3 hours at dinner with your friends, take dinner. Time is funny. It goes slowest when you want it to go fast, and fastest when you want it to stop. A stay that seems daunting at the start (and might have you questioning what on Earth you think you’re doing, and who on Earth you think you are committing yourself to a completely new environment and continent for the next few months, and who will take care of your cat?) flies by before you know it. That time is meant to be cherished. 

Relish each moment, but believe in the next too. Today you might be waking up to the best sunrise. Tomorrow you might be farther from your friends. Today’s flight may be full of turbulence, but tomorrow’s will be a little smoother. Enjoy the good, and know the bad will pass. Both will make great blog posts.

My second piece of advice : Study.

Study how the roof of an old church meets the sky. Study which bars seem bright and inviting and full of local accents. Keep an eye out for bizarre meals and brush up on your sense of curiosity, try the new plate. Make sure to review your history. Learn the meanings behind funny street names and statues. Watch the native birds in the park and the people who feed them. Take cues from your environment, it’s often the best way to learn.

Aside from your environment, study yourself. Take note of what you enjoy, and what you don’t. Which customs are easy to embody, and which are best left observed? Do you feel like running your social battery tonight, or taking a moment to rest? Which new acquaintances feel like old friends? When you are all alone, with the people you might frequently depend on thousands of miles away, you will learn how to depend on yourself. You will become more versed in your own thoughts and emotions than ever before, and even more confident in your decisions and actions.

A final thought:

A few summers ago, I sat on the grass in a park in my hometown and felt suffocated. Amid the pandemic, barely able to leave my house, I was clouded with the thought that I had biked every street, walked every sidewalk, and squeezed every experience out of my hometown of the past 20 years that I ever possibly could. 

When I arrived home earlier this summer, my eyes felt cleared. The veil was lifted from what I remembered as a dreary, monotonous place. Why hadn’t I noticed the flowers growing alongside the road before? Had there always been a yoga practice so close by? Sure, some aspects of our small town still aren’t for me, but I can see them now with the same eye I saw my new town in France, with a quiet appraisal and a curious anticipation of unexpected joys. 

To answer any last questions:

Yes, I became fairly fluent in French. I spent my entire last day walking around with my host sister (who obviously speaks French) without reverting to English (maybe just once). I also learned some lovely filler words including bahhhh, franchement, and du coup, so I’d say that counts for something. No, I do not think the “chocolate croissants” from Starbucks taste like my dear pan au chocolat. Yes, I would go back to France in a heartbeat and live there, or Croatia, or Barcelona. Yes, I do still keep in contact with my friends and host family from the trip, I miss them all the time.

Yes, I do want to travel more. After such an exciting first few months of the year, I feel I’ve only scratched the surface of all the cultures, languages, relationships, and experiences the world has to offer. 

If I’m lucky in life, maybe I’ll have more opportunities to find them. 

To Jandra :

I hereby leave this blog to you. Go be your best self in Scotland, and then find an even better self that none of us knew was even possible. Being on your own only means there is absolutely nothing to hold you back. I can’t wait to visit you and learn all about your new favorite places and people, and chug a Guinness with you. As they say in France, bon voyage, bon courage, et bonne aventure!

“L’aventure c’est le trésor que l’on découvre à chaque matin.”

Adventure is the treasure we discover every morning.

Jacques Brel (French singer and songwriter)

Your sister,

Isabella

Crumbs

A reflection on happiness

I admit, at the moment I am not being a good student. Instead of devoting my attention to my Translation class, where I am currently sitting, I am writing this blog post. In fact, I can’t exactly say I was a good student before I started writing this either, since I missed the first half of class to get a spur-of-the-moment tattoo. Don’t worry Mom and Papi, it’s small!

Instead, it was this tattoo and a phone call with my sister that inspired me to put some thoughts to my keyboard. These, and our latest topic in my French class, le bonheur.

We started our class last week with a collection of quotes. What exactly is le bonheur, or happiness? It is a grand question, but one of my favorite answers was the following:

<<Le bonheur est un festin des miettes>>

Jacques Faizant

Translation: Happiness is a feast of crumbs. I’ll let you interpret this as you will. The meaning of happiness is different for everyone, and whether or not this definition resonates with you is entirely up to you. Either way, I love to hear any new philosophies on well-being and happiness, feel free to leave comments!

Personally, this quote encourages me to be perceptive. Notice the little things and let them add up to a feast. Since I read it, I’ve been reminded to start appreciating the crumbs in my life. 

The appetizer last night was the conversation I had with my host sister about her future travels to the US. Her optimism and eager spirit were contagious.

To drink, the moonlight glowing through the roof of the dining room as I finished a paper late at night while the cat purred on the chair nearby.

Today, a main course. The steady poking of a needle on my skin while the sun illuminated the milky walls. A side of melody as my favorite song came on the radio while my head rested in my arms.

For dessert, a walk across the university campus, the balmy scent of sun and breeze walking with me. 

When compiled, these crumbs truly make a feast, yet realistically they are often hard to notice. Before talking with my sister, I felt guilty about sleeping in as late as I did. This morning, I felt stressed running late to class. I became nervous heading to my tattoo appointment, not knowing if my French could get me through this new situation. Sitting here, I worry about wasting daylight while sitting inside, and the four page paper due Wednesday that I may or may not have started yet…

Still, the crumbs are there, and the best thing about them is that they are messy. Crumbs show up where we don’t expect them or want them. There are even times when you have to make crumbs yourself. Miss part of class to get a spontaneous tattoo. Let life get a little messy. Then, in that mess, find le bonheur.

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.

Chicago, the day I got my visa

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!

The view of the Oslofjord from Lindøya

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!

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.

Dinner time!
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
Such a colorful landscape

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.

The best way to warm up in the cold

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!

Such a memorable experience!

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!

Study Abroad…It’s Not For Everyone

Studying abroad is not for everyone.

If you enjoy meeting new people…it’s probably not for you.

If you hope to open your mind…it might not be your thing.

If you want to explore life in a new city,

If you wish to be exposed to a mysterious language,

If you enjoy unwrapping unique cultures,

If you are interested in discovering new countries,

If you want to make friends from across the world,

If you want to study with people who have unique experiences,

If you hope to be comfortable eating alone,

If you want to understand life on a deeper level,

If you are interested in global perspectives,

If you are comfortable being uncomfortable,

If you hope to grow into a more mature individual,

If you want to appreciate all that life has to offer, studying abroad may be not a good fit

Studying abroad is not for everyone, but I sure think it’s for me.

Guide to Picking a Study Abroad Location

When I tell people I am studying abroad, I am often met with wide eyes and smiles filled with pride. When I tell them I am traveling to Oslo, Norway, I am met with raised eyebrows and a now familiar phrase, “oh, Norway…that’s an interesting choice”.

It is hard to express all of the great reasons to pick Norway in a brief interaction which is why I am sitting down to expand upon that very question,”Why Norway?”

While some of the reasons for choosing this icy Scandinavian country are personal, there are many reasons why I am excited to explore this new city on the sea!

  • Academics

I decided to switch my major a little late in the game and will be a 5-year university student. This means that while I could finally study abroad for a full semester, I needed to find a program that was comparable with my curriculum back home. BI Norwegian Business School (BI) offers nearly 10 courses that all fit in seamlessly with the WMU Business and Marketing requirements. This was seriously a dream since many students chose a study abroad program and have to hope that they will be able to transfer those credits back to their degree.

BI is also a very forward-thinking university. In the past year, the school has hosted conferences and open discussions focused around the ideas of equal-pay and female leadership, both of which I am committed to pursuing.

  • Nature

Here’s a fun fact, just 25 minutes outside of Oslo’s downtown center lies the Oslo Forest…you read that right, Oslo is a city with its own forest! How cool is that?!? On top of that, Norway is known to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world! While the country is a bit small in population, it runs very far north and is home to fjords, mountains, and even the northern lights! You can bet I plan to take a few hiking trips while abroad!

  • City Life!!

I have never truly lived in a big city, especially on my own. Growing up in a town just shy of 4,000 people and then moving to a city of 75,000 makes Oslo (635,000+) seem like a country in itself! So many beautiful movies show the dreamy life their characters live while exploring shops and eating out in their new-found cities and I am very ready to try that life out for myself.

  • Hygge

Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word that I found a few years back while scrolling through Pinterest. Yes, I am totally the kind of girl who would pick a city based on a cool word but once you learn what it means, you certainly won’t blame me!

Hygge (noun : HUE-GUH) the Danish art of creating joy & coziness in life’s everyday moments, whatever the season or time of day; creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people; ritual of enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

I fully understand that being in a city so far north in the winter, I will experience less daytime than other parts of the world but I take comfort in knowing that this culture is one that helps itself cope by spending their time wrapped in the comfort of good company and mentality.

I am currently writing this in a cozy coffee shop filled with photos of flowers and boy oh boy just thinking about snuggling into a Norwegian coffee shop with a pastry has me beaming! I am definitely ready to bring some hygge into my life.

  • Family

While there are many more reasons I could list behind my choice to live in Oslo, there is one small thing that makes moving half-way across the world a bit more easy…my Swedish sister!

Our family has hosted exchange students for over 4 years now and there is no doubt in my mind each girl who has lived in our home has become family! Hilda is no exception!

I have visited Sweden once before during the summer of 2017 and I have never stopped dreaming of my return. Knowing I will only be a train ride away from Sweden and one of my favorite people on the planet certainly made the city of Oslo the ideal choice for me!

Study Abroad Orientation…It’s Getting Real!

Today was another check on my study abroad to-do list, study abroad orientation. Despite traveling on a short-term trip once before, I have never actually attended study abroad orientation but it certainly gave me all of the butterflies and excitement that I have needed!

While orientations can often be dry and filled with senseless information, this was a fun way for students to get to see first hand how many others will be embarking on a similar journey in the coming year. In the two hours I sat through orientation, I met students who will soon be located on nearly every continent!

One thing that really surprised me was the lack of nerves I seemed to have compared to the other students. Now don’t get me wrong, I have LOADS to be nervous about, but in that moment I realized that I was totally at an advantage.

1. I have traveled before, and internationally for that matter.

2. I am also comfortable introducing myself to complete strangers, something that I suspect will come in handy in the future.

3. I did not have any parents attending this event which to me shows that my parents trust in me and my ability to navigate new situations.

One of my favorite parts of orientation was a game we played while sitting at different tables. It was fairly similar to euchre in that it was fairly complex but luckily each table was given a set of paper instructions before we began. The first round we were able to openly speak with one another to clarify the rules and make sure we were playing correctly. After that there was no speaking allowed…at all! Honestly this was super hard because as we continued playing, and eventually switched tables with other students, we seemed to get more and more confused by the rules. It was only at the end we found out that each table had been given different rules to begin with.

This game totally fired me up! In all honesty, it has been a long time since my everyday ideas and motives have been challenged but this game totally gave me a flashback to my previous experiences abroad. I am super excited to be living in a country where I have to learn to play someone else’s game, and sometimes while navigating a different language altogether.

The second half of orientation included mini-sessions that students selected. I attended one session which gave a brief overview on the differences of academic systems in other countries. Some places like the Netherlands don’t even let you register (yes, register!) for your exams if you haven’t been reaching high enough grades over the semester. It sounds like Norway has a fairly similar system to the U.S. in that we can expect to have lots of group projects, essays, and large final exams.

The other session I attended was much more vague but opened up discussions about culture differences and how to navigate tricky situations. Honestly most of them seemed so specific to a particular situation that they weren’t very relatable but regardless I appreciated the sentiment.

Leaving orientation has be so ready to get immersed in new culture and ways of thinking! I can’t believe this dream of mine will someday become a reality but man am I ready!