Hi!
My name is Brooke, and I am studying a Bachelor of Recreation and Outdoor Environmental Studies. I was lucky enough to have just completed a semester abroad in beautiful Norway at the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN) in a small town called Bø.
As long as I can remember I have always wanted to study overseas so when the opportunity arose I jumped at the chance!
One of the main reasons I chose to study in Norway relates specifically to my field of study. Norwegians carry a unique philosophy for outdoor life called ‘frilufsliv’. Therefore, I wanted to learn about and practice Norwegian outdoor life by going to Bø where I completed a program called ‘Outdoor Leadership, Culture and Ecophilosophy’. This program immersed me in the spectacular Norwegian outdoors! I participated in numerous day excursions and several overnight trips canoeing on waterways, hiking in the mountains/forests, and sailing on old Viking ships at the coastline all within the Telemark region of Norway.
Living and studying in a small rural town was a great experience! Bø has a close-knit community with around half of the population being students. USN and the student organisations did a great job of always offering social events for students to attend throughout the semester whether that be parties, concerts, sports tournaments, quiz nights etc. Therefore, meeting other people was easy! Bø is also surrounded by nature meaning going on hikes or camping overnight with friends for fun was a popular occurrence. There was a large number of international students in Bø and the program I completed was specifically for internationals meaning we were able to create strong bonds with each other, all coming from diverse cultures.
Studying in the Autumn semester meant that I was able to experience the Norwegian seasons. The contrast from the start to the end of the semester was extraordinary. From the lovely summer days swimming in lakes to sledding in the freezing winter when I experienced snow for the first time!
Whilst in Norway I was able to explore the many amazing places it has to offer including the main cities Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger as well as numerous smaller towns/cities. I was also lucky enough to see the incredible northern lights serval times in Bø and elsewhere. Being situated in Europe and due to the easiness/cheapness of travel, I also visited Poland, Ireland, and England.
Studying abroad has easily been the greatest experience of my life! It has not only allowed me to grow immensely as a person but has also gifted me with incredible lifelong friendships with people from Norway and around the world. If you are thinking of studying abroad my advice to you is to go for it! It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you won’t regret and will change your life for the best.
-Brooke Taylor
Bachelor of Recreation and Outdoor Environmental Studies
