The majority of NHH students go on exchange during their bachelors and/or masters studies.

'The best thing about exchange is all the spontaneous meetings and the good memories that follow', says Emil Kristiansen.

He is currently taking a semester in picturesque Porto, Portugal.

'Much of the magic, of course, lies in the fact that Brisbane has summer almost all year round and you can sit outside and enjoy the sun while working on your assignments', says Mari Walde in Australia.

Master's student Snorre Helno in Turin, enjoy getting to meet people from all over the world.

'The stay so far has been fantastic. I live in a dormitory with three other girls from NHH, and we have a lot of fun together', says Anna Stina Bjørlo Stafsnes in New Zealand.

If you take your master's at NHH, you may choose a semester abroad twice!

Curious about NHH? Hear from our international students!

hot springs and rugby

ANNA STINA BJØRLO STAFSNES

• 26 years old
• From Førde, Norway
• Master in Strategy and Management
• On exchange in New Zealand at the University of Waikato in Hamilton.
•  "I would definitely recommend others to go on exchange. You get a unique combination of academic enrichment, personal development and memories for life. It is a fantastic opportunity to experience a new culture, meet new people and learn in a different way than at home. You also get a new perspective on both your studies and yourself."

Photo:  Vegard Fimland

Stafsnes has moved halfway across the globe to Hamilton, New Zealand's fourth largest city, located on the North Island.

The average temperature is well above 20 degrees celsius, with beautiful beaches of black volcanic sand nearby.

Earlier this year, she also went on a very special trip in a camper van on the South Island:

'The first stop was Lake Tekapo, where we went stargazing from the warm water of the hot springs. It was so clear that we saw the Milky Way and countless stars'.

When she is not on excursions or watching the Chiefs play rugby, the 26-year-old takes courses in microeconomics, finance and financial management.

'There is more mandatory attendance and more submissions than what we are used to from NHH, but much is similar. It has been exciting to gain insight into a new culture and gain new perspectives'.

To avoid inconvenient challenges, it is important to plan ahead, advises Stafsnes.

'My best advice to others considering an exchange is to start planning early, spend time researching the subject and university, be open to new people and impressions, and finally: remember to enjoy your stay. Time flies!'

skiing, football and pasta

SNORRE HELNO

• 25 years old
• From Lier
• Master in FIE (financial economics)
• On exchange in Italy at the University of Turin (UniTo)
• "Definitely recommend exchange, it's an exciting break from everyday life at home and not least a really memorable experience. One of the best things is getting to know people from all over the world and making international friends."

Photo: Private

'Turin is a very nice city with a wide range of activities - everything from sightseeing and food, experiences to museums and social events. Also, all of us has had a lot of pasta thus far', says Snorre Helno.

He is now one of staggering 80 000 students currently studying at The University of Turin. 

'There's always something going on on campus', says Helno.

The 25-year-old emphasizes, like Stafsnes, that there is a lot of mandatory attendance. In addition, there are more assignments than he is used to from NHH.

'Grades are normally not set only on the basis of a final exam, but rather as an overall assessment of assignments, presentations and participation during lectures', he explains and adds:

'The topics are mostly about economics and climate. I can highly recommend the subject "Environmental Crimes" to those who want to go on exchange here in the future!'

Between assignments, Helno has also managed to experience a lot of northern Italy.

'Including a ski trip to Bardonecchia and city trips to Genoa and Portofino. For those interested in football, I can also mention that Turin is the hometown of two major teams, while Milan and San Siro are only an hour and a half away by train. We have so far been able to see three matches including Milan-Derby!'

Jogging and shipwreck diving

MARI WALDE

• 21 years old
• From Stavanger, Norway
• Bachelor in Economics and Administration
• On exchange in Australia at the University of Queensland
• "Brisbane is a great, exciting and safe city - and I highly recommend it!"

Photo: Helge Skodvin

'The great thing about exchange, is that you may choose all your courses and the subjects can be from other fields than just economics. I have therefore chosen to have two subjects that fall under international politics and development studies, in addition to two economics courses. This means that my schoolday is even more specifically tailored to my interests', says Mari Walde.

Her residential address is currently in Brisbane, Australia.

Walde particularly appreciate the student club, Quest, where international students can gather for various activities, such as work trips, picnics, bar nights and excursions.

'This has so far been a fantastic and affordable way to experience Australia. For example, I have signed up for a trip to an island outside the city where we can, among other things, sail and dive along shipwrecks. Not forgetting that we are guaranteed to see kangaroos, and there is also a possibility that we will see whales. I am also going on a surfing course on the Gold Coast, and a diving trip to the Great Barrier Reef from Townsville'.

Walde also really appreciates the campus:

'It’s absolutely huge and has lots of places to sit, both inside and outside. It’s also full of cafes and other places to eat, and they even give out free dinner five days a week', she says, adding:

'Of course, a lot of the magic lies in the fact that Brisbane has summer almost all year round, and you can sit outside and enjoy the sun while working on your assignments. Most assignments feel manageable if done at 25+ degrees celsius on a lawn with a beautiful view of a small lake'.

port wine tasting and surfing

EMIL KRISTIANSEN

• 24 years old
• From Oslo
• Master in FIE (financial economics)
• On exchange in Portugal at the University of Porto
• "The best thing about exchange is all the spontaneous meetings and good memories that emerge! Already in the first week in Porto, I realized that the world is smaller than you think."

Photo: NHH

'Porto is a fantastic city – beautiful, lively and full of charm. The people are incredibly welcoming, and there is always something social to do – whether it is Erasmus events, joint dinners or trips with other international students', says Emil Dyrø Kristiansen.

He has chosen to travel to Portugal's second largest - and World Heritage-listed - city during his last semester.

Kristiansen says the school is good with dedicated lecturers and exciting courses.

'In Porto, there is a good balance between studies and free time, just as it should be! It is also easy (and cheap) getting around on exciting day trips – whether you want to surf in Nazaré or taste some port wine in the Douro Valley. What really makes the experience special is the fantastic food, the relaxed culture and the international student bubble', the 24-year-old elaborates and adds:

'I would recommend everyone to go on exchange. This is my third time, and I am still learning new things about myself'.

Advice from the students

Are you tempted to go on exchange? Then you will appreciate the advice from our students:

• Learn some simple frases before you go.
• Try to save up before you travel.
• Arrange accommodation before arrival - save yourself unnecessary stress (and watch out for scams!).
• Try to get to know more people than just the group of Norwegians you are traveling with, otherwise you will miss out on some of the most fun of exchange.
• Pay close attention to emails from both NHH and the host university - important information will be sent there.
• Make a plan for what you want to accomplish during your exchange. Time flies!
• Don't be afraid to ask the locals for tips on restaurants and activities.
• Be prepared that everyday school life will be different from what you are used to.
• Be open-minded - try local food and get to know people!
• Enjoy your time! Travel around, experience as much as possible and don't be afraid to take initiative!



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