102 reviews
3.92 / 5 based on 102 reviews
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leyamb
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Local language was: Different than language of instruction
Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
Was learning the local language a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my the local language
How much did you improve your the local language?
My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: At ease in most situations
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
There are three levels of Norwegian at UiB, and the international students always have first dibs.
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1
leyamb
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Government assistance
Other sources of funding:
Personal savings
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
Norway is just a more expensive country, but ALWAYS ask (everywhere) if they have a student discount; they're often unadvertised!
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Food, Nightlife, Overall, Telephone:
was more expensive than at home.
Travel:
was the same price as at home.
Housing:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Even though everyone always heads to IKEA first, check out the local Fretex (Salvation Army) much of its stuff is in good condition, and you can get great cheap Norwegian sweaters there! Try to make your lunches and avoid buying unnecessary things, you'll just have to schlep them home at the end of your stay!
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leyamb
Academic
Course recommendations
There are many courses offered in English, but try to find some that are not directed only at international students.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
Study hard in the winter, because after 4 months of rain, it'll be hard to study for exams when the sun finally shows its face.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
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2
leyamb
Overall
I wish I had known...
Bergen is very isolated, so travel in and out of it is more time consuming and/or expensive. Ski trails up at Geilo/Voss are free, so take advantage!!!!!!!
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In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
It's great, but try to integrate yourself and bring/buy good raingear (including shoes!)
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
The trains often have "green departures" which means that they are half price. The Turforlag (or something to that nature) has great hiking maps of the area. The cheapest way to fly is to go to the airport and buy a "sjansebillet" which is on a space available basis, but there is always space! Do not try to continue your habits of eating out all the time, it will get you fat and cost you too much money, try to eat like a Weegie (Norwegian) make open-faced sandwiches to bring to school. Buy a bike if you'll be at Fantoft, it'll save you 570 NOK a month!!!! Check for the police aucitons, they have the cheapest bikes in town. Get your but out and explore some of the great hills surrounding Bergen, they all have trails and offer the best views around. Don't just do Floyen once, go up every month, walk both ways if you can.
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leyamb
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Nightlife: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Travel, Activities: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Cafe Opera for nice atmosphere, Dr. Livingstone's for a CHEAP happy hour drink (25 NOK 7-9PM), Det Lille Kaffe Companiet for good coffee and the Kebab shop near Mr. Bean for cheap eats!
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leyamb
Housing
Type of housing: University housing outside 7 km from the campus
Arranged by: Home university
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
Although I met many cool people in the university housing, there were not many Norwegians, so I spoke way too much English!
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Personal comments
All of the international students are placed together, which makes for very little interaction with Norwegian students.
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