It Was "Hyggeligt" Enough Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

School is fine. A selling point is the four day academics followed by a three day weekend for personal endeavors. One professor is absolutely amazing and is the most effective and sincere. I cannot speak highly enough of John Ross, who helps his students either adjust to the American system or continue to learn within it. He does not only veer toward accommodating the Norwegians and their attempt to familiarize with the American system, but also emphasizes the continuation of academic growth for the Americans while not overdoing it. He understands that there are two different types of students, those that need exposure and adjustment to the American-style of teaching and those that are here for experience, and he applies both wonderfully to his style of teaching. He is passionate and cares both for his curriculum and students. While he might seem more like the challenging option and the harder-to-get good grade, he is the right choice to garner a full understanding of what the American system is like, while also getting a quality personal education and your money's worth. The other professors are good too with their pros and cons. The subjects that are offered are a little underwhelming and lean heavily toward social studies are then a more broad approach. It would have been more ideal if the courses were in all the fundamental subjects like math, science, language, and social science. This would make the adjustment to the United States more smooth for students and open the program for a more variety of international students.

On-site administration of your program

Staff is alright, too. Nick, Vanessa, and Krista--the North Americans--are incredibly extroverted and put the students at the forefront of all things. The issue is with Colin and Siv--the two Norwegians--who are a more quite and introverted. They can come off as rude at moments and put the financial aspects before the students, which can make one feel more like a commodity rather than a person looking for an experience. Other than that, all other people are wonderful--and American.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living accommodations are of good quality. It used to be bigger and someone could reside independently, but they decided to add another room to have two rooms within the apartment. If you do live by yourself, they will make sure the other room is locked. Due to this decision, the kitchen and the dining area is rather small. This would be fine if the lighting was not incredibly poor and depressing. One issue with the residential area is that they are divided into three blocks, and if one has a friend in another block then they would have to constantly ring to enter. It would have been more convenient if it were interconnected, but this is an extremely pedantic nitpick. Proximity goes a long way, especially in regard to socializing. The rent is a bit on the higher end, and if there were better options, I would have taken it instead. Some students have moved out after the first semester to live somewhere else the second, but Americans do not have the luxury to make such a decision.

It is what you make it to be. Groceries are grossly expensive but high quality, unless you buy cheap. There is no on-campus food programs. Make what you will of it.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The socializing depends on the academic year and its students. Scandinavia is a drinking region that relies heavily on alcohol for social encounters. As aforementioned this can be pricey with hundreds of kroner being spent for one or two nights of drinking. This seemed to be the only true outlet for socializing within our academic year and led to high amounts of noise population and messes due to partying. Moreover, Scandinavians are very group-oriented and can be excluding at times. The only way to a Scandinavian's heart is through alcohol, but be aware that that does not mean one is a bona fide friend with one. This could lead to nationalized grouping with Americans being with Americans and Scandinavians being amongst themselves, but this is not always the case. Every person is different. Scandinavians are not as engaging and polite in public as Americans are. They keep to themselves, unless they are elderly, and will give you the stink eye if you begin socializing with them. Some, though, are not at all like this, but they tend to have more cultural exposure than just Norwegian.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

First-world country, cold so not many diseases, and free health care for the most part.

I would not keep my doors unlocked, but that is a personal strife. Moss is family-oriented and safe. Just be careful when drinking and encountering strangers, but that is accounts to literally everywhere.

Call me a negative Nelly, but it just was not the experience I was looking for. It had the program I needed and that was the only reason why I went. It was just gravy that it happened to be in Norway.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It is expensive.

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• Apartment

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• It is in Norway
• It is taught in English
• Professor John Ross

• Programs available
• Social activities
• Stop placing social media above the actual experience

The Avid Adventurer