Going Abroad is OSAKO’s own grant, which is granted for students going exchange or training abroad. As a return, the recipient of the grant produces us some exchange content. This Autumn, we get to hear experiences from Katri, who is currently on exchange in Norway.
Greetings from Norway!
My name is Katri Hannula, and I’m in my third year of studying music pedagogy at Oulu University of Applied Sciences (OAMK). This autumn semester, I’m an Erasmus+ exchange student in the beautiful city of Tromsø. I received the Going Abroad grant from OSAKO, and as part of that, I’ll be sharing updates from here three times during the fall. My host institution is the Academy of Music (or conservatory), which is part of UiT – The Arctic University of Norway.
I have a family, and I got inspired to apply for exchange when I heard that students with families are eligible for an increased Erasmus+ grant. We had been dreaming of spending a few months living in Lapland, and now, thanks to my studies, we’re making that dream come true – in Norwegian Lapland! With me are our three youngest children, who attend a special class for immigrant students learning Norwegian. My husband is working remotely, just as he did back home in Finland.
The semester started for us exchange students already on August 5th with orientation days. We received lots of useful information about studying, student organizations, and we got to know each other. There are nearly 300 exchange students here from all over the world!
My actual studies gradually began over the following weeks. My curriculum includes cello and accompaniment lessons, aural training classes (in Norwegian), chamber music, project weeks, and a Norwegian language course – but mostly it’s independent practice. The teachers are excellent, and the people are friendly. There’s a wide range of leisure activities for students as well. The weather has still been warm, so I’ve spent a lot of time hiking with my family. The dramatic landscapes and Arctic nature are, in my opinion, the absolute best things about this place!
