The University
I started my Erasmus semester at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway on July 21, 2025.
Together with Sophie Mairhuber, I flew from Vienna to Tromsø, and then we took a taxi to our accommodation. We were very excited and curious to begin our Erasmus experience.
The university impressed me from the beginning. Compared to PH Steiermark, UiT is much bigger. However, after a few days, we could find our way easily. The app MazeMap helped us a lot because it made it easier to move around the large campus. We quickly found lecture halls, seminar rooms, and study areas, so starting at UiT was easy for us.
I attended three courses: two literature courses and one course called “Introduction to English Language.” The level was challenging, but the teachers were very supportive. The teaching style was different from my home university. At UiT, students work more independently, think critically, and take part actively in discussions. The campus was well organized and had many places to study and meet other students.
The university was easy to reach. There was a bus stop right in front of the campus. However, since we lived only five minutes away, we usually walked. To use public transport, you need the app “Svipper” to buy tickets easily.

Academic Experience
During my stay, I gained many important academic experiences. It was very interesting to study literature from an international perspective and talk with students from different cultures. Because all courses were in English, I improved my language skills a lot.
I learned how to analyze texts better, build stronger arguments, and express my ideas more confidently in English. These are things I would not have learned so well without studying abroad.

Accommodation
We were lucky to find an apartment close to the university. It was only a five-minute walk to UiT, which was perfect. This made it easy for us to take part in both university life and social activities. Living alone in another country was not always easy at the beginning, but it helped me become more organized, independent, and responsible.

The City
Tromsø is not a big city, but it has everything you need: shopping centers, supermarkets, nice bars and restaurants, and interesting museums. I especially enjoyed learning about the indigenous people of Norway, the Sámi.
Tromsø has the northernmost McDonald’s in the world and also one of the smallest bars, where you can eat very good hot dogs. There are also many boat tours. I booked most of my activities through GetYourGuide. One highlight was a whale safari where we saw several orcas.
Not only the city, but also the nature around it is beautiful and unique. During the semester, we traveled to Bergen, where we explored the city and took another boat tour.
In November, we flew to Spitzbergen, which was one of the best experiences of my stay.
We went dog sledding, hiked on a glacier, and visited museums. I will never forget these experiences.

Evaluation of My Stay Abroad
Academic Perspective
From an academic point of view, my Erasmus semester was very valuable. I improved my English a lot, learned new teaching methods, and gained international perspectives. The focus on independent work and discussions helped me develop my academic skills.
Cultural and Social Perspective
Culturally and socially, this experience was also very important. I got to know a new way of life, experienced Norwegian culture, and made international friends. Meeting students from different countries opened my mind and improved my intercultural skills.
Learning and Working Experiences
Without studying abroad, I would not have gained such strong international academic experience. I also became much more confident using English in academic situations. Studying in a new environment helped me grow both intellectually and personally.
Benefit for My Future Career as a Teacher
I believe this experience will help me a lot in my future job as a teacher. I improved my English and learned more about cultural diversity. This will help me create an open and inclusive classroom in the future.
Personal Development
This semester changed me a lot. I became more independent, open-minded, and confident. Living in another country taught me how to handle new situations, solve problems on my own, and leave my comfort zone.

Conclusion
My Erasmus semester in Tromsø was the best decision I could have made. I learned a lot about myself, improved my English, met amazing people, and enjoyed Norway’s beautiful nature.
Looking back, it was the most beautiful and important time, of my life – an experience I will always remember.

Photos & Text: Laura Kropf