My Erasmus Semester at NTNU in Trondheim, Norway (January – June 2025)

From January to June 2025, I had the opportunity to spend an Erasmus semester at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, Norway. This stay abroad was a formative and enriching experience – academically, culturally, and personally.

University and Courses

I attended three courses at NTNU, amounting to a total of 30 ECTS credits. Particularly noteworthy was the course “Music 1” (15 ECTS), which was originally designed for Erasmus students, but due to low enrollment was merged with the regular course for Norwegian teacher education students. The content ranged from choir singing and instrument exploration to music production using the software Soundtrap. The highlight was a public concert that we performed as a band in front of an audience.

In addition to music, I took the course “Introduction to Norway” (7.5 ECTS), which covered the history, politics, economy, and education system of Norway. Although the content was presented in a rather theoretical and dry manner, I gained valuable background knowledge about my host country.

My studies were rounded off with the course “Norwegian for Foreigners, short course” (7.5 ECTS), where I learned the basics of the Norwegian language. The experience of learning a new language as an adult has significantly strengthened my empathy for students who learn German as a second language.

School Visit and Practical Insights

As part of the music course, I was able to conduct a music lesson at a Norwegian elementary school together with two other Erasmus students. We did rhythm exercises with the children and at the same time got to know the Norwegian school system firsthand. This short but intense glimpse into Norwegian educational practice felt like a mini internship and was especially valuable to me as a future primary school teacher.

Living in the Student Village

I lived in the student residence Moholt studentby, in a shared apartment with students from Germany and France – each of us had our own bedroom while the kitchen and bathroom were shared. The residence had an international atmosphere and was relatively affordable by Norwegian standards. I was able to cover the rent entirely with the Erasmus grant. Living in a student village that hosts both international and Norwegian students was an exciting experience. The social living situation greatly contributed to my positive experience.

The City of Trondheim

Trondheim is a beautiful city in the heart of Norway, surrounded by nature and fjords. I did many activities including excursions into nature, hiking, skiing, cross-country skiing, and traveling through Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Poland. One particularly unforgettable moment was seeing the Northern Lights.

Cultural and Personal Development

During my stay, I got to meet people from all over Europe, including many students from Spain, Italy, France, and Germany, as well as from smaller European countries. I even met international students from India, Taiwan, and Australia. Cultural exchange was especially important to me – that’s why I actively sought contact with international and non-German-speaking students, and improved my English through daily communication. My understanding of other cultures and the Norwegian education system also deepened significantly.

Academically, it was exciting to experience a different university system – with English-language courses, different exam formats, and a different approach to teaching and learning. Personally, the stay made me more courageous, independent, and open-minded. The Erasmus semester truly confirmed that it is a unique opportunity to broaden one’s horizons.

Conclusion

My Erasmus semester at NTNU was a complete success in every respect. I not only gained new academic skills, but also made important intercultural and social experiences and friendships. The stay was especially valuable for my future as a teacher – whether through the school visit, music education insights, or the awareness of multilingualism and cultural diversity. I can only recommend taking this opportunity – it changes the way you see the world and yourself.

Text und Foto: Julian Ebner