As part of the Erasmus+ programme, I spent a semester in Tromsø, Norway, studying at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway. My time there was an incredibly positive and enriching experience, both academically and personally. Living and studying in such a unique environment allowed me to experience a different education system and gain insight into everyday life in Norway while growing as a person.

The University

UiT is the northernmost university in the world and has a very international atmosphere. The campus is modern and well equipped, and I always found suitable places to study or work between classes. What I appreciated most was the relaxed yet focused learning environment. Lecturers were approachable and open to discussion, and students were encouraged to work independently and share their own ideas. This approach to studying felt different from what I was used to and helped me become more confident in my academic work.

Academic Experience / School Practice

During my Erasmus stay, I attended literature courses as part of the English teacher education programme. The classes were mainly discussion-based and required a significant amount of independent reading and preparation. I particularly enjoyed the seminars, as students were actively involved and encouraged to express their opinions. Studying in English every day also helped me improve my language skills and gain confidence.

Accommodation

I lived in a shared apartment with two other female students. We got along very well, and the atmosphere in the flat was friendly and supportive. Sharing everyday routines, cooking together, and talking about our experiences helped me feel at home quickly. Having flatmates also made the social side of my Erasmus stay much easier and more enjoyable.

The City of Tromsø

One of the most special aspects of my stay in Tromsø was experiencing both summer and winter. The extreme light conditions make the city truly unique. In summer, it is almost always bright, creating a special atmosphere and making it easy to spend a lot of time outdoors. Tromsø is surrounded by stunning nature, which is especially beautiful during the summer months.

During my stay, I travelled extensively in and around Tromsø. I often rented a car or a camper van, which allowed me to explore the region independently and visit more remote places. This way of travelling gave me unforgettable impressions of the Arctic landscape. One of the highlights of my stay was a trip to Svalbard (Spitsbergen), which was a truly unique experience and one of the most memorable moments of my Erasmus semester.

Another aspect of student life that I really appreciated was the student gym “Kraft”. It is affordable, well equipped, and offers a wide range of courses. Going there regularly helped me stay active and was also a great way to meet other students.

Evaluation of the Stay Abroad

From an academic perspective, the stay abroad gave me new insights into studying and teaching. I learned a great deal about Norwegian society and values such as equality, as well as the strong connection to nature.

Through this Erasmus experience, I developed skills that I would not have gained in the same way at home. These include independence, flexibility, intercultural communication skills, and increased confidence in using English in both academic and everyday contexts.

I strongly believe that this experience will benefit my future career as a teacher. It helped me become more open-minded and reflective and will allow me to better understand and support diverse learners in the classroom.

On a personal level, my Erasmus stay had a lasting impact on me. Living abroad challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, adapt to new situations, and become more self-confident. Overall, this experience helped me grow both personally and academically.

Photos & Text: Sophie Marie Mairhuber