Inez made her exchange semester at Oslo Metropolitan University in Norway

an exchange semester is one of the most developing things you can do

What was the best experience with making an exchange in Oslo?

What I found most interesting about Oslo is that it is very similar to Stockholm, as expected going into it. But because of that, I ended up noticing small differences much more clearly in everyday life. The similarities made the differences stand out more. And, as a Swedish student, I think that I picked up on details that might be easy to miss if you come from a more different country. Noticing those details was definitely part of my best experiences.

It was also very interesting for me as a journalism student, since Norway is one of the best countries in the world when it comes to journalism. For example, they are ranked number one on the World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders. There is a lot to learn there, and I also met very interesting people during my exchange.

If you compare the studies at Oslo Met with Stockholm University? What similarities and differences?

In my field of study, the teaching in Oslo felt more practical compared to Stockholm University. It also felt more well-resourced and invested in.

We got to meet very interesting people working within the field of journalism, like Sidsel Wold and Anders Sømme Hammer, and we also had workshops with Bellingcat and went on small study trips and excursions. At Stockholm University, I feel like the teaching is more based on regular lectures and with few guest speakers for instance.

Why do you think students should go for an exchange semester?

I think an exchange semester is one of the most developing things you can do. I have done exchanges both in Oslo, Norway and Osaka, Japan, and both experiences are among the best things I have ever done.

It is interesting to compare the two, and of course I am generalising a bit, but Norway is quite similar to Sweden, while Japan is very different. So they are two completely different kinds of exchange experiences, but both were just as good and valuable. It has been really interesting to have had the chance to experience both and compare them.

Do you have any advice for future exchange students?

My advice is to say yes to everything and just go for it. It is almost impossible to regret an exchange semester. At least, it is easier to regret what you did not do than what you did. Any small stressful parts, or eventual challenges like within the application process or when finding housing, are always worth it in the end. They also tend to be much easier than you expect at first, and you can always get help with everything. So another piece of advice is to not be afraid to ask for help from people around you, and rather one time too many than too few.

Also, try to focus more on the personal experience than only the academic side. You actually learn more when you feel good and enjoy your time.

Lastly, I recommend trying to make the experience as “real” as possible, for example by finding your own housing and building a life outside of university. That made me feel much more independent and helped me understand the city and country, as well as the culture and people, much better.