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It has been exactly a month since I arrived in Norway. I am on exchange here at in Sogndal at the Sogn og Fjordane University College. They have this really hands on practical course which I am doing called From Mountains to Fjord, the course is run every Fall Semester (August-December). So far we have more time out in the field doing studies than actual time in a classroom.

It is GREAT! It is the 10th year that this course has been run here at the university college and upon our arrival they put on a weekend of celebration, the YouTube Video that I have put together can be watch here:

The town where I live has ~6000 people and~2500 Students, so it is mainly a town full of university students! So asyou can imagine it is a very social town that doesn’t sleep very often. The surroundings here are just stunning, the fjords drop down to 260m depth while the mountians shoot straight up to 900m right out of the deep fjord.
Most of the international students (~45) are very active so we spend most of the spare time out climbing the mountains for riding our bikes around the edges of the fjords. Check out the things that we have been up to so far!!
Stedjesen Hike

Ride to Fjord

One of the most memorable moments so far is having the opportunity to spend two days hiking on the Smørstabbreen Glacier

It was in our first week of class! I am loving the opportunity to spend so much time out of the ordinary classroom and getting in the field learning the practical things along with
the theory this technique will be so beneficial later on!
My time over here so far has been so great… when you GO you may not want to come back.
Other videos of my time in Norway:

Bergen Hiking

Enjoy!
Brenton Owens

I’m doing my semester abroad at Louisiana State University in southern USA and I’m having the time of my life! Louisiana is known for their ‘southern hospitality’ because the people here are so friendly and go out of their way to make your visit a memorable one.  

LSU is situated in a college town where everything is designed for students. There is always something to do every day of the week! LSU fits every American college stereotype  – traditions, keg parties, beer pong, red cups, American football, frat boys and sorority houses.. It feels like I’m in an American movie every day, it is all so much fun!!!!

I’m only an hour away from New Orleans and I’ve also been able to travel easily and affordably  all over the states during my time here. Next week I’m going to Cancun, Mexico for Spring Break!! I’ve met so many new people, learnt so much and made enough memories to last a lifetime. I recommend the USC GO program to everyone.

GEAUX LSU TIGERS!!!!

This blog and her amazing photos, show the beauty of the people, landscape and architecture in Mexico and are a record of her travels through the region… take a look 

http://melissa-ajourney.blogspot.com/

Excuse me if I write this with a touch of nostalgia, as back home it is currently Australia Day and today I am celebrating by having a German language exam. But the last six months really have been a whirlwind of new experiences, adventures, challenges and new friends.

The opportunity to study in Germany through the GO program has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only am I benefiting my studies but I am doing something that is completely outside my comfort zone! The highlight of my journey would have to be all the amazing travelling opportunities around Europe. Since this is my first trip to Europe I did a couple of months travel before the semester started. I was lucky enough to be able to visit: Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Paris, London, Prague, Amsterdam, The Greek Islands and Budapest.

Studying at RheinAhrCampus hasn’t been all easy though, as the German language is very hard to master. I still classify myself as a beginner as I am only taking one class a week. But I am proud to say that although I can’t speak very fast or formulate quick responses, I can understand most conversations by picking out key words.  

When applying for the GO Program I never thought the decision would completely change my life – but it has. Not only did I move halfway across the world, but my life moved with me. Living here in Germany now has become my new life… I have new classes, new friends, a new language and a new way of living. And because I’m just loving Germany so much… I had to enrol for a second semester!

Auf Wiedersehen,

Lucy

I am already half way through my six month stay in Japan and I don’t want to leave! I originally applied to go to Tokyo and was a little disappointed when I found out there were no places available in a Tokyo university but now I could not be happier that I’m living Kyoto. Kyoto is a really beautiful city there is so much to see. I was lucky enough to be here throughout November when the autumn leaves were out and it was so amazing, something I had never seen before in Australia.

I have also learnt so much Japanese since coming here; it is so different studying a language in-country than studying at home, so much better! Uni in Japan is quite a lot of work but fun, we have language classes from 9 to 12 Monday to Friday then each afternoon off. We also have a different teacher everyday and they are all lovely. And the classes are completely in Japanese which is really good.

Also there are so many exciting places to visit, public transport is really convenient and easy in Japan so you can go to a different city every weekend or do road trips with Japanese friends, which I have been lucky enough to do, Japanese people are so friendly!

Tiyanah

 Yesterday was such an excellent day that makes me thankful and privileged to be on the GO Program. Over 500 or so students representing 30-40 countries yesterday had the chance to display food, wear traditional costumes, showcasing traditional dances and just being able to enjoy a day full of diversity.

 It is a day where you get to taste, see and enjoy the company of wonderful friends and just have world experience. It was a beautiful autumn day here in Suwon in South Korea and I tell you, you just have to be here to experience the love, fun; excitement and being amongst diverse people and cultures.

 I had the opportunity to represent Australia and Vanuatu. Since I was the only one from the Oceania region, I was allocated two student volunteers from Ajou and we managed to rig up some sausage sizzle and burgers as Aussie food and cooked prawns in Coconut milk as Vanuatu food. Before I came here, I also gathered a lot of souvenirs, books, photos and practically anything from the two countries that I thought would be of help in telling everyone about these two beautiful countries. There were so many many people interested to know about the two countries and I was a proud to be an Ambassador for both!!

 It was wonderful experience as all your new friends are interested to know more about where you come from. Visiting each others booths, tasting the country’s food, heated wines, vodka shots and dancing to different countries music J. The day ended with performances from different countries and partying. It has been such a wonderful day that contributes to making this GO experience an unforgettable one. This is a reason why the GO program is an experience of a lifetime and I cannot stress enough that Ajou University International day is a day you would never want to miss so apply and come and study in Ajou next Fall!

 Tajima

The university, Masaryk, offers excellent courses for Arts students that focus on Literature. There are also courses for Economic, Law and Business students too. Masaryk runs an excellent International Student Club that offers great support, loads of fun activities and the best part, a tutor to help you settle into your new town. They also offer excursions and trips to the neighbouring countries for half of what it would cost if you went on your own.

When you apply for this exchange I recommend applying to live in the Vinašká residence. Block A1 is full of international students and you are bound to make lots of new friends as there is always a party going on. The accommodation is very cheap, as is just about everything here! Beer is actually cheaper than water. And, if you love meat, then you must try all the local dishes. They are big, meaty and go great with Brnos own beer, Starobrno. The people in this little town are very kind and most of the students are bilingual and always happy to help if you get lost. I do strongly suggest that you learn a little Czech before you come, just to make life easier for yourself.

And, if there is one thing you must do while in Brno, go and see an Ice Hockey game. I have never seen anything like it! I am looking forward to the upcoming snow and the rest of the trips that the ISC has organised. I try to remember to study, but there is just so much to do and see!

 I hope you too, decide to come and Czech it out!

Jolene

• Make soft copies of your passport, visa, medical tests, airline tickets, invitation letters and any other documents that will be of importance. Anything could happen so just be prepared
• Talk to your Bank about services they can be able to offer while you are overseas. Make sure your cards are valid for the whole duration of your stay overseas. Get all their help numbers that you can access while overseas. Register to online banking and make sure to keep the passwords in a safe place and are in working status
• Make sure you find out a lot of information about the weather in the host country and pack sufficient clothes. Its good to pack a few days before you leave, that way you know what you have forgotten in the days leading to your departure
• Arrange your transport to the airport
• Double check on everything you need to have the night before your departure
• You are now ready to begin the actual journey
• Plan to arrive at the airport 3hrs prior to departure that way you can check in early and relax before your flight and also to say your goodbyes to friends and families
• Change some money to use at the airport in the host country to make calls, pay for taxi/bus or drink/food etc
• When you arrive, find the representatives from your host university or carefully follow the instructions they have given you on how to get to your accommodation
• Check in at your accommodation and settle in
• Go through your arrival information of the activities that the office of international affairs (OIA) in your host university are hosting over the week of your arrival
• Find your way around the student halls and university and meet your roommate/housemate
• Attend the orientation day and participate in the activities that they have set out. This will help you know what is required of you during the semester
• Regularly check your e-mail for information about enrolments and any other information
• Make sure to keep in regular contact with the GO program and the contact in the office of international affairs in the host university
• There may be additional requirements such as medical insurance and other government requirements that must be arranged. Ask as much information and make sure to arrange for the required. For example in Korea, you need to have a D2 study visa and should be valid for the duration of your stay. You are also required to apply for an alien registration card which determines that you are in Korea temporarily
• Bare in mind that it is normal that the courses that you originally applied for may not be available therefore be ready to make choices of subjects other than the ones that you originally wanted to take. Regular contact between USC and OIA in host university is important

NCSU is the epitome of the American college: expansive dining halls, dorm rooms, hundreds of facilities and a culture absorbed in sporting pride. I have been to 3 football games and seen the crazed fans fill the stadium, the band piping up for every touch-down and the cheerleaders and dancers moving just as much as the players. Opportunities to play sports are also wide and varied, with intra-mural teams free to join. Want to play Quidditch? There is also a team for that and just about every imaginable sport. I play in a volleyball and soccer team, just for fun, and along with the huge gym and all its facilities, staying fit is not a problem. The campus cinema is another great way to entertain yourself, with movies priced at $1.50 and only a minute’s walk away.

Staying in an International dorm makes this experience all the more rewarding as I have made friends with Americans and people from all over the world. It can be a bit squishy, but your friends are only a walk to the next floor! Of course, you can’t come to America without laying praise on the food and cheap prices! Yes, fast-food is prevalent and definitely the cheapest method of eating out. You can afford to go crazy shopping because prices of a lot of items are half of what we would pay back in Oz, be it food, travel or clothing. I went to Orlando for Fall Break on a tight budget and had no problem sticking to it! (Well, Harry Potter World did have a bit of splurging involved…). Seeing a few of the Disney Worlds was amazing, like living out a childhood dream and one of my most valued experiences to date.

Night life in Raleigh makes every weekend an event, with nearly all clubs 18+ for those who can’t yet drink… sigh. Being knee-deep in homework and assessment is tough when all I want to do is have fun, but school is not too hard and keeping up with work takes only a little bit of concentration. Sometimes a big ask when living with a bunch of other international students!

Until more happens here in Raleigh, I’d best be off to get on with life in the States!

 Raechyl