For now, most of them find it exotic with both snow and cold, and many are already exploring the surrounding area on foot, with snowshoes, or skiing.
This semester, the students come from France, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands. There are also three new students from Switzerland who are part of the double degree collaboration Evenstad has with ZHAW (Zurich University of Applied Sciences).
Safety training for the students
The first day of the semester was spent on safety training and getting to know each other. During the semester, students will have several days out in the field, so it is necessary to learn how to handle the cold, navigate, use GPS, assess ice safety, and most importantly, what to do if an accident occurs. The day ended with a quiz and social gathering.
![The students sit in a room and listen to what the lecturer has to say about safety on frozen water. In the background, a presentation is shown on a screen.](/om-hogskolen/fakultet-for-anvendt-okologi-landbruksfag-og-bioteknologi/aktuelt-fra-alb/semesterstart-utvekslingsstudenter-evenstad/sikkerhetstrening.jpg)
A positive start into the exchange semester
Mirjam Bakker from the Netherlands, David Perez Priego, and Julia Verdejo Nieto from Spain are three of the newly arrived exchange students. One week into the semester, all three are full of praise for the new life at Evenstad in the middle of nowhere.
![Three students stand next to each other. In the background you can see the mountains.](/om-hogskolen/fakultet-for-anvendt-okologi-landbruksfag-og-bioteknologi/aktuelt-fra-alb/semesterstart-utvekslingsstudenter-evenstad/utvekslings_studenter.jpg)
– After just one week, it already feels like we have become some sort of family, says David enthusiastically.
– The best thing about Evenstad so far must be the beautiful surroundings and the relaxed and good vibe, Mirjam continues.
They all come from different partner institutions and have heard about Evenstad from their home schools or through friends. Some have exchange as a mandatory part of their study program, while others have it as an optional alternative.
– I wanted to visit Norway and experience something completely new. This is the first time I'm living away from home, and in a way, it's the beginning of a more independent life. So far, it's a dream come true, Julia says.
When asked what they hope to experience during their stay, the trio agrees.
– Northern lights and moose! Try skiing and make many new friends.
Want to read more about the exchange studies within Ecology, Evolution, or Forest and Wildlife Management at Evenstad? Check out our international study programmes.
Contact information:
- heidi.braadland@inn.no
- Phone
- +47 62 43 07 65