Erasmus+

I have been an Erasmus + participant in the University of Stavanger in Norway for half of the year. This opportunity was given to me by the Jan Kochanowski University. I came to Norway in January, however my studies haven’t been started yet. I faced some visa problems. What is more, I wanted to learn the city routes and to see all of the interesting places around, but Stavanger met me with continuing rain. It was raining cats and dogs almost every day, but if you are a rain lover, this place is definitely for you!

After some weeks of walking around the city, I’ve finally started my studies. I have to admit  the University warmly accepted not only me, but also the other students who came from different countries. Coordinators were always ready to help and I felt almost like home. In the University of Stavanger coordinators, psychologists and other students are always ready to help and they try their best to help you in everything. You could contact any of the responsible people in time and discuss or solve all of the problems you had. Even such problems as problems with finding friends.

What is more, in the University there is absolutely informal atmosphere. Teachers usually ask you to call them informally and they are very friendly. The methods of teaching are interesting and the subjects themselves are unusual,however I had to be prepared to write and read in English a lot. Also, due to Corona situation all of the lectures we had were still held in on-line. Teachers were quite professional and I didn’t feel a lot of difference in learning process, however all of the students were forced to communicate in a distant form.

What about the city itself, Stavanger is one of the best and the most desirable places in Norway to live. It takes 4th place in the list of the biggest Norwegian cities and I have to admit that I understand why people would like to live here. Maybe you will not see an urbanistic stylish buildings here, but Stavanger will shoot an arrow right into your heart, because the charming houses, lots of birds, fjords surroundings are marvellous. The thing I liked the most about Stavanger is that it is surrounded not only by beautiful hikes, but also most of the most beautiful places in Norway are situated nearby. The significant minus of it was also the fact, that due to the Coronavirus, all of the buses to beautiful places and hikes were cancelled, but I was lucky to find some friends who took me around by car.

As I have already said, Norway is a rainy country, but when the sun comes out, the Norway is the most beautiful country you can find in this world. Even if you go somewhere by car (for example a nearby city), the picturesque views can take your breath away.

Due to Corona situation it was complicated to travel a lot, but it affected not only the travelling part. Coronavirus made communicating complicated for everyone. But I strongly believe that Norway, Stavanger and University of Stavanger itself are one of the best places to visit or to choose them as your Erasmus + experience. I strongly advice Norway as your Erasmus destination and I encourage you to use the opportunity to be an Erasmus + student. Exploring and experiencing new things are never enough!