A one of a kind study abroad experience Past Review
By Kay Laughlin (Springfield College) - abroad from 01/10/2020 to 05/07/2020 with
American College of Norway (ACN): Moss - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained a home in Norway. I know that when I go back to visit I have people to meet up with and places to visit again.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I took one course with each of the four professors. Each professor was completely helpful, accommodating and supportive. I enjoyed learning in the classroom setting, and always felt like I could reach out for help in person, or by email. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Before even arriving in Norway i was in constant contact with the administration. They were incredibly helpful with directions to get through the airport and to the school, getting my visa, and making sure my housing accommodations were all set! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I shared a 2 bedroom apartment with a Norwegian student. we had our own bathroom, washing machine, and full kitchen. It was a clean and beautiful apartment, I loved living there! |
| * Food: |
The students at ACN prepare all their own food and do their own shopping. However, staff helped us on our first trips to the grocery store to find food we'd enjoy and translation. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt like a part of the community in Moss. It became a home. Norwegian students also helped me plan trips around Norway. I got to see some of the most beautiful places and with their help, find local spots to see Norway in a new lens. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
ACN is truly a supportive, open, and loving community. I feel so lucky that I got to be a part of it! The staff and students make Norway genuinely feel like home and studying here allows for a unique study abroad experience. Because of the close-knit community that ACN creates I became friends with a lot of Norwegians who helped me navigate travel, culture, and language. I have an enriched idea of Norwegian life now, the students helped me plan trips to the most beautiful places in Norway, and some secret local spots. I genuinely believe this is a one of a kind programs and I can’t imagine having gone to any other school for study abroad. The best part is, when I plan my trip back to Norway, I have a home to visit and tons of people to meet up with! |
Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
Norway is an expensive country. But with proper saving and budgeting I was able to go do everything I wanted to. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $40 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | use student discounts and airline deals! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It may be scary at times, but you will be supported thought the entire experience. You're never alone at ACN |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
