Norway – Yarden
Student: Yarden
Course: Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Communications
Program: Trimester exchange
How did you make friends and what sort of things did you do together?
Making friends while studying abroad is one of the scariest parts. In the beginning, you overthink whether you’ll fit in but the reality is that everyone is feeling the same way. Everyone wants to make friends, everyone wants to connect with people from different countries, and everyone wants to create memorable experiences together. The best advice I can give is to put yourself out there and say yes to everything. You never know which spontaneous plan will turn into a lifelong memory. In Oslo, the friendships I made became the centre of my exchange experience. We spent our days exploring new cafes hidden inside streets, attending launch events around the city, and riding bikes through quiet neighbourhoods. The weather was something I had never experienced before, so in the snow we would hike the surrounding mountains, swim in the fjords and often ended up studying together in cosy corners of the library. These little moments with all the friends I have became the most memorable part of the exchange.
How did you spend your weekends? Did you go on any memorable trips to explore your host country or maybe a nearby country
Weekends quickly became dedicated to travelling. Europe is incredibly accessible, with cheap flights and short distances making it easy to explore new places all the time. During my exchange, I managed to tick off 11 countries, each one offering a different culture, atmosphere, and memories shared with people who were just as excited to explore as I was. Travelling with friends who share your curiosity makes every trip feel like a lasting memory and those times away become the stories you tell forever. I had three favourite trips that stand out: Barcelona had the best dance vibes, incredible food, and the friendliest locals. Budapest had the most stunning scenery, thermal baths, and iconic attractions that were the most fun to explore, and Tromsø was unforgettable – it’s where I saw the Northern Lights for the first time, a moment that genuinely felt magical.
What's your one piece of advice for a student who is preparing to study abroad? How should they prepare?
If I had to give one piece of advice to someone preparing to study abroad, it would be to research the city you’re travelling to, not just the tourist attractions, but the culture, customs, and everyday life. I found it incredibly helpful to watch TikToks about life in Oslo and Scandinavia in general, because their cultural practices and social norms are very different from what we’re used to. Researching food prices and the cost of daily essentials helped me estimate my weekly spending and budget properly for travelling, eating out, and exploring the city. Another essential tip is to look at the weather ahead and research the type of clothing you’ll need. In Norway, it was minus degrees until mid‑March, so I needed thermals, waterproof layers, and sturdy shoes. Every country is different, and preparing properly makes the transition so much smoother. Being informed before you arrive helps you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to make the most of your exchange.
How did you finance your trip? How much did your trip cost?
I financed my entire experience abroad myself, and it’s something I’m incredibly proud of. I didn’t take the HELP loan, which I’m so thankful for now, because I can look back and know that I completely made this happen on my own. It took a long time of working and saving really hard, especially because Norway is the second most expensive country in the world. I budgeted each week for food shopping, spending money, gym membership, travel, and all the bits in between. Overall, my exchange cost between $26,000–$28,000, including flights, visas, travel, and accommodation. My two biggest tips are to budget and manage your money carefully while you’re there, and always keep some money aside for the unexpected little things that come up along the way. Being financially prepared gives you freedom to travel, explore, say yes to opportunities, and enjoy your exchange without stress.