About Julia
- Student from Harz University of Applied Sciences, Germany.
- Exchange student at INN, Campus Lillehammer, autumn 2021 and spring 2022.
- Completed a Double Degree within the Sports and Outdoors Tourism programme.
Why did you choose INN as your exchange destination?
There were few options for double degree students to choose from at Harz University of Applied Sciences. INN and a university in Finland were the only options in Europe. INN was my first choice because I like cross-country skiing and being outdoors in general.
How would you describe your time as an exchange student at INN?
It was a really nice experience, and I am both incredibly glad and grateful that I got this experience. I got to know so many different people and became close friends with some of them. Lillehammer might seem like a small town, but there is a lot to experience and the small city/university size helps to connect with people faster.
What is the best memory of your exchange at INN?
There are so many different memories, so it is hard to choose from. The time here was a mix of many different new experiences, sometimes stepping out of my comfort zone but ultimately growing a lot as a person, that I would not have if I had not had all these experiences. I was also able to get to know a different country and culture that I quickly identified with.
What are your best tips for future exchange students?
Even though Lillehammer might seem like a little, sleepy town and there might be so many other, more interesting things in Norway, do not just travel through the whole country during your time there. Make a list of a few must-sees and plan trips for that, but also spend some time in the Lillehammer region to experience all the nice things like wild camping, cross-country skiing, ice bathing and all the other stuff that you can try for the first time with fellow exchange students. You can return to Norway any time for the "touristy stuff", but you are only with fellow exchange students and at INN once.
Photo: Private.
How has your exchange influenced or benefitted you?
Shortly summarized, I was supposed to be in Lillehammer for 2 semesters/10 months, but after 4,5 years, I am still there and not planning on moving back home any time soon.
Once I got to know the Norwegian culture and Lillehammer as a town, I quickly felt more at home there than in any other place before that. I fell in love with all the possibilities the city and its surrounding area had to offer. I moved to a different Norwegian small town for my internship, but quickly returned because it was missing something. Once back in Lillehammer, I never felt ready to leave, so I got a job and learned Norwegian. I now live where people travel to go on vacation and go on vacation to visit family and friends at home. And even though it is not always easy, I would not have it any other way.
Anything you wish to add?
I recommend that anybody who is thinking about going on an exchange, but is scared of it, to do it. You will not get the same experiences anywhere else, and it could turn out better than you ever imagined.
Even if it does not turn out as initially hoped, you will learn lessons about yourself, and it will be over after a few months.
Photo: Private.