Justine Mawadri reports on his experience of travelling to Norway from Uganda to work on his Master's degree under the NORPART programme.
Hello, I'm Justine Mawadri, a first-year student pursuing a Master’s degree in international environmental studies at NMBU. I hail from Uganda and am part of the NORPART project, a collaborative effort between NMBU, Makerere University, Gulu University, and the Centre for African Research.
My journey to Norway marked my first experience in a European country. While I had travelled abroad before, my preconceptions of Norway were vastly different. I anticipated perpetual darkness and bitter cold, so I packed warmly, complete with sweaters. To my surprise, upon arrival, I discovered that the sun still shone brightly, albeit amidst chilly early summer days. I couldn't help but wonder how cold winter would be if summer felt this way. Soon enough, I acclimatised to the weather, and life became normal. The phenomenon of seeing the sun at night left an indelible mark on me, with extraordinarily long daylight hours during the summer season. The sun would rise early and set late, sometimes as late as 20:00. This was entirely new and surreal, often leading to late nights and early mornings.
The academic environment at NMBU is not only conducive to learning but also deeply committed to environmental sustainability. In Norway, trees seem to outnumber human beings, and the sense of social security and trust is palpable.
Navigating the educational system at NMBU posed some challenges due to its unique structure. Unlike my previous university, where courses were predetermined, here, we had to select core elective courses. Fortunately, the program study advisors at NMBU made this transition straightforward. The student canvas system was a fresh experience for me, but I welcomed it warmly as a lover of digital innovations. The interdisciplinary nature of the program exceeded my expectations, and the student-centric approach, involving group work and presentations, helped me form strong bonds with international peers from across the globe.
One of the highlights of my time here was the field excursion to Lillehammer and Oppland. The trip aimed to deepen our understanding of Norwegian nature management, its structure, practices, and conflicts. Our visit to Maihaugen Museum, exploration of traditional buildings, and hiking to the peak of Mount Ormtjernkampen were filled with excitement and fun. I proudly led the way to the summit, leaving some of my colleagues behind. The social evening session during the trip, where I was asked to sing to entertain my classmates, was a memorable moment of camaraderie and joy.
Another thrilling experience was exploring Oslo city with my friends, Julia Ferraresi and Sondre. My adventure in the city was a delightful mix of discovery and exploration, revealing a city harmoniously coexisting with nature and development.
“The food I couldn't finish” deserves a special mention. My first encounter with wrapped food turned into quite a tale. I couldn't believe I couldn't finish it, while some of my friends went back for seconds. Although Norway is known for its high costs compared to my home country, cooking with fellow students proved to be a budget-friendly and enjoyable option.
Lastly, I must admit that I harboured some misconceptions about native Norwegians being standoffish and unapproachable. However, my immediate Norwegian neighbour proved my stereotypes wrong. She was polite, honest, open, and always willing to lend a helping hand. I found that reaching out for assistance was met with support and guidance. My fear of exploring new cultures, values, beliefs, and people gradually faded, especially during Buddy Week, which provided a perfect opportunity to interact and make friends. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the NORPART team for their unwavering support.
All in all, my experience at NMBU and in Norway has been a transformative journey, filled with learning, growth, and unexpected joys. I look forward to what the future holds in this beautiful land of contrasts and opportunities.
