When asked about the key strengths of studies at the Faculty of Landscape and Society, students highlight the dedication of teachers to their learning, the value placed on independent thought, and the creation of a classroom environment where everyone's ideas are welcomed.
At the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), local, regional and international students create a dynamic and diverse community. We met with some of them, each with unique backgrounds, to discuss their personal experiences of joining NMBU, as well as their thoughts on the student and learning environment. They are all attending the English-taught, international study programs available at the Faculty of Landscape and Society. Some are locals, some are from abroad.
A safe place
– To me, what really stands out, is how highly valued independent thinking is, says Lena Anna Maria Krachler, an Austrian native. – We are encouraged by our teachers to question assumptions, and there is a strong focus on critical thinking in all our courses. Maybe more so than I’m used to from other institutions.
Our group of students explain that classes usually involve lots of student activity, with group work and discussions and debates.
– Everybody can speak their mind, in a safe environment, says Henriette Julie Torgersen, a student of the International Relations master’s. – And since the students in my class have such diverse backgrounds, there always emerges new and interesting perspectives from our discussions.
She emphasizes that the teachers take great care in making the class environment a safe place, where every opinion is valued.
– I think this is also helped by teachers that display a genuine care for us students, explains Bror. – They are also very accessible. There is no high threshold for asking questions or asking for guidance, like there might be in other institutions. Plus, classes are not that big, which facilitates better follow-up from teachers.
Tailor-made
The Faculty of Landscape and Society describes itself as an interdisciplinary institution, where study programs provide perspectives from both social and natural science. How does this actually manifest itself in studies?
– You will have a high degree of freedom when choosing electives, explains Amber Petersen, a student of International Environmental Studies. – This gives you the opportunity to tailor your master’s degree to your interests or needs, whether it be to focus on natural science or social science subjects, or to immerse yourself in a certain theme.
Our students also talk about how you will learn to approach and research any subject matter, and to find sources of accurate and reliable information.
– But maybe what’s most important is to see how subject areas are connected, and to think about them in a global context. This is a valuable skill for your worklife, as you are likely to cooperate with experts from different fields of knowledge, says Henriette.
Some of our students have specific career goals in mind: Henriette, with her International Relations master’s, would like to fight cross-border organized crime. Amber, the Environmental Studies-student would like to work with forest governance, ensuring the forests are managed sustainably. And Florian, who is a landscape architecture student, desires to create cities that are better suited for people, using more vegetation and elements from nature.
A smaller community
NMBU is in Ås, a municipality just outside of Oslo. Many students choose to live right by the university campus, in student housing provided by the University. But some choose to live in Oslo, commuting daily to Ås (the train takes less than 20 minutes).
– Ås is a small place, which I think is beneficial for the student environment. In a larger place or city, students might go their separate ways after class, and it will be more difficult to make new friends. Not so at NMBU. We have a tight student community, and since our university is relatively small it is quite transparent. It’s easy to get to know other students, also ones from study programs other than your own, says Florian Opitz of the Landscape Architecture for Global Sustainability-program.
Our students emphasize the importance of feeling included and welcomed, especially when you come from another country.
– The student community really has something to offer everyone, adds Florian. – Amongst the many student associations, you’ll likely find “your people”.