Hi folks,

Today was my first exam day and here are few funny facts about exams in Norway.

#1: Norwegians are so conscious of environment, property and rules. First of all, for the exam, they gave us carbon copies with gather the original sheet, the duplicata for them and the third one for us, in case we want to check our work later. That’s pretty smart actually! Than, regarding the number of people passing the exams, we were placed into the gym building, on the basketball field, and since they don’t want any dirt, we had to wear plastic bags over on our shoes… Super weird…

#2: No watch, no suspected things, it is like you enter naked into the room 😮

#3: Norwegians tend to bring as many Redbull cans as they can, like it would change anything…

#4: When it isn’t special rooms like the gymnasium, Norwegians feel the need to take off their shoes to be like, more comfy… Even at the gym or at the library actually. It’s pretty weird the first time you witness that, but I’ll confess I tried it once and I like it! 😀

Well, this pretty much I noticed today, maybe I’m going to see more in a few…

See ya!

Brice LE GAC

Beginning of the Norwegian November, first temperatures below zero and finally we embark upon a new phase of our semester: exams. In Norway, this month is dedicated to exam, which means no more parties, busy library, tension and stress. To access to these exams, on the first part of the semester, we had to deliver assignments and term papers. Most of them were pass/fail, some represent half of the grade. In my case, I had several oral presentations, case study analysis on companies regarding my various courses and so forth.

NHH is one of the best place I have ever experienced to study: big study rooms well equipped, cosy library where you can discuss with groups, separated group rooms that you have to book in advance through the website… These very rooms have different spirits that make them even more appreciated. Furthermore, we can also access to NHH 24/7 thanks to our student card and codes. In short, you can study anytime, in couches, soft chairs, relaxing rooms…

No excuses to miss the exams then…

Brice LE GAC

Before I applied to a semester abroad, I knew the Erasmus program had a lot to offer. Leaving the home country is not easy if it’s the first time, you must be prepared for several changes in your day life due to another culture, language, way of life and so on.

Hopefully for me, it wasn’t the first time and Norway is the kind of country I’ve never tried before. What really excited me was the exchange student life, completely different and exactly what I expected. I also wanted to discover to learn from another way of teaching, and to have another experience of “Business School”. On this specific point, NHH couldn’t have been a better choice and this is going to be my subject today.

Inside the walls of the Norwegian School of Economics, we can clearly notice a different of spirit, comparing to the French schools and university I’ve been. Full of sport and animation clubs, the Norges handelshøyskole, the Norwegian name of the NHH, is complete and welcoming. We don’t feel any pressure or stress, but an enormous trust given to students. From the group study rooms you can book, the cafeteria, the basement’s nightclub to the auditorium and the hall, students are guided and well-served to succeed in their studies.

But studies aren’t 100% of the student life, and this is particularly the case in Norway, where sports take a huge place. Thus, a lot of gyms and sports areas are proposed with sauna, pools et cetera.

These advantages are partly due to the enormous investments the government makes in education. What could underline my words is the unbelievable presence of technologies inside the school: magnetic and useful student cards, electronic doors, auditoriums fully equipped and so forth. I can also mention some benefits we have being in the most famous school of Norway. First of all, almost every courses are ran by experts, professional or Ph.D. student which is quite close to French business schools.

On the other hand, many lessons are taught by external speakers which once was the vice-president of Telenor, big Norwegian telecommunications company. Furthermore, recently, the Prime Minister of Norway came to address us a speech about current issues and concerns relative to the Norwegian and global economy.

So far, Norway brings us a welcoming framework to study in and this is just the beginning…

Brice LE GAC, M1 CG

Brice LE GAC