PhD student Berhanu Fikadie Endehabtu, one of NURTURE’s exchange members at USN for the Fall of 2024, reflects on pre-arrival, arrival, academic, social, professional interaction, and life skill aspects of his exchange experience in Norway as below:
Berhanu on pre-arrival: “From my initial application to obtaining my visa, the support I received was commendable. A special thank you to Hossein and Professor Shegaw; the lion’s share of the credit goes to you. The admission process was smooth and welcoming. I received all the necessary information about my dorm and accommodations before my arrival. Additionally, the CDHI team and Professor Shegaw sent their best wishes as I prepare for this next chapter in Drammen, Norway. During the farewell, we enjoyed a delightful cake and coffee ceremony, making it a truly memorable send-off.”
Berhanu on arrival and accommodation: “Upon arrival, I was greeted with a very welcoming reception at the airport, which made me feel immediately at ease in this new environment. The staff were friendly and efficient in helping me collect my cash cards and room keys, ensuring that I had everything I needed to settle in. The orientation provided for the dormitory was excellent, offering clear guidance on how to navigate my new living space. This thoughtful welcome made the transition to my new home in Norway much easier.”
Berhanu on academic life: “I found a suitable and quiet working environment that allowed me to thrive. I had the opportunity to present my PhD plan to Master’s students as part of a global health course, which was a significant experience for me as it enabled me to share my research interests and engage with my peers. Additionally, discussing my PhD work with professors at USN provided valuable feedback and insights. I also enjoyed a welcoming lunch with faculty members, which helped foster a sense of community and support. I wrote two manuscripts that are part of my dissertation; one has been submitted to scientific journals for publication, while the second is currently under review by my supervisors. I attended two independent webinars organized by USN one focused on academic writing and the other on citation and referencing. The academic writing session covered essential aspects such as structure, clarity, and style, aimed at enhancing overall writing skills. The second webinar specifically addressed the importance of proper citation and referencing in academic work. Both sessions were informative and contributed to my understanding of effective academic practices.”
However, before arrival, Berhanu had plans for at least three manuscripts and attendance to some theoretical courses at USN, which unfortunately did not go as 100% as planned, as he mentions.
Berhanu on professional experience: “I took an online training titled Applied Implementation Science Research in Global Healthcare, Systems, and Policy Settings, organized by the Heidelberg Institute of Global Health at Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg and supported by GLOHRA Globalhealth.de. This training focused on the critical role of implementation science in enhancing the impact of evidence-based interventions across various healthcare settings. It provided insights into formulating relevant research questions, selecting appropriate study designs, applying theoretical models, and translating findings into policy and practice.”
However, Berhanu mentions that his interactions for professional development and personal growth via participation in international conferences held during the semester were limited due to limitations regarding his funding.
Berhanu on social life: “Social integration is essential, and I aimed to cultivate meaningful connections by participating in academic and social events both on campus and beyond. My social experience in Norway and at USN has been mixed; while I formed connections with a few individuals, particularly within the Eritrean and Ethiopian communities outside the university, the overall opportunities for social engagement were more limited than I had hoped. This made it challenging to build a broader network of friends and connections on campus. However, I enjoyed many social gatherings with the Ethiopian community outside the university, participating in events such as child baptisms and coffee ceremonies. These experiences enriched my social life and helped foster a sense of belonging. As an Ethiopian, these gatherings resonated deeply with me, allowing me to connect with my roots. I savored traditional dishes like injera, doro wat, and various spicy stews, which were often shared communally during lunch and dinner at home. The vibrant atmosphere was further enhanced by traditional music and dancing, where everyone joined in to celebrate and express joy.”
Berhanu on life skills: “Living in Norway has fostered my independence and adaptability, helping me strengthen my resilience and self-efficacy key attributes for navigating future challenges. During my time here, I acquired practical skills related to daily living, such as cooking and cleaning, which positively contributed to my personal development. One of the highlights of my experience was visiting historical sites in Drammen, where I gained profound insights into Norwegian culture and creativity. This visit showcased how Norwegians lived before the technological era, highlighting their resourcefulness and ability to adapt to their environment. The exhibits illustrated how they built their communities and utilized available materials, deepening my appreciation for Norwegian history and the creative spirit that has shaped the country.”
Berhanu on some funny experiences and lessons learned: “I encountered several funny situations that also served as valuable lessons for the upcoming students:
1-Hiking Shoes Misadventure: Another memorable experience involved a pair of hiking shoes I bought online, thinking they would be perfect for snowy conditions. However, I quickly learned they were not as reliable as I’d hoped. One day, while walking, I slipped and fell, making it clear that trying before buying is essential!
2- Black Friday Shopping: On Black Friday, I noticed a long queue outside a store. Initially, I walked by but later returned to find an even longer line. Curious, I asked what was happening and learned there was a special gift for shoppers. I joined the queue, only to receive a coupon for lunch. Unfortunately, it was during the fasting season for Ethiopian Christians, so I couldn’t enjoy the meal advertised on the coupon.
3-Bread Pricing: One amusing experience was that the price of bread was halved after 10:00 PM. An older Norwegian shared this tip with me, which I found both funny and helpful for future late-night snack runs and to be more economical!“
Berhanu on Oslo’s experience: “I had the chance to visit the Norwegian Palace, beautifully decorated for the holiday season, along with the vibrant streets of Oslo, which were adorned with twinkling lights and festive displays. The city radiated a magical atmosphere, making it a delight to stroll through its charming streets. After soaking in the festive spirit, I enjoyed a delicious Ethiopian dinner, savoring traditional dishes that added warmth to my holiday experience.”
Berhanu’s conclusion: “Overall, my exchange experience in Norway was a mix of positive and challenging moments. I appreciated the warm welcome and thorough orientation, which eased my transition. Visits to historical sites in Drammen deepened my understanding of Norwegian culture, and I encountered humorous situations that provided valuable lessons. However, there were areas for improvement, particularly in social and professional engagement. By addressing these, future exchange students can enjoy a more enriching experience while embracing the unique adventures of adapting to a new culture.”
Berhanu’s acknowledgments: “First, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Professor Shegaw and Professor Binyam for the overall arrangements that made my exchange experience seamless and enjoyable. Their dedication and attention to detail ensured that everything ran smoothly, allowing me to focus on my studies and cultural immersion. I am particularly grateful to Professor Monika for organizing the workspace, including providing a computer monitor, which made me feel more at home. Her efforts in creating an efficient work environment were invaluable. Secondly, I want to extend my gratitude to Hossein for his warm reception, assistance with accommodation, and comprehensive orientation. His support made my transition much easier, and his guidance helped me navigate the new surroundings. Last but not least, I am deeply grateful to the Ethiopian community for their generous hospitality during my stay. The welcoming lunches, dinners, and coffee ceremonies were not just meals but heartfelt gatherings that fostered a sense of belonging. These social gatherings served as a vital manifestation of community spirit, strengthening our social bonds and fostering a sense of belonging. I want to thank Paulos, Fekerte, Solomon, Meron, Beza, Binyam, Alene, Yihenew, Eyob, Tizalu, Neyba, Abdule, and everyone else I didn’t mention by name. Your kindness and warmth enriched my experience and created lasting memories. The sense of community and connection I felt during these gatherings made my time in Norway truly special.”
Berhanu has also provided a great list of suggestions for improving the exchange experience for the incoming batches that will be considered during NURTURE discussions amongst the project manager, project coordinators, and exchange coordinators to elevate the exchange experience to a higher level for the incoming batches.