Norway is located on the far left of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Maybe Koreans are not familiar with Norway. Before going to Norway, I did not know anything about Norway. Actually, Norway was so unfamiliar to me, and my friends asked me, “How about Denmark?” or “How about New Zealand?” When I was in Norway for 6 months, I felt the time fairly raced by. For 6 months, I was able to take some time for introspection and consider what true happiness is for me and what my future goals are.

I studied as an exchange student at the BI Norwegian School of Management, which is located in the capital city of Norway, Oslo. The BI Norwegian School of Management is one of the most prestigious business schools in all of Europe. Because of this distinction, it was not difficult for me to choose Norway, not the United States or other European countries. When I attend my first class, I was a bit shocked. The class was different from what I had in Korea. The students freely asked questions and debated various topics with teachers. The class was student-centered instruction not teacher-centered. The students’ participation and reaction were more important than the teacher’s lecture. It was really difficult for me to catch up with the class at first, but by the end of the semester I felt more comfortable and played an active role in class.

Among 300 exchange students, I was the only Korean student. As you can imagine, I sometimes felt lonely and missed home. As the only Korean student, I thought of myself as an ambassador of Korea and Keimyung University, so I introduced Korea and Korean culture to other students by holding Korean cultural events and Korean cuisine parties. Through these activities, I was able to introduce Korean culture and to make new good friends. I was also able to meet some former exchange students of Keimyung University. I was able to meet my old friends, former exchange students, in Germany and England. The most memorable thing was that I had an opportunity to travel to Finland and reunite with my former roommate of KELI House, which is Keimyung University’s English language dormitory that enables Korean students to share a room with a foreigner. I was so glad to keep my promise to reunite with her in Finland.

I had the opportunity to participate in an internship program at the Korean Embassy in Norway. Through this internship, I could gain a lot of experiences. While I was interning at the Korean Embassy, I had an opportunity to see Mr. Barack Obama, the President of the United States of America. I attended a special lecture from Mr. Obama, who was in Norway to receive his Nobel Peace Prize for his achievement in strengthening international diplomacy. That was such a great experience. Through the internship, I was able to research and learn about Norwegian culture and the European Union. Through this research, I could have international mind and cosmopolitan outlook. I decided that I will take an active part in the international arena.

As Keimyung University students, we have the privilege of participating in student exchange programs. I would not trade my experiences in Norway with anything else in the world. I hope that you take advantage. Do not pass up the chance to study in foreign countries and travel the world!