Fond each other: They are from different countries, but got to know each other at the Pre Study Barbecue. From left: Asia Martini from Italy, Lisa Gavillot from France and Greta Juhasz from Hungary. Photo: Øyfrid Sudenius Knudsen
More than 100 new students showed up when Studentinord hosted a Pre-Study Barbecue on Sunday. Among them were Asia Martini from Italy, Lisa Gavillot from France, and Greta Juhasz from Hungary.
Lisa is an exchange student and will be taking the course Nordic and International Perspectives on Teaching and Learning
She heard about this program from a senior fellow student at her home university, UBO in Brest, France — one of the universities in the SEA-EU alliance, which Nord University is also part of.
"I’ve always wanted to travel to Norway, so I got really interested when I heard about this program in Levanger," Lisa says.
"I’ll be here for one semester, and then I’ll head to Bodø in the spring to take another course," she smiles.
Loves nature
Asia from Italy will be staying in Levanger for the entire year to study Outdoor Studies (Friluftsliv). She already holds a bachelor’s degree, but again, a tip from a friend was crucial in her decision to come to Norway.
"My friend discovered this opportunity while he was an exchange student in Kristiansand. We both love being outdoors, so we decided to apply — and here we are," says Asia, who just arrived in Levanger after a ten-day hitchhiking trip through Norway.
Try to connect with as many people as possible. You won’t become friends with everyone, but reach out and talk to them
Asia Martini, Italian student in Levanger
Greta from Hungary is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Film and TV Production, which means she’ll be spending three years in Levanger.
"I was looking for a bachelor’s program that covered all aspects of film production. In Hungary, I only found specialized programs in directing, editing, screenwriting and so on. Then this popped up, and I just had to apply," Greta explains
She’s only been in Levanger for a day but has already explored the town center and taken a quick trip to Ytterøy.
"I love how peaceful and quiet it is here compared to my hometown Budapest, which is so big and so busy,” she says.
Be open minded and talk to everyone!
The three adventurous young women arrived in Levanger almost all by themselves, and are eager to become part of a community and make new friends. They have several tips for others who are new and want to get to know fellow students and a new city.
"Ask questions, be open, try to connect with as many people as possible. You won’t become friends with everyone, but reach out and talk to them," says Asia.
"Don’t be afraid to talk to others, even if you feel your English isn’t good enough," laughs Lisa.
"Walk around and get to know the town," says Greta.
Planning to become a teacher in Norway
Among the international students in Levanger is also Nadeschka Gaberell from Switzerland, but she already speaks fluent Norwegian! She was an exchange student in Levanger in the fall of 2024 and enjoyed it so much that she wanted to return.
"I was back in Switzerland this spring, but I missed Norway. Norway feels like home now," she says enthusiastically.
Meet Norwegians and ask them to speak to you in Norwegian. That’s how you learn—you have to avoid speaking English all the time
Nadeschka Gaberell
Now she is going to study to become a teacher — in Norway, in Norwegian! She passed the B2 level Norwegian language test and was accepted as a regular student in the master’s program for primary school teacher education grades 5–10 in Levanger.
"I’m actually considering becoming a teacher of Norwegian too," she smiles.
"I decided to continue studying when we had our teaching practice in the program I attended last year: Nordic and International Perspectives on Teaching and Learning.
"It was amazing—I absolutely loved it! After that experience, I realized I didn’t want to go back to Switzerland. So I started looking into options for extending my stay or taking other courses. It wasn’t possible in the spring, so I went back to Switzerland and prepared for admission instead," she explains.
Read about How to apply for programmes taught in Norwegian
Get involved and speak Norwegian!
The secret to learning Norwegian so quickly, according to Nadeschka, is getting involved in the local community.
"Meet Norwegians and ask them to speak to you in Norwegian," she says. “That’s how you learn—you have to avoid speaking English all the time. In addition to that you can watch Norwegian TV series and read books."
She attended Norwegian classes once a week and got involved in volunteer work through the organization Skeiv Levanger. There, she met many Norwegians who now have become her close friends. She joined the board and is now responsible for social media in the organization.
"I’ve been a board member since last year, so I participated in digital meetings from Switzerland during the spring semester. Now we’re busy organizing Pride Levanger, which takes place the same week as the start of the semester".
Hence, it’s going to be a hectic start for the engaged student, juggling orientation activities, the start of her studies, and Pride preparations.
"I just need to finish my speeches and practice the piano piece I’ll be performing at the rainbow service in the church. But it’ll be fine," she laughs.
A possible future in Norway
She’s a bit nervous about meeting her fellow students and whether her language skills are still intact after four months away from Norway, but she’s excited to get started.
Since you’re training to be a teacher in Norway, are you planning to work here in the future?
"Yes, probably! I’ve completed half of my studies in Switzerland, so I might be able to work as a teacher there too, but I hope to stay here," she smiles.
"I have very good friends here, the climate is nice, and the welfare system is excellent. Plus, it’s not as expensive here as in Switzerland, where I also paid a lot for my studies," she says.
"I love Norway", says Nadeschka.
