University of Oslo (UiO) is located in Oslo, the vibrant and idyllic capital of Norway. UiO is the largest and most reputable public university in Norway and offers a wide range of courses across multiple disciplines. While most courses are taught in Norwegian, the university ensures that a select number of courses are taught in English in each semester to ensure that exchange students are able to have a sufficiently robust choice of courses to choose from. Significantly, the university organizes numerous modules that are related to Norwegian life (ranging from literature, history, culture and the language itself) -- which have proved to be extremely popular among exchange students! Also, there is a large exchange community in the university (with students coming all the way from far-flung countries like Chile and Australia!!!) and thus presents a great platform to meet new friends from all over the world!

Norway IS undoubtedly a very expensive country -- think 15SGD big mac meals, 5SGD public transport rides. Of course, expenses will prove to be a challenge for every exchange student, but there are ways to circumvent high costs in Norway as well! In fact, most exchange students in Norway are challenged by the high living costs and attempt to circumvent this through cooking our own meals -- which are much more affordable! House parties are thus very common in Norway, whereby exchange students get together and cook different foods from their respective cultures -- a great way to bond and meet new friends as well as to learn about other cultures!

Still hesitating? If you're a nature-lover and one who enjoys looking at picturesque and stunning landscapes, think no further as Norway is definitely the place for you! Well-known for its fjords (think valleys surrounded by towering snow-capped mountain peaks), the scenery in Norway is definitely unrivaled in the world. And if you're especially lucky to be in Norway during the brilliant summer season when the Norwegian wilderness and nature is at its finest, dont hesitate to pick up your hiking boots and explore some of the best hikes in the world -- Preikestolen, Trolltunga & Kjerag (which are only accessible during the summer season!) While winters tend to be a bit harsher (longer and colder) in Norway, the landscape again is spectacular as the entire country is transformed into a winter wonderland. Again, winter sports are a BIG thing in Norway -- with world class ski slopes, frozen lakes everywhere for some ice skating and for the more adventurous, even cross-country skiing!

Ching Kai, from National University Singapore, previously on exchange at University of Oslo (Norway)

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