Exchange Edition 2019

• Your Health Care Rights as a Student in Norway

Page 7-11

STUDVEST

WEDNESDAY 7TH OF AUGUST Exchange Edition 2019 studvest.no

JO

IN

US !

HALLAIEN! Welcome to Bergen

Archive photo: TORE THIESEN

Page 5

• Hiking in Norwegian Nature

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7th of August 2019

STUDVEST Press Photo: WESTERN NORWAY UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

The rector at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH), Øystein Thøgersen, also thinks the student organizations are your best bet as an exchange student. He underlines that it is the perfect way to get to know Norwegians.

Dag Rune Olsen, rector at the University of Bergen, emphasizes the importance of meeting new people and learning about new cultures when on exchange.

Culture Editor: Håvard Finnseth Photo- and Layout Editor: Beate Felde Contact us at redaksjonen@studvest.no

Studvest is bound by the Code of Ethics of the Norwegian Press. Anyone who feel wrongfully treated by the paper are encouraged to contact the editor in chief.

Especially when you are on exchange.

The Number One Tip for Your Exchange We at Studvest, Bergen’s student newspaper, wish you the warmest of welcomes to Bergen!

You are probably starting to grow tired of advice on how to make the most of your stay in Bergen. But stay with us, as we think that our advice might just differ from what you have heard from headmasters, professors and coordinators this far.

We strongly encourage you to not take your studies too seriously during the semester or year that you are here. There are more important things in life than grades. Especially when you are on exchange.

We are not saying that you should ditch every class or actively try to flunk your ­ exams – you are here on an academical exchange, after all. So by all means, put some effort into it, participate in

the discussions when you are in class, do what is necessary to pass your exams. And if a class is super interesting, you should of course indulge yourself in that subject.

But chances are that this is the semester of your university life with the greatest freedom. As an exchange student you have few obligations and few people binding you to one place. Your primary concern should be to make sure you have the best time in Bergen you possibly can.

Remember this every time you are unsure as to whether you should go on a trip, take a long lunch one of those few days when the sun is actually shining, or join a student organization that has nothing to do with the subject you study. Whether you get a good grade or a slightly worse grade won’t be what you remember ten years from now. The

magnificent sunset you admired with your friends on Stoltzekleiven’s top, however, might just be.

If you fear that your not-soperfect grades or making less academical headway this semester might lead to you not getting the job you want in the future, we wouldn’t worry too much.

Many e ­mployers are more impressed by the fact that you have been on exchange than they are by a marginally better grade point average.

And once you get a job, the things you learn on exchange – social skills, understanding different cultures, adapting to new surroundings – are more important than whether you remember that one thing from that one class. Google can tell you that in a flash anyway.

ing those semesters than any other at uni. But that learning took place outside the library, not in it. Chances are this will be the case for you, as well.

So, that is our best advice on how to make the most of your time in Bergen. Our second best would be to join a student organization. Preferably Studvest, of course (we need both photographers and English journalists), but any organization that gets you in touch with new people is a good thing.

For many people, their exchange semester is the best one of their life. We hope you reach the same conclusion after your stay in Bergen.

Those of us at Studvest who have been on exchange all agree that we learnt more dur-

242 days of rain in an average year. Feels like 364.

Archive photo: LENE R. THORBJØRNSEN

– Sometimes it may be a bit tough to get to know Norwegian students, therefore being the first to say “hello” often does the trick. Joining our different student organisations is another great way to break the ice. Also, be aware of dangerous terrain and weather conditions when you go hiking in the mountains.

News Editor: Johannes Steen

Illustration: VICTORIA GRACE ANDERSEN

– There are an incredible number of all kinds of different student groups at NHH and in Bergen. Use this opportunity to join in on the fun!

Archive photo: TORIL S. APELTHUN

Berit Rokne, rector of The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, urge international students to take advantage of the nature and mountains surrounding Bergen, but says it´s important to remember to dress properly and be aware of changing weather conditions. She also recommends their Buddy programme for all of our International students. Their buddies will include them in the day-to-day campus life, and also be their guide to the Bergen city life.

Studvest is issued every other Wednesday throughout the semester with a circulation of 4000 papers. It is published by the Western Welfare Parliament, which has no influence on the content of the paper.

Editor in Chief: Johanne Mikkelsen Espeland

Editorial. There are more things to life than curriculum.

Recommendations.

– Ask for help! Instead of getting lost, ask a Norwegian! They will gladly help you!

Studvest was founded in 1945 and is a politically independent newspaper by and for the students of Bergen.

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Some advice from a past exchange student on how to make the most of your time in Bergen.

Surviving Bergen From a Past Exchange Student’s Perspective

JOSEPH BALLARD Journalist

TRINE LOUISE WEEN Illustrator

Joe Ballard spent the fall semester of 2015 and the spring semester of 2016 on exchange in Bergen.

Congratulations! If you’ve taken the leap of faith in ­accepting an offer to study in Bergen, you’ve just made the best decision of your life. My year abroad in Bergen was truly awesome, but there still are some things I would have liked to have known before arriving rather than having to figure them out as I went.

The first few months in a new place can feel pretty lonely (I know I certainly spent too much time alone in my room eating pizza). It’s especially important in the first weeks in a new place to put yourself out

there and get to know people.

The people in my flat found that hiking in the beautiful mountains was a great way to get to know each other. You could also cook a nice meal for your housemates, organise a film night, or discover some of the bars together.

I’d definitely advise joining a student organisation sooner rather than later so you make the most out of your stay and meet some Norwegian students. I waited one semester before doing so, and if I could tell my past self one thing, it would be to get the stick out of his ass and join an ­organisation upon arrival. The best way to get to know Norwegians is probably by joining a university organisation such as a sports team, student media outlet, or even a political party.

Another thing you’ll probably notice upon arriving in Norway are the prices. Food is ex-

pensive and alcohol especially so. Good ways of cutting costs include making group meals with your flatmates, brewing your own booze and, if you’re feeling more adventurous, going dumpster diving­ .

If you’re like me, though, and don’t fancy the idea of trawling through bins for your next meal, shop around. The cheapest supermarket is p ­robably Rema 1000, ­ although Coop Extra and Kiwi aren’t too bad.

Concerning alcohol, you’d do well to read up on some of the law. If you’re between 18 and 20, you’re allowed to

and you cannot drive with any ­alcohol in your system.

The first thing you’ll notice about Bergen are the seven mountains which surround the city. They’re beautiful and I couldn’t wait to get out hiking, running and camping on them. By the end of the year I was well acquainted with the most beautiful trails and I felt confident navigating a bit ­ further from home. That being said, you can’t be too careful. A friend of mine was rescued by helicopter from one of the mountains after getting stranded in the dark

Also remember to take your shoes off at Norwegian house parties, I always made a fool out of myself by forgetting to do so. drink cider, beer and wine, but you cannot purchase anything over 22 percent. Over 20 and you can buy anything you want, but remember there are strict rules on public drinking

(not something I would advise). Buying a map is always a good idea, but also make sure to tell your friends if you’re planning to go out alone. Most importantly, ALWAYS respect

the mountains.

A few trivial things helpful to know before arriving in Bergen, include cultural practices.­Norwegians are pretty reserved, but it’s ­always worth trying just a little harder to «win them over». A Norwegian friend is a friend for life.

Some ways of making a good impression include speaking the language (although this isn’t essential), getting involved in extracurricular activities, and going the extra mile to spark up conversation.

Also remember to take your shoes off at Norwegian house parties, I always made a fool out of myself by forgetting to do so.

Most of all, enjoy yourself!

While my grades might have been a bit better if I stayed at home, what I gained from studying in Bergen has been immeasurable.

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STUDVEST

EXCHANGE EDITION

Chasing the Northern Lights

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. Many international students are determined to see the northern lights during their time in Norway.

While some succeed, others fail. Get the tips to help you find the aurora borealis yourself.

Text: ERIN GALLAGHER

It’s no secret that international students arrive in Bergen with high hopes of seeing the northern lights. Fantoft’s Facebook page is often brimming with ­rumours that the elusive lights can be spotted in Bergen that night, and frantic questions about where everyone should head.

So how do you find the lights? Many students rely on apps to tell them when their chances are best, but these are not always reliable.

– Some of the apps are the embodiment of false hope, says Austrian exchange student Filipus Nemestothy.

He has tried to find the lights a few times in Bergen, by going up Fløyen at night, or going to

the Fantoft Park, but gotten «nothing but a freezing ass.» As a result, he now uses a different app called Aurora, which gives you the KP index.

The KP index is a scale of numbers that measure geomagnetic activity and therefore allow you to determine if you have a chance of seeing the northern lights where you are.

– I go when the index reaches­ five or six. If it’s any less than that you can only really see them through long-exposure camera pictures, says Nemestothy.

Beginners Luck Another exchange student, ­Jonathan Whiskey from Germany, also vouches for the Aurora app, which he says is surprisingly precise as he managed to spot the lights on his very first attempt, much to his surprise.

– The app even tells you the time, give or take ten minutes. I saw them near the aquarium at the end of February.

Franck Andersen, Chief Engineer of the Department of Geosci-

ence at the University of Bergen, comments that when it comes to these apps «who can say what is reliable, because when it comes to weather, what is?»

He states that the chances of seeing the lights in Bergen are small, but that there is some hope.

that’s maybe just here in Bergen.

Nemestothy, who did unexpectedly see the lights on a trip to Trolltunga, states that they are «far from what the pictures make you expect.»

– They didn’t fly above and over us, they didn’t flicker vividly or meander like wild ­

– Some of the apps are the embodiment of false hope.

Filipus Nemestothy, exchange student

– It does not happen often, but you can see them in Bergen.

However, you need specific weather conditions. If you have the right atmosphere and clear weather you have a chance, but you do not see big lights across the sky like you can up north.

Not What You Expect Whiskey appears to have missed out on the full spectacle of the lights, as he feels they did not live up to the hype.

– They were actually kind of boring. They really don’t look at all like the pictures, but I guess

A Failed Venture And many internationals in Bergen do in fact go up North in pursuit of the lights. One of these students is Carles Fernandez, a Spanish exchange student who took a trip to the Lofoten islands to search for them.

– I had no luck, unfortunately. Every night was really cloudy, and when we did spot a clear sky, we only saw what looked like a normal cloud. On the camera, it had a green tinge to it.

Still, seeing the aurora borealis might not be the only factor that makes a trip up to the north of Norway worthwhile: – The trip wasn’t disappointing, though. The scenery was beautiful. It was like being in a fantasy book.

r­ivers. But still, it was completely mesmerizing… it’s quite ridiculous how joyful a sight can make you.

The western parts of Norway are not your best bet to see the lights, though. Geoscientist Andersen recommends going to places like Tromsø or Svalbard, as this is where most of the­ ­pictures people see are taken.

This article was first published in – It also matters when you the spring semester of 2017. go. To maximise your chances of seeing the lights in their full glory, you should go during­ ­autumn or winter, says Andersen.

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Archive photo: KATARINA PARTEKA AARSNES

EXCHANGE EDITION

MONEY SAVED. Surprising medical expenses can prove costly when on a student budget, but if you’re lucky, you will have to pay little of it.

Not feeling too well and want a doctor to check it out for you?

Or maybe you need to talk to a psychologist?

Text: MARTIN SORGE FOLKVORD

Both of these scenarios happen to many students during a year, but some may choose not to seek help because of the econo­ mic implications. They might not need to worry, though.

As an international student in Bergen, you are automatically­ eligible for the services pro­ vided by the Student Welfare Organization in Western Nor­ ­ way (abbreviated Sammen).

That means you don’t only get the health benefits of the Norwegian­health care system, but also that you could get ad­ ditional refunds for medical expenses. Quite a few require­ ments have to be met, though, so make sure you pay attention throughout this text.

Your Health Care Rights as a Student in Norway

Inside the EU If you come from a country inside­the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are well off. Provided you have a European Health Insurance Card, you have the same rights as any Norwegian.

That involves that your total medical expenses for doc­ tors, psychologists, surgery and other health services in a year will not amount to more than 2258 NOK. Anything more than that will be ­covered by the Norwegian­state. For this to kick in, however, the treatment you get has to be supported by The Norwegian­Health Economics

Administration (Helfo) – in other words be public, not private. Al­ ways check whether a doctor or psychologists is supported by Helfo before you get treatment.

But be aware – there is often a long waiting line for the options that are covered by Helfo.

The same goes for physio therapy, where any cost above 2025 NOK in a year will be ­covered by the Norwegian state, as long as the physio therapist is supported by Helfo.

Outside EU If you are an exchange stu­ dent from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you are less fortunate.­You either have to

have private insurance or you will have to pay the full cost of any treatment you get.

Free psyhologists As a student being a part of the Student Welfare Organization in Western Norway (Sammen), even more ­refunds may kick in.

There is already the poss­ ibility to go to the Sammen psyc­hologists free of charge, but they don’t have the capacity to help all the students that con­ tact them. To make sure that the economic aspect doesn’t stop a student from seeking help, all expenses up to 2258 NOK ­related to a psychologists will be ­refunded by Sammen. E ­ xpenses

higher than this will be covered by the Norwegian state if you are from the EU, EEA or Switzer­ land, whereas you have to pay them yourself or have private insurance if you are not. The only thing you need to remem­ ber is to check that the psycho­ logists is supported by Helfo and to keep your receipts.

You can also get a refund for expences related to teeth injuries.­However, this refund only count on teeth injuries after an accident or fall.

This article was first published in the spring semester of 2017.

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7th of August 2019

STUDVEST

EXCHANGE EDITION Calling all «alkiser»!

I’m English and as an Englishman I actually need alcohol. It’s for health reasons, and if you don’t believe me I can explain it with a bit of the science.

A person from Britain is born with a certain level of alcohol swimming around their body, it’s a fundamental for life (passed on by the mother). As we grow older, our bodies become used to processing ethanol and without it we risk a complete shutdown.

Imagine then my horror, when I arrived in Norway (on a Sunday) to find absolutely no alcohol. I stumbled into a 7eleven and hopefully asked the cashier if she knew where I could buy a beer. «Nowhere» she said. «What do you mean nowhere?»

I responded, desperately. As she began to explain the situation, I remember my palms sweating, my legs turning to jelly, and my heart nearly stopping. There was literally nowhere in this whole fucking country where I could buy alcohol.

I’m pretty sure the Norwegian government is oppressing me. I did some research and I think article 7 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights states “everyone has the right to free and fair access to alcohol”.

As if this wasn’t bad enough, it turns out you’re not allowed to drink in public.

I discovered this rule as I stumbled drunkenly down Torgallmenningen at about 3:07am. I had a rather expensive beer in my hand and I was enjoying the feeling of not being able to feel my legs, when suddenly, I get a tap on the shoulder.

I turn around to find a short, fat policeman look­i ng at me and shaking his head. To my utter devastation, he seizes my beer and proceeds to pour it out in front of my eyes. I’m not ashamed to say that I ­actually cried.

The next morning, outraged at this injustice, I told my Norwegian flatmate of the abuse I had suffered. However, he just laughed in my face. Apparently, it was perfectly legal for the policeman to pour my beer away. He could even have fined me!

It comes as no surprise to my fellow alcoholics that I have had enough. It is time for a revolution. I, Joseph Ballard, hereby signal my intent to rise up against the Norwegian government. As citizens of this globe, we need unobstructed access to alcohol at affordable prices. We need to

seize the means of production (of alcohol).

Alcoholics of the world, unite!

your equivalent product in a different supermarket? What is it about any brand other than FirstPrice that requires your left kidney and a virgin’s sacrifice to enjoy their products? Guess I will never find out.

more «steaks» to go. And it’s Saturday night.

sauce in the offers’ counter is super cheap, that’s a fact, but that doesn’t mean you actually needed it in the first place).

Humour.

2001 NOK: A Supermarket Odyssey Norway must be the first country I have encountered in which an app that weekly updates the supermarkets’ product offers (Mattilbud) is a survival tool. No, for real, your climbing boots might ensure a fun weekend, but it will all be for nothing if you don’t know your supermarket drills.

My first supermarket trip in Bergen was a separate experience unto itself. Up until learning to convert NOK to EUR, the multitude of three-digit prices made me desperate and prepared to end up poor in my first week here. However, my algebra skills helped me get to the actual prices instantly... and still, I ended up desperate and prepared to end up poor in my first week here.

Why, Norwegian pork steak, why do you think you deserve to be valued 200 per cent more than your equivalent Greek product? Or even 100 per cent more than

Heavy despair aside, week three finds you way more experienced and decisive. You know your toilet-paper prices, you’ve found which supermarket has the cheap veggies, and you can now even afford a small cheat from your weekly budget and sneak in the shopping cart that super cheap package of 6 steaks you saw for the price of 13 euros!

Oh, the young and naive. No, you’re not the luckiest person alive, nope, the endless articles and travel blogs overfilled with warnings are not wrong. You just don’t know Norwegian. And when the ingredients say «60 prosent svin», you have no idea that your precious meatlooking masterpiece is only partially meat and 100 per cent a sausage-like ­n ightmare. There goes your beautiful dinner. And now you’re stuck with five

So then comes week five and you’re sick and tired of taking the Bybane to refill your vegetable fridge section. And you’re in Fantoft, so Meny seems to be suggestively shaking its thigh at you, like a dirty prostitute. And you give in. To find out what? That the demonized, the damned, the laughed-at choice for international students, actually does have a Tilbud section with crazy good offers. Be it soon-to-expire or over-the-stock products, it is only from Meny that I have found a whole chicken scrumptiously baked from its deli for 44.59 NOK. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

And here we are, about two months in Bergen, and not many things have changed. Rema 1000’s iceberg salad will always break your heart, and Kiwi’s onekilo pasta will still be your 5/7 days lunch.

And yes, Meny is a funny detour every once in a while, but be careful not to be fooled Black Friday-style (that exotic pineapple

The Devil’s voice from «The Witch» echoes in your head while contemplating your Erasmus choice: «Wouldst thou like a family-size ice cream? Some tasty fish?

Wouldst thou like to live deliciously?». But you’re enjoying your (actually pretty good!)

Rema oranges on top of Ulriken, watching a(nother) beautiful mountain sunset. And even your stomach takes a break from protesting to confirm that you’re just fine where you are.

This article was first published in the spring ­semester of 2017.

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NORWEGIAN NATURE

Archive photo: MARIE-LUISE DEIKE

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

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Hallingskeid cabin:

A SNOWY ABYSS

LEONIDAS VYZAS Text

JASMIN HOHMANN Photo

A traditional Norwegian cabin buried deep in Hallingskeid’s snowy ­desert proves to be an adventure for the international students.

It’s midday, and the train has just stopped at the wooden­ Hallingskeid station. Vast whiteness meets the eyes of the international students as we all get off the train.

– Who would pack sunglasses for minus degrees? wonders a German student with no skiing precedent.

Her eyes are a tight crack as she opens the first door to go outside.

Once finding our way inside, we, the group of exchange students engaging in this adventure, start to navigate through the two-storey wooden building to find some spare beds with ethereal ease.

No Country for the Unprepared It turns out to be a challenge to survive the exterior Winter Wonderland with only hiking boots, though. The snow is several feet deep and soaks our boots, making it an adventure to merely walk. Our hopes for any aid in the form of a human being disappear along with the last pair of skis behind one of the impressive snowy dunes.

Every step, a surprise.

– Did I just step on a grassy mini-dune? cries a Greek student, trying to pull his foot off the snowy abyss.

Soaking wet, and yet too warmed up from enthusiasm to actually feel the cold, we head back to the cabin.

The group splits into three: one for the kitchen, the other for the bedroom, and the third for the WC. Adventures Even Inside Unexpectedly, the third one gets all the drama. The hydraulic system in the cabins used to be, well, pretty much nonexistent. All that jazz ended when, in around 2001, this specific cabin had pipes installed so that drinking water could actually run through its sinks and into our glasses. This is not the case with the toilets, however.

There’s little room left for lyricism on this topic. It all starts pretty normal, with the fact that it does look like an actual toilet seat.This escalates quickly to the snowy-white and brown pile that’s hidden within. Next to the toilet is a bucket filled with woodchips, pretty much implying what the sole anti-odorous protection from any visitor’s small souvenir left behind is.

Moving to the kitchen area, things are pretty ­modern. Prejudice for the hydraulics’ contemporaneity leads us to use snow instead of actual tap water, to produce some nutritious noodles with everything-in-lebackpack. For dessert, BIXITs might be offered a-plenty, but at a price that would even make the most stringent of MENYs customers shiver.

Norwegians: Adventure Unto Themselves So, after finishing the breakfast-lunch-dinner, we get some luck with approaching the fabric that knits this whole trip together: the Norwegians themselves.

Stereotypes half-confirmed, they are not the friendliest of people.

– Immediatly note your name in the ­guestbook, commands the Norwegian cabin leader in his unwelcoming strict teacher’s voice.

But we don’t let this example ­define our Norwegian encounters, and rightfully so. Because to sit with them

UNEQUIPPED. A cup of coffee won’t make up for forgetting your snow shoes.

around the fireplace and exchange nature experiences is to truly get to know them.

– We voluntarily conduct ski courses every weekend for internationals. Would be a shame for them not to experience it, says one of the warm-hearted ski tutors sharing the cabin with us. His English is great, his voice willing, and his excursion proposals a-plenty.

The Norwegian system is unique. To pay for your ­accommodation and anything you’ve used, you settle your financials yourself. An envelope of cash or credit card information is all you’ll leave behind, inside a big unmanned box. And a warning not to wound the ­“honesty system”, that has been for years the Norwegian cabins’ beating heart, will be your only pointing finger towards the righteous path, which you are naturally advised, but not strictly forced to follow yourself.

A Proper Cabin’s Ingredients Over some hot train coffee, we conclude that Norwegian cabins are a tough cookie; uncomfortably priced, with 375 NOK for a non-member student, and you will need that extra blanket at night. But all we comment on, ­during our two-hours ride back home, is vacuumming with our experienced cabinmates at the end. Here, they are your shelter for the night, not the howling snowstorm, not the cosy hut.

And, oh, that view from the windows.

A cheaper alternative at Hallingskeid is the cabin of BSI Outdoors: 75 NOK a night for members, 150 for non-members.

This article was first published in the spring semester of 2017.

WHITE. For the lucky ones with sunglasses, this scenery is one to be stared at for hours.

Photo: LEONIDAS VYZAS

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BONFIRE BBQ. Vegetables in aliminum foil are a delicacy not to be snubbed.

BSI STRANDCAMPING:

IS “BEACH TRIP” A THING IN NORWAY? A tricky night spent under the stars in sleeping bags, and on the grass of a beach an hour outside of Bergen.

“Come to help us build and sleep in a big tent and have a feast by the bonfire”, wrote Bergen Studentidrettslag (a student sport and outdoors activity organization, ­abbreviated BSI) in the invitation to their Strandcamping event.

In a country filled with dramatic mountains and bipolar weather conditions, sometimes a beach trip ­ is just what you need. However, little does the average reader’s mental image of sandy shores in the Cyclades or Australian postcards have to do with the ten-minute walk through a muddy enchanted forest one endures before arriving to the grassy beach of Io, just one hour outside of Bergen by bus.

Reaching through Rossland towards the beach is an experience in itself: Small fjords surrounding you, the sun of Bergenese May, children’s laughter coming from the green front yards of the rural houses. Everything is a little better with a bit of sun, but sun just goes so much better with Norwegian nature.

Doubts Take Over Once reaching our destination, expectations are tested.

The utopian “beach” seems to be but a rocky swamp of shallow waters, and the excited BSI companionship consists of four people fighting with sticks and rocks to light the fire.

– We are to sleep beneath the stars, promises a German­ BSI guy, and Fantoft seems like a fading memory, or maybe even a dream, if we ever manage to get any sleep.­ Boy scout chit-chatting while drying our feet by the flame, it becomes inescapably apparent that this BSI Outdoors trip is an attempt to escape from frenetic university obligations, the everlasting hope of man that getting lost into the wild offers you something that even the night wind cannot blow away.

Things to do Amidst Nowhere This place is an isolated island, both literally and figuratively, and any bus taking you back to everyday reality isn’t accessible up until 9.01 of the next day.

How does one hop back into civilization? Hitchhike in the middle of the night, the way any horror movie opening that ­respects itself is made, or maybe spend the rest of the night with heartbeats, counting seconds and stars until finally falling asleep in glad oblivion of a potential emergency, until the next bus operates?

In places like Io, the answer is always one: Enjoy the 22.00 sunset. Engage in the most simple-minded discussion. Set cucumbers with feta on fire as a midnight snack. Rest.

Everything at a Price Now the sun has given its place to a yellow line in the horizon, and it is time for us to fall asleep. But vagueness has its price too, not counted in NOK, but in how many land patches haven’t been turned into a swampy disaster to lay our sleeping bag on.

– I just set up my hammock over here so I’ll probably stay, says a BSI guy. This is the decisive moment when

we part ways with the fellowship. And, barefoot, our subjourney to return through the haunted forest begins.

If your morning-after night visitor list too only contains a confused cat, you can officially call it a successful roofless night’s sleep, even if we had to lay down our backs on a small cement square for the night.

Camper geeks won’t mind.

– If it wasn’t for my woolen sweater and waterproof jacket, I would still be here as an ice sculpture, observes, and indirectly warns, one Greek student.

Smile Turned to Beam Better directions, clearer organization, consistent food, and warm Alpine clothing seem to be all you need to call it a successful BSI trip, we conclude upon catching the morning bus.

– Credit cards are not accepted on board, I’m sorry but you should find an ATM kids, says the austerelooking bus driver (WTF, Skyss? Even Lofoten buses accept them by now).

But after the stops have passed one after the other like a majestic nature slideshow on our windows, he lets us out the door on our designated station only to wink us goodbye and tell us to be more cautious next time.

Thus, we finally add, it is the Norwegian travelerfriendly soul that makes these experiences what they are to their core. Not that breathtaking scenery does not count as a potent enough reason already.

This article was first published in the spring semester of 2017.

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VIDDEN:

Competing with norwegian athletes

PAULINE NOLL Text

MARIE-LUISE DEIKE Photo

NORWEGIAN STYLE. There is nothing more Norwegian than hiking, and it is indeed the best way to explore the nature around Bergen.

Hiking 18 kilometers up and down, while jumping over mud puddles, does take some time and energy.

It is Monday, the 1st of May. Bergen is indulging in the longest period of sun and relatively high temperatures since our arrival in January. Nice weather and a public holiday – perfect for a longer hike without wasting a single thought on those snow shoes. Today’s choice is Vidden, a 18 kilometer hike starting from Ulriken, passing over Rundemannen and down to Fløyen. Three of Bergen’s most popular mountains in just one trip.

Steep and Challenging Start When we, the internationals, leave the bus at Montana, right where the path up to Ulriken begins, some already realize that we have brought too many clothes – if the sun makes one of its rare appearances, you better bring sunscreen instead of a woollen jumper.

We decide to take the shortcut up Ulriken, which turns out to be quite challenging for some of us.

However the view of beautiful Bergen when we turn ­ around makes up for the hard work.

The path is steep and gives us the possibility to display our climbing skills. Proper hiking shoes are beneficial, though some internationals just wear their sneakers.

Mountain Essentials Along the way we realize that as a Norwegian you don’t only bring proper clothes, food and water, but your yoga mat as well. A challenging hike for internationals might be a stroll for Norwegians. But if you do not feel exhausted by the walk up Ulriken, why not participate in one of the yoga classes on top of the mountain?

We decide not to work on our flexibility, as we still have most of our trip ahead of us. After passing the ­visitors’ center, you need to hike all the way up to the highest part of Ulriken. Then you’ll see a line of metallic poles and piles of stone winding up and down at the horizon – your way to go for the next five hours.

Here we find a few remaining bits of snow, which have the perfect texture for a huge snowball fight.

Hiking around Bergen during public holidays and sunny weekends means meeting lots and lots of people on the way. If you rather enjoy nature in silence it is better to choose a weekday or a more cloudy day.

Slow Progress Walking 18 kilometers straight might not sound that long, but hiking 18 kilometers up and down, while jumping over mud puddles, does take some time and energy.

– Oh, we just made the first 600 meters, great!

A sarcastic tone begins to spread among the group as we reach the first sign pointing to Fløyen. But the nice view and the sunshine on our faces makes up for the disappointing signs.

As we walk, some sporty looking people run past us.

We can see them keeping up the pace as they make their way further and further along the way to Fløyen.

– Those Norwegians are crazy, exclaims a student from Germany.

Wet Feet and Sunburned Faces Though the weather is really nice, snow and heavy rain leave their marks. The ground is soaking wet and so are our shoes – most of all the sneakers.

– Maybe I should have brought hiking shoes, admits a student from Australia.

As we finish the last few hundred meters of Vidden, Rundemannen appears in front of us – the last hurdle before reaching Fløyen.

Don’t Take it Easy – Which way is Ulriken, and how much time does it take to get there? asks a foreign couple at the bottom of ­Rundemannen. It’s already past 7 p.m., and they do not look like experienced hikers, wearing chelsea boots and not even carrying a backpack. We advise them not to go.

At around 8 p.m. we finally reach Fløyen with our legs and feet very tired, our bodies soaked in Vitamin D, and big smiles of relief on our faces. Proud of ourselves, we are ready to finish the day with a well-deserved barbecue.­ This article was first published in the spring semester of 2017.

11

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT LOFOTEN HOT TIP. There are many beautiful spots you can only reach by car. (In case you sleep in your car, don´t forget warm sleeping bags.)

AMELIE ENDERS Text and photo

Are you up for one of Norway’s most famous destinations? We went over to Lofoten to experience the breathtaking scenery first hand.

When you google Lofoten, you will see pictures of the red wooden houses in front of mountains which peaks remind of the form of a thimble. But there is more to see on these islands.

We started driving right after picking up our rental car one of the days last November. The vision that met us when we left the city were nothing like the streets of Bergen. Gradually tropical beaches with turquoise water that invite you to swim, surround you. But then you ­realise: this is the Artic sea, and Lofoten is close at hand.

Overrun by Tourists?

Hiking in Lofoten is really famous, because of this people­might be afraid of it being too touristic. But, speaking from my own experience, I can tell: this is definitely­not the case.

On our way to the famous Kvalvika beach, we met five people in total. Instead of a real car park or a built street up the mountain, like on the famous Trolltunga hike, it is actually hard to find the starting point. Only a little wooden shield leads to a random field next to the street. A local offered some of his own property for public use to park your car.

There is actually a general focus on Lofoten to not become too touristic. I spoke to a number of people, asking them about the fear of Lofoten being crowded­ with tourists. One of them, Elizabeth Dreyer from Destination­Lofoten AS, says that it is important that the locals can keep living how they want to without being restricted, but the lack of tourism makes many of the inns and cafes empty.

— Only 50 percent of the hotel beds are used, she

said.

Josefina Vidal who has been living in Lofoten for four years now, confirms that.

— I don’t think that Lofoten are overrun by tourists.

In the last years you can tell that there are more people coming, but it’s not a problem yet, she says.

Emelia Nordlund works in a Cafe in Henningsvær­ where we spent an afternoon to have a bit of a change after days in the car. She told us that she has seen tourists who stopped on the road and as the hou­ses are so close, they took pictures into the windows.

— I think this can be a little bit annoying. Its weird because it’s private and people are actually living there.

The Importance of Business Nordlund from the cafe still thinks that the locals who are having their businesses in Lofoten are appreciating the tourists who are coming. Dreyer mentions this point as well.

— Many shops and restaurants wouldn’t be doing that good if we didn’t have tourists. In this aspect they’re very important.

During my stay on the Lofoten islands I also had the feeling of the locals being really grateful for people coming to visit their home.

The Real Lofoten As you expect it from the Norwegians, most of them wouldn’t come up to talk to you, but whenever we got lost in the middle of nowhere and asked for directions, everyone was really helpful. In general, it was empty on the track which gives the whole place even more of a wild spirit. There was nothing there other than high mountains and the clear sea around you. Now and then you saw people walking on the street. Not tourists, just people on their way to work or back.

A True Glimpse of Norway Nordlund also explained that the amount of people often depends on the season. During the fall and winter season there are especially few people coming to see the famous attraction. In the summer there are people coming in regularly, but surprisingly not even at this season is Lofoten ever crowded.

Many people might think that travelling in autumn or winter might not be worth it because of the short days, and therefore not think it’s worth their time. But one advantage of a late sunrise and an early sunset is: you have a pinkish sky all day. And have you really been to Norway if you haven’t experienced these short winter days?

This article was first published in the spring semester of 2019.

FISHING. Lofoten are group of islands with old fishing villages in between the mountains. Cod for dinner maybe?

12

Norway

KIM ARNE HAMMERSTAD Quizmaster

1

Quiz

Let’s start where you’ve just arrived: How many people live in Bergen? Give or take 50 000!

11

19

28

2

12

20

13

29

21

30

Now you’ve got 500 000 +-. How many people live in Norway?

3

And what are the three biggest cities in Norway called? One point for each correct city!

4

This club is called “the Pride of Bergen” – what’s the actual name of the biggest football club in Bergen?

5

Now it’s getting tricky. What is one of the main rivals of this club called, that did extremely well in the Champions League in the 90’s and has won the Norwegian league the last few years?

6

7

In what century was Bergen founded?

What is the name of the airport in Bergen?

8

As you probably know, Norway is a monarchy. What are the king and queen called? One point for each correct answer!

9

A bit more tricky: What is the prime minster of Norway called?

10

What is the name of the Norwegian musician who has several international hits, and also did a colab with Selena Gomez?

Five years wiggle room now.

When was the University of Bergen founded?

What is the boat ride that covers more or less the whole western coast of Norway on its route from Bergen to Kirkenes called?

I’m sure you know this one: What is the name of the Norwegian TV-series where you are introduced to the characters Noora, Sana, Isak and Even at the school Hartvig Nissen?

14

What musician from the Bergen area released the album “All my demons greeting me as a friend” in 2016?

15

Norway has won the Eurovision Song Contest three times. In what years was it, and what are the name of the winning artists?

I’ll be mightily impressed if you get more than two of the six points that are up for grabs here!

16

On what date is Norway’s national day?

17

What is the name of the Scandinavian airline that was established by the Norwegian, Swedish and Danish states in 1951?

18

Named after a a German trade community that had an office in Bergen from the 14th century until the 18th century, what is the most famous beer brand from Bergen called?

What eccentric Norwegian discoverer used the raft Kon Tiki to cover 6900 kilometers in the Pacific Ocean in 1947?

Bergen is famous for its seven mountains. What is the highest one called, and how high is it?

You get 20 meters wiggle room, with two points up for grabs!

He is from Bergen and made the hits “Alone”, “Faded” and “Sing Me to Sleep”. The name, if you please!

Now find your umbrella!

How many days per year, on average does Bergen have either rain or snow? Give or take ten days!

Who painted the iconic painting “Skrik” (“the Scream”)?

What Norwegian writer wrote the plays “A Doll’s House” and “The Wild Duck”?

22

What is the name of the University of Bergen alumnus who has written the internationally recognized novel series “My Struggle”?

23

From what country did Norway get its independence in 1905?

24

Which of these artists has not played in Bergen: Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, Rihanna or Madonna?

25

What is the name of the female boxer from Bergen who has won more or less anything she could possibly win?

26

What are the names of the two brothers from Bergen who annoyed the world with the song “What Does the Fox Say” in 2013?

27

What is another word for Aurora Borealis?

Answers: 1: Bergen had 280 216 inhabitants as per the 1st quarter of 2018 2: Norway had 5 302 778 inhabitants as per the 1st quarter of 2018.

3: Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim.

4: Brann.

5: Rosenborg.

6: Bergen was founded in the 11th century (1070).

7: Flesland.

8: Harald and Sonja.

9: Erna Solberg.

10: Kygo.

11: UiB was founded in 1946.

12: Hurtigruten.

13: “SKAM”.

14: Aurora Aksnes.

15: 1985 (Bobbysocks), 1995 (Secret Garden) og 2009 (Alexander Rybak).

16: The national day is on the 17th of May. 17: Scandinavian Airline System (SAS).

18: Hansa.

19: Thor Heyerdahl.

20: Alan Walker.

21: Edvard Munch.

22: Karl Ove Knausgård.

23: Sweden.

24: Madonna.

25: Cecilia Brækhus.

26: Ylvis.

27: Northern Lights.

28: Ulriken, 643 meters above sea level.

29: 242 days of rain or snow in an average year.

30: Henrik Ibsen.

13

EXPOSED

MARIE-LUISE DEIKE Photographer

In every edition Studvest’s photo journalists present one of their own photos that either tells a story or is just simply fascinating.

Bergen: for all people of all races, colours, beliefs and orientations.

14

7th of August 2019

STUDVEST

EXCHANGE EDITION

«Dumpster diving» Helps Exchange Students Deal with Norwegian Prices SAVING FOOD. – Nowadays I do dumpster diving primarily to save the food being wasted and not to save money, says Tobias Elst.

Motives­are various - from simply saving money, to environmental­ reasons­or even the social aspect of the activity.

Text: PAVEL HANOSEK

Photo: ADRIAN GRINDBAKKEN

ag@studvest.no

An attempt to reduce food waste or just another way of sav­ ing money. Dumpster diving is a controversial yet trendy activity among international students in Bergen. Among them is Hedvika Kotherová.

She is a student of political science from the Czech Republic and she is staying in Bergen for one semester thanks to Erasmus+ programme. When here, she decided­to the try an as yet unexplored activity - «dumpster diving». This is an activity in which you collect food that has been thrown away by supermarkets.

– I save hundreds of NOK each month, maybe even each week, thanks to dumpster diving,­she says.

– Let’s be honest, it is the main reason why I do it. But it is

also great to meet people and to help the environment.

Norway belongs in the top category in the Erasmus+ programme grant classification students from the Czech Republic studying in Norway receive 510 euro per month. However, the University of Bergen’s (UiB) estimation­of monthly expenses of an average student amounts to a whopping 1150 euros. Such an amount is an average salary in the Czech Republic and exceeds Czech student expenses many times.

Kotherová never tried dumpster diving in her home country, because it is forbidden by the law. But here in Norway it is helping to make her stay in Norway financially bearable.

– Norway is definitely a very expensive country for students.

I am trying to save money, especi­ ally through dumpster diving.­

Edible Food is Thrown Away German psychology student Tobias Elst also started to practice dumpster diving while in Norway. He explains that his perspective on dumpster diving have changed over time.

– I have wanted to try it for a long time, and here in Norway

I started just to save money. I found out how much good food is thrown away and now I just want to save food and not the money, he says.

He mentions an important moment when he found out about Italian apples without a scratch being thrown away.

– It really opened my mind.

They shipped those apples to Norway and then they just throw them away, he explains.

It is estimated that approximately 350 000 metric tonnes of edible food is thrown away in Norway every year, according to government figures. That means approximately 68 kilograms of food per person per year.

Searching for the Right Spot Not every place is suitable for dumpster divers. The students mention that the activity can bring unexpected difficulties.

Many supermarkets may hide their containers or lock them.

– At the beginning we walked for hours and returned with one apple. You just have to be lucky, we have found our favourite­dumpster by accident, says Kotherová.

Even the «right» dumpster might not be reliable, they

explain.­ – It is really like a treasure hunt. Sometimes you find the treasure­and you can share it with other people. If you don’t find any­ thing you are a bit upset, but at the same time it is very good that they didn’t throw away any food, says Elst.

Not Just About the Money The students says that dumpster diving is not just about saving­money - it is also a social activity.

– I know several other people who practice dumpster diving. When we go together, we get to know each other. It

really connects us, Kotherová explains.

– I have never been dumpster diving alone and I will never do it alone as I do not find it enjoyable.

German psychology student Elst also emphasizes the importance of social contact for dumpster diving.

– You mainly do it for the food, but it is also nice to hang out with people. I think that people who practice dumpster diving have similar mindsets and opinions.

This article was first published spring 2019.

SAVING IS A MUST. Hedvika Kotherová believe that saving money in Norway is necessary, especially for foreign students.

STUDVEST

15

7th of August 2019

EXCHANGE EDITION

in Hordaland TROLLTUNGA. It depends on your physical condition how long the hike will take, but it is a difficult journey and you should be well prepared for this.

Places to visit this semester.

Text: JAKUB ŁAZAROWICZ jl@studvest.no

Hordaland is known as one of the most popular and beautiful provinces in Norway, and Ber­ gen is the gate to the ama­zing fjords of Hardanger. Here is a list of places you can visit with your friends for one or a few days.

NORHEIMSUND & ØYSTESE

The first stop, which is only one and a half hour from Bergen, are two small towns called Norheim­ sund and Øys­ tese. You can see both beauti­ ful sand beaches as well as an amazing view of the Hardanger mountains and Folgefonna gla­ cier from these towns.

Before getting to Nor­ heimsund you can also visit the waterfall called «Steinsdalsfos­ sen», where you can walk un­ derneath the waterfall. There are also many mountains to see near these towns if you are traveling by car.

JONDAL & FOLGEFONNA

On the way to the other side of the Hardangerfjord you will have to take a ferry to pass the sea and mountains. Afterwards, you will arrive in a village called Jondal where you can stay for a while and visit some peaks of the mountains like «Bondhus­ vatnet» and «Vikanuten» or just visit Folgefonna, which is a huge creature of nature. It is a glacier (1662 m a.s.l.) from where you can see the whole fjord.

You can also ski there in the summer. However, as the ski re­ sort closes in autumn, there are no more buses going there and it is only possible to go by car until the end of September, because it is going to be too snowy after­ wards.

ODDA & TROLLTUNGA

Only about 40 minutes from Jondal or one and a half hour via Utne is Odda and Trolltunga.

By taking the shorter way you will pass two 10 km long tun­ nels and some lakes. After arriv­ ing in Odda, it is only about 25

minutes to the Trolltunga car park. The car park is located in Skjeggedal and it takes about 10 hours to Trolltunga and back (27,5 km). So the best time to start the journey is around 8 am.

It depends on your physical condition how long the hike will take, but it is a difficult journey and you should be well pre­ pared for this. The best time to go there is in the summer, but it is also possible to go there until the middle of October (strongly recommended with a guide.)

Afterwards it will be too dan­ gerous because of the snow.

Remember also to be dressed properly and bring the neces­ sary equipment with you.

Monica Hägglund Langen from The Norwegian Trekking Association says that Trolltunga is a long and demanding trip, and you will need good foot­ wear and warm clothes. She also recommends this package list for a one day trip:

Food and drinks (knife and thermos with hot drinks)

Extra sweater and rainwear Dry socks Map and compass Seat cushions Mobile phone: There might be places without a phone signal. Thus, map apps require mobile data and do not work optimally everywhere. Therefore, you should have a paper map.

A small first aid kit

TRANSPORT

The best way to travel to these places will be renting a car with your friends because the pub­ lic transportation in this area is limited. Also, you will be able to spend more time in some places and visit more spots where you cannot go with the bus.

If you are only able to take a bus - don´t worry. There are a few buses that you can take directly from Bergen to these

places. You can plan a few days journey (for example bring a tent or rent a cabin at the camp­ ing) where you can a visit a few amazing places or just travel to one place like Norheim­sund or Trolltunga for a one day trip.

To get directly to Norheim­ sund or Øystese (1,5 hour) from Bergen you should take bus no.

925. To get to Jondal (2 hours, 15 mins) or Odda (about 3 hours) you should take bus no. 930. But you can also combine the whole trip with a few buses and the ferry.

The prices now are cheaper than it was before summer and the tickets cost 57 kr to Norhe­ imsund and Øystese and 97 kr to Jondal and Odda. For more information about the routes and prices: Check out skyss.no.

This article was first published fall 2018.

Photo: INA ROMSLO RØNNING

Autumn travel spots

STUDVEST WE ARE LOOKING FOR NEW JOURNALISTS, PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ILLUSTRATORS!

S

tudvest is looking for new journal­ists for our English section. As a journalist you are required to have written English skills as well as an interest in journalism and

news.

We are also looking for photographers for our photo section. As a photo­grapher you should have a good eye and a basic understanding of photo techniques. Having your own camera is a plus, but not a requirement.

For all positions experience is an advantage, but not a necessity.

Come to Our Information Meeting

Thursday the 22th of August at 5.00 pm.

At Studvest’s office on the 4rd floor at the Student Centre, Parkveien 1.

Send Your Application

Send your resume –­ and work samples if you have any – to: redaksjonen@studvest.no.

Application deadline is Sunday the 25th of August.

All questions about the positions are welcome and may be directed to the editor in chief: ansvarligredaktor@studvest.no www.studvest.no