Motivation
My primary motivation for participating in this experience was driven by my passion for understanding healthcare systems across different countries. Through my placement, I had the privilege of actively engaging in various aspects of healthcare delivery, gaining insights into their methodologies and practices. This experience has not only enriched my academic journey but has also significantly contributed to my professional growth as a future healthcare practitioner.
Personal Development
Personally, this experience has been incredibly enriching on multiple levels. On a personal level, the friendships forged during my time abroad have become invaluable connections. Interacting with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds has broadened my worldview and enhanced my interpersonal skills. Moreover, the experience has strengthened my language skills as I navigated daily life in a foreign country. These personal attributes, coupled with the professional insights gained, have collectively shaped me into a more adaptable, culturally aware, and skilled healthcare professional. Overall, this experience has been a catalyst for positive change, both in my personal life and in my approach to my future career in healthcare.
Academic Development
Engaging with the Norwegian academic system allowed me to appreciate different teaching methodologies and approaches. What I enjoyed most was the emphasis on practical application and hands-on experience within the healthcare field through 150 hours of clinical placement. This approach not only complemented my theoretical knowledge, but also enhanced my understanding of real-world scenarios. Navigating a different academic environment presented its challenges, one of the most notable being the language barrier. While all of the lectures were very accommodating and tried their best to explain topics in English, it was sometimes difficult at placement as most of the documentation was in Norwegian, so I couldn't read it. I overcame this challenge by seeking support from my supervisor nurse to help me to understand what was written. I also found Google translate to be very useful when I needed to know what something said. Overall, I felt like the workload was lighter than at UQ.
Professional Development
Through this experience, I have honed a set of skills and attributes that I believe will significantly contribute to my professional development and future employability. The hands-on exposure to the Norwegian healthcare system has enhanced my clinical skills, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication abilities. Working in a diverse and dynamic environment has also strengthened my teamwork and collaboration skills. Challenges, such as navigating a different healthcare system and overcoming language barriers, were instrumental in developing resilience, problem-solving, and cultural competency. I overcame the language barrier by asking for support from my tutors and supervising nurses and also by using Google translate. Overcoming these obstacles not only enriched my experience but also equipped me with the ability to thrive in diverse professional settings.
Funding
I planned my budget each week and tried to make sure that I stuck to this budget. Over the whole experience, I spent approximately $11,500.
Food was approximately $400 per month
Train monthly pass was about $45 per month.
Flights to and from Norway was about $5000
Accommodation was around $720 per month.
Phone plan was $40 per month.
Other things throughout the trip such as the school trip: ~$500
Accommodation
The accommodation options were listed on the university's website. There were two options - either through the SiO (which is a company that provides student housing) or through the university. For me personally, I applied to the SiO first initially as it was slightly cheaper, but I did not hear back for months. A couple months after I had applied to the SiO and after hearing that I had still not heard back, a staff member at my host university recommended applying for the housing through the university on campus. I am glad that they recommended I do this as I was almost immediately accepted into the housing on campus but I never heard back from the SiO. I had a private bedroom and shared the kitchen and bathroom with 3 other people. As the accommodation was on campus, this meant that I could walk to class in less than 5 minutes. I would strongly recommend living at the accommodation on campus as in my experience, you are more likely to hear back quicker.
Advice/Top Tips
I would highly recommend joining uni clubs and attending events held at uni. Also, if possible, I would recommend arriving in your host country a couple weeks before uni begins so that become familiar with your surroundings and are able to sort out official matters such as finalising your visa and opening a bank account before you start becoming busy with uni.
