The reason I chose to come to Norway was my interest in Environmental Geosciences (aka Geology) and natural landscapes. I had heard about a program near Trondheim, Norway (about half-way up the country) that focused on Environmental Geosciences and Natural Resources. The program included many field experiments and studies, and seemed to be exactly what I wanted in my study abroad experience. Unfortunately after some investigating into program application, I discovered that it did not exist anymore due to low enrollment. At first I was crushed, I had gotten very excited about studying the sciences in Norway and being exposed to the supposed natural beauty of the country, but now being unable I started looking into similar programs in Germany. Having already spent time in Germany with my family, I was not as enthusiastic about the options as I had been about Norway, a country of unknown adventure that I had never been to. It was then that I decided I could still go to Norway, maybe not to do the exact program I had wanted, but I could still live, study, explore, and enjoy the western most Scandinavian country. Which is how I found the University of Oslo.
From the beginning my expectations and assumptions about a foreign country and studying abroad have been shaped by my own experiences from living abroad previously and by discussions with others who have done it before me. Everyone I talked to said they loved it, that it was the best time of their life and that they were sure the same would be true for me. When I would tell them I was going to Norway, they would tell me that I would fit right in with my tall stature, blond hair, and blue eyes. I knew from some research and what people told me about the country that there were spectacular fjords, mountains, geology, and natural beauty, which was why I had chosen the country in the first place. But one of the most significant things I was told, and something I have tried to live out, was to have no expectations as I headed off for life on foreign soil. Undoubtedly, my friend told me, your experience will differ from any expectations you have, so if you go in without any then you can enjoy your time there for what it is, enjoy it more fully.
Obviously as one prepares to move to a different country, you have some thoughts and assumptions about how life will be, but I tried to ignore those and approach it with an open mind. I tried to brush aside the assumptions that Norway would be full of mountains, fjords, and natural geologic beauty. I tried to push away the idea that because I was tall, blond and blue-eyed that I would fit right in. I tried to forget all I had heard about climate and daylight hours in Norway and how it would be tough as the days got shorter. I tried to move past any anxieties about not just meeting new people and making new friends, but having to do so in a setting where I may not speak the same language or have any similar life experiences as them.
As I prepare to leave my home, friends, family and comfort zone for the next five months, I have tried to do so with only the expectation that I do not know what lies ahead. I don't have any inkling of what life will really be like, how the people are, what my classes will entail, or whether I will enjoy my time or not. I don't have a plan. And by doing this I think that I have sufficiently readied myself for the journey that lies ahead. I am setting off with flexibility, excitement, a bit of fear, and uncertainty, no expectations, no assumptions, no pre-conceived notions, and no plan.
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