Bringing out the drums for new international students

Drummers from Sydnes Bataljon, a traditional Norwegian ”buekorps”, were part of the welcome when 857 new international students were welcomed officially to the University of Bergen (UiB).

The introductory programme, which takes place the week before the opening of the academic year on Tuesday August 11, lets the new students know what to expect from their time in Norway. This means a lot of practical information, as well as entertaining lectures on everything from language to culture and Norwegian quirks.

Important internationalisation

”This is one of the best days of the year for the university. We are honoured that you have chosen to study at the University of Bergen for a period of your life,” said vice rector for international relations, Anne Christine Johannessen, at the welcome.

She encouraged the new students to get to know the naturally shy Norwegians, as well as giving them practical tips on rain gear to stay dry in one of Europe’s wettest cities.

“Internationalisation is very important for the University of Bergen. Not only that you come here to study, but for our students to meet students from abroad”, said Johannessen.

A comparatively large portion of the students and staff at UiB are international. Eleven per cent of the students, twenty-one per cent of the academic staff, and thirty per cent of Ph.D.-candidates are from countries outside of Norway.

Increase since 2014

Of the 857 new international students, 757 were coming to study at UiB for a semester or two, while 100 came pursuing a complete degree. Over 550 of the new international students coming to UiB for the fall semester, were part of the Erasmus programme.

2014 marked a record year for students from Brazil, when 46 students came to UiB as part of the Science Without Borders scholarship. This year, 22 Brazilian students take part in this scholarship programme.

Because of an increase in exchange students, the number of international students has grown by 86 since 2014.