Anara Tentikeeva: "AUCA is a place where you have people from different countries"

September 22, 2023

Anara Tentikeeva, a senior student in the LAS Department with a concentration in Human Rights.

In my perspective, participating in an exchange semester while you are studying is a "must-do" experience. Through an exchange semester, you can gain valuable exposure to studying abroad, which comes with its own set of advantages. A new country, new culture, new people, and a different approach to education are just a few of these benefits. For me, an exchange semester represents an opportunity to lead a new and unique life abroad, while also gaining new insights about the world and myself.

I have always dreamt of visiting Norway, and an exchange semester at UiT was an excellent option to fulfill that dream. Living and studying in Norway can be quite expensive for a student, but having a scholarship makes it much more manageable. The availability of the Erasmus+ scholarship was one of the primary reasons why I chose the University in Tromsø. Additionally, the natural surroundings, Norwegian culture, and the university itself were highly appealing to me.

My experience in Norway was absolutely fantastic! My dream of seeing the Northern Lights became a regular part of my day because I could witness them almost every day from various locations. Hiking in the incredibly beautiful mountains, exploring Norwegian fjords, observing whales in their natural habitat, experiencing the Polar night and the Midnight Sun—these are experiences that are difficult to put into words; you have to feel them. In my perspective, the university is situated in a perfect place where life feels different.

AUCA is a place where you encounter people from different countries, and it's customary for AUCA students to engage with people from abroad. This experience greatly helped me during my exchange semesters. I wasn't afraid to engage with new people, and I was excited to make friends from all around the world. Since we speak English and study in English at AUCA, it was much easier for me to communicate exclusively in English. The education system in Norway and at UiT is quite different, I would say. In Norway, the approach to studying is more self-discipline-oriented. It was a valuable experience to live in Norway and observe how people live, their attitudes, and their lifestyles. I am impressed by their commitment to a healthy lifestyle, physical activity, and more.

Overall, my exchange semester in Norway was incredible, and I am extremely grateful for this amazing opportunity to explore the world!

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