University of Wisconsin–Madison

Norway: Kade Hagen

Kade leans on a wooden railing in front of a stone bridge, which allows a waterfall to pass underneath it.
In front of the waterfall at Geiranger fjord

Program: Norwegian Institute of Science & Technology Engineering Exchange, Fall

Kade’s Major: Biomedical Engineering

What is your advice for someone considering your program?

Consider your values. Trondheim is an international city so there are so many incredible experiences you can have throughout the city. Norway in general has a huge emphasis on nature. Many people want to go on hikes and camping trips to explore the natural beauty that Norway has to offer and this is really important to people. It can be lonely sometimes and many people focus on the importance of alone time and the companionship and learning you can gain through it.

Make sure you consider what is important to you and act with intention. Be proud of who you are and don’t be afraid to explore more. This program allows for really meaningful connections to be formed with other students, community members, and with yourself. If that sounds impactful to you, I highly recommend this program.

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

There is an abandoned bunker on the coast of the Trondheim fjord that was converted into a sauna that I went to with a group of class mates. The experience of going from the woodfire sauna to jumping into the icy cold fjord will stay with me forever.

What challenges or barriers did you face as you prepared to go abroad and/or during your time abroad? How did you work through them?

The largest challenge I experienced came in the first few days in my new apartment. I had just gotten to the city and I had a moment of ‘ok I’m finally here, now what’. I hadn’t been able to meet anyone yet and I was feeling lonely and overwhelmed. I decided I had to do something about it and really meet people so I decided to stand outside of my apartment and greet everyone walking into the complex. Slowly people started to stop and chat with me and we formed a large group of people all sharing who they are and where they are from. I felt so much more comfortable after that and kept all those connections throughout my program.