Heidi didn't end her academic career with her Master degree.
When Heidi graduated from the Master Programme in Comparative and International Education (CIE) she was eager to continue her studies. She is now a doctoral fellow conducting her own research project.
Where did you learn about this program?
I found information at the Faculty web site.
Where are you currently working?
I work as a doctoral fellow at Oslo University College, Faculty of Education and International Studies.
What other positions have you held since completing your program?
When Heidi finished her Master degree she worked at the Institute for Educational Research at the University of Oslo in an administrative position for about one and a half year. - My working tasks were related to the Master program in Comparative and International Education and the Master program in Higher Education. In addition, I worked with internationalization and exchange students.
What do you do in your present job?
As a doctoral fellow, about 75% of my time is used to conduct my own research project. I am expected to publish articles based on this, in addition to attending compulsory PhD courses. Working on a PhD will eventually lead to a formal competence as a researcher. 25% of my working time is decided by my Faculty. I work related to our Master programme in Multicultural and International Education. We have several ongoing projects I am involved in, e.g. collaboration between us and three African universities related to a Master programme in International Education and Development.
What was the topic of your master thesis?
“Language issues in Education influenced by Global trends and Democracy: A case study from South Africa”. You can read my thesis here
Why did you choose this Master program?
Heidi was attracted by the international perspectives on education. - I believe that education does not take place in a national or local vacuum. Global forces have influence and I was curious about this. My initial interest was related to immigrant children in the Norwegian educational system. However, I became interested in the relationship between education and development through the first semester of the master programme.
Can you please describe the experience of studying at the University of Oslo?
Heidi studied for both her bachelor and master degree at the University of Oslo and she is very satisfied with the experience. She states that many of the teachers were well qualified, inspiring and interested in their field of teaching. However, she has also come across teachers that were not very engaging, but this is not unique for UiO. Through a master programme like CIE, you also learn a lot from your fellow students. Coming from different countries with a multitude of backgrounds, everyone brings something special into the programme which makes this a fantastic experience.
The University of Oslo has many facilities for the students, e.g. good reading rooms, libraries of a high quality, a book shop with relevant and up to date literature. In addition, UiO has an engaged staff related to international programmes and students, both the institute level and the central administration.
I have lived in Oslo for many years and have a family with three children. Therefore, social activities as a student have not been a high priority in my years as a student.
Do you feel that studying in this particular Master program has given you any advantage in your working life/career?
Through attending this Master programme, I have gained knowledge very relevant for the future. Looking into international perspectives on education, educational systems in different countries, the role of education in development, different epistemologies related to education etc. makes me well prepared for working life within both the field of international and intercultural education. In addition, I received a lot of support and encouragement for further studies and creation of international networks in academia. Having an international degree is also an advantage.
You conducted fieldwork before you wrote your thesis. Could you tell us about that experience?
Conducting fieldwork is both a very interesting experience and scary. When doing your Master’s, you do so many things for the first time in your life – and alone, especially when in a foreign country (I went to South Africa). It is often difficult to know if you are doing the right things, contacting the right people etc. You have to deal with practical issues like finding transportation to and from the accommodation and the field. I found the experience of conducting fieldwork very enriching. I learned a lot through a very short time. In addition, I had a supervisor with first hand knowledge about the area and most of the schools I went to. Her help was invaluable. I also had a professor who willingly let me into a research program. I think this situation helped a lot when conducting fieldwork.
Do you have any tips for current or incoming UiO international students?
Heidi tells us that there are many things that are important. - 1.) To get the most out of your studies and social life at UiO, it is of utmost importance to spend time with fellow students from different countries, not only your own. This will maximize your learning experience.
2.) When doing a Master’s it is also important to create a well functioning colloquium group. Keep up with the meetings all through the programme, also when conducting fieldwork and writing your thesis. This will provide you with valuable feedback and encouragement.
3.) If you get a chance to conduct field work in a foreign country, do not hesitate to do that. This will be a very important experience and valuable for your future work life.
4.) The subject for your thesis should be a subject you have a genuine interest in. Remember, it is a subject you have to devote a lot of time and work with, even maybe after you have graduated. Follow your heart’s desire and your academic knowledge when choosing a subject.