After completion
Studying in an international programme helped me to reflect on my home country’s culture from an international perspective, says former student, Nadiya Konovalova. In this student spotlight, Nadiya reflects on her experiences studying at the University of Oslo and shares some of her future plans with us.
1.) Where are you from and what is your educational and work background?
My home country is Ukraine. I graduated as a psychologist and as a teacher of English there. I volunteered for one year at a centre for children with down-syndrome and autism there.
2.) Why did you decide to study at UiO?
I decided to study at UiO mainly because of the programme I was interested in. English, being the language of instruction, made it possible.
3.) What was your thesis topic? What program?
My programme was “Special Needs Education” and my master thesis topic:“Challenges in parenting a child with autism. A study among 15 parents with ethnic Norwegian and ethnic minority background”
4.) What have been some of the highlights of your time studying in Oslo?
I enjoyed my studying in Oslo a lot. I appreciate the unique possibility of meeting so many different people from all over the world the most, aswell as the opportunity to share and discuss my ideas with them. Study time in Oslo has been a combination of studying, working and making newfriends.
5.) How has studying in an international program helped you grow and develop as a person and a student?
Studying in an international programme helped me to reflect on my home country’s culture from an international perspective. Being an international student in Norway, living and working in a foreign environment, sharing Ukrainian culture and learning more about different other ones mixed in Norway, made me the person I’m now. It helped me to dare to apply for my “dream job”, set up new career goals.
6.) What are your plans for after graduation?
I graduated this spring and I’ll start working as a special teacher for children with autism from August.