Alumni Spotlight: Ellisiv Førde Holmstrøm

Ellisiv is a happy and adventurous girl from the cold North, a.k.a. Norway, who spent the start of 2016 with a bunch of crazy international students in New Zealand. You can find her gracefully struggling through a Bachelor in Public Health in Bergen, while trying to figure out what she wants to do "when she grows up". Good luck, Chuck!

Studying abroad in New Zealand

Why did you pick this program?

Since I am studying Public Health back home in Norway, this particular program offered a lot of classes I could choose from that were relevant to my studies. I chose Lifestyle Diseases because it is strongly related to my education back home, and I had the opportunity to learn more about the the LCHF-diet, a topic that was very near to my professor's heart. Another class I had the opportunity to participate in was Sport and Exercise Nutrition, which I found to be quite interesting - I was able to complete a very fun and educational project, as well as learn more about nutrition and athletes. Lastly, I was able to complete an internship. Man, oh man am I glad I was able to do this! We don't get a lot of practical experience combined with our studies in Norway, so I chose to do this in New Zealand through an internship with Youthtown. I had the time of my life there, and learned so much more during my time abroad that I likely would have at home.

What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?

"Can I come with?". I absolutely LOVE experiencing new places, meeting new people, learning about other cultures and gaining more life lessons - things traditional education and textbooks don't necessarily provide. I try to make my friends understand how important and amazing this is. If you have the opportunity to do this, why not grab it and enjoy it to the max?

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Make sure you KNOW what your program is about, and have an idea of what YOU want out of the program. We all are different, and we all have goals and hopes for what we studying, so make sure you are getting what you are aiming for.

What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?

Do I have to pick ONE? That is just impossible! After a semester abroad I have heaps of stories, including a lot of laughter and a bunch of fun-loving international students. From driving around the South Island in a caravan, beer-tasting our way around Auckland, kayaking and skydiving, and interacting with the Noho Marae and Maori culture. There is no way I can pick just one. I advise you to go travel for yourself - I guarantee you won't come back with just ONE fantastic story to tell.

Was it challenging to find a place to live?

Yes and no. I chose to not live on the university campus, so I found a flat on my own. When I arrived in New Zealand, I lived in hostels and at friend's places for about two weeks until I found a flat. I had the chance to live with two other girls from Finland, who are now two of my closest friends. Smart choice, Ellie!