Magnhild Eggen, Exchange Student, Norway.
Magnhild Eggen was an exchange student from Snåsa, Norway, in 2002-03. After returning to Norway, she continued her law studies at the University of Oslo, and hopes to graduate in December 2008.
As a non-degree exchange student, she “had the joy of taking a wide range of different classes; amongst them was International Law with Professor Charles E. Umbanhower, Sr.”
How did you learn about St. Olaf and why did you choose to study here?
I applied to St. Olaf through the Snåsa Scholarship. Since one of the founders of St. Olaf was a pastor from Snåsa, there has always been a special relationship between Snåsa and St. Olaf. In 1987 the Snåsa St. Olaf Committee was established, and since then has provided a one year scholarship to one student from Snåsa to study at St. Olaf. I always wanted to apply for this scholarship since each scholar was bragging about how great St. Olaf was after his/her return. So, after one year of law studies in Oslo, I applied for the scholarship, and got accepted.
What were you involved in at St. Olaf?
I participated in intramural soccer, playing on the “the Scandalnavians” team, who, of course, won the tournament. I ran 55m and 200m for the track & field team during indoor-season. I also assisted the Norwegian Department with correcting homework for the Norwegian language students.
What was your most funny (or embarrassing) cross-cultural moment at St.
Olaf?
Being a Norwegian, I quickly learned that Norwegians, compared to Americans, have a more direct way of being. I learned that I sometimes could come across rude, although I didn’t have that intention. It’s just a difference in the way we approach people. Being abroad certainly makes you see yourself and your home country from a new perspective.
What do you miss most about St. Olaf?
I miss campus life, the dedicated professors and teachers, the corn fields and the skyline.
What advice would you give to international students considering St. Olaf? Why should they choose St. Olaf?
As an international student, I was very well taken care of. The St. Olaf integration of new students is well run, and I felt welcome and taken into the St. Olaf Community from day one. “You’ll never walk alone” and that safety was a great starting point to explore American life.
