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THE STUDENT REPORT FOR BI, OSLO

You can write the report either in English or Icelandic

Name of the University: BI Norwegian Business SchoolNames of the student: Kristjana Thors BrynjolfsdottirExchange semester: Fall and Spring, 2011 - 2012

I GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL

The architecture and surroundings of the school are excellent. There are many places tostudy in the school and they vary on students preference, quiet, open or group work. Theschool is well situated in Oslo with trains and busses stopping just outside the building.BI prides itself on being a business school and is ideal to gain a broader perspective studyingthat field. Oslo is BIs main campus. There are about 300 exchange students each term.

II PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Information before you left

I received the information package promptly and any enquires I sent to the international officewere answered within a few days. In the information package there is the student handbook(also available online). All information needed is in that handbook but it is important that youread it well as it will make your arrival easier. There is also always someone at the officeduring the day where exchange students can go and discuss any problems.

Visa Procedure and travel experiencesNo visa is required from Iceland so there were no problems. As I was staying for a wholewinter I also registered at the Folkregisteret to get my Norwegian ID number. There were noproblems with it but it does take a few weeks to come through. Once I had that number it waseasier to register for a phone, doctors etc.There are various flight operators that fly ReykjavikOslo. I mostly used Icelandair.

Academic CalendarExchange students are very well greeted starting with an introduction/cultural meeting. Thenthere is a whole week of events, dinners and trips which are optional to attend. There is aBuddy system but I didnt use it, and dont think many did. Most students mingle as well at thestudent housing.The academic calendar is similar to the RU one. Not all classes might begin in the same weekbut they will all start and finish within the term. During the exam period, and leading up to itthe facilities in the school get busier. Make sure youre not last minute or you might get intotrouble, for example, there might be a line by the printer and if you have a deadline theres notmuch you can do. The students in front of you also have a deadline.

ReceptionEverything was ready on arrival. Exchange students need to go to the student center to get a

photo done for the student ID card. That ID card is important as you need it to do any printing,getting books from the library and receiving student discounts.

HousingAll exchange students are guaranteed housing. Most of them end up in the student housing inKringsj. Its not the nicest housing but as most of the exchange students are at the sameplace it makes it ok. Also it is very close to Sognsvann, which is a lovely place to spend timein. As I moved with my family I ended up arranging my own housing as they only guaranteehousing for the exchange student. There are family apartments available but they are hard toget.

CostsNorway is expensive. Its a fact. Just be prepared before you come and try not to dwell on ittoo much. Kiwi is the cheapest shop to buy food in, everyone just brings packed lunches with

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them to school, and there are plenty of bars with happy hours. Books are expensive; the mainbook shop is Akademika. It can be cheaper to buy books on Amazon if you can wait fordelivery. You dont need to pay any customs when ordering books for school. Some of theteachers were nice and said we didnt need to buy the books as we need every krona tosurvive in Norway. Then the reading material was available in the library or online.

The International OfficeThe International Office was available and ready to help from day one. They have an office onthe 3rdfloor but you can also contact them via email or phone. There are also other servicesavailable as the student center, the center for bachelor/masters students and career advice.There is an academic welfare system called SiO. They are the ones that provide you with thehousing, kindergarten, gym membership and even doctors. Make sure you read up on whatthey have to offer.

Exchange promotionThere is an International day, just like in RU, where exchange students present theircountries. I had an exam at the same time as this was going on so I unfortunately missed it.

Social Activities

There is a special organization for exchange students, INSA. There are about 4 studentsorganizing events and making sure that the international students are aware of the activitiesgoing on at BI. One of the things they do is arrange a mobil operator to come to the school,where all the international students can get a free SIM card. That way the internationalstudents are also all on the same network and call each other free.Sometimes before a BI event INSA will organize for the international students to meetbeforehand. They also have a very active facebook page.

Culture and LanguageEveryone speaks good English and all of the lectures are in English. Having said that, Irecommend using this opportunity to learn Norwegian as much as possible. The Norwegiancourse thought at BI is too easy for Icelanders but there are other courses available in Oslo.None will give credits to the study program though.

Cultural and Social Effects from the Exchange ExperienceMost of the students I got to know were not Norwegian. The exchange students tend tomingle more than the locals. The nationality of the exchange students varies very much,Western Europe, Mexico, USA, Malaysia and Japan to name a few.

III ACADEMIC INFORMATION

The Teaching situationAll lectures are in English. The teaching is primarily practical and most classes haveassignments due throughout the semester. Some classes only have term papers to behanded in at the end of the semester, not an exam. All deadlines are FINAL. You cannot be 1second to late or you will not be able to hand in your term paper. Most term papers have to be

handed in paper copies and online.The relationship between faculty and students is similar to RU. Most teachers makethemselves available for any questions and quires, and motivate discussions in class. Thereis a friendly atmosphere in class.There is quite a bit of group work so students get to know each other whilst working onprojects. The cultural mix can be challenging but most students aim for a good grade.

Required LiteratureThere is quite a bit of literature to get through, more than in RU. Most exams are based bothon the literature and the lectures. I find attending the lectures is important as it gives a deeperunderstanding of the subject and the structure of the course.All mandatory literature is in English, some optional literature is in Norwegian.

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ExamsThe written exams are held at different locations. I have never taken an exam in BI. Normallyit has been a sports hall at another location. That means you have to locate it and figure outhow to get there in time. Also, you are in a very big room with hundreds of people, which atleast I was not used to from RU. The rules are very strict on timing and what to bring. There isonly one type of calculator that is allowed and its not the same as in RU. To save yourself

some money dont go and buy one straight away, you can rent one for 24 hours from thestudent center.The questions and type of exam depends on the course and the teacher.

OtherThe library is very good. The staff is very helpful, there is plenty of space to study and youcan always find a book on the subject youre looking for. If you are looking for a specific book,and its out, you can order it online and will receive and email when its ready. Books can beon loan for a two week period at a time.There are computers at various places around the school. You will always find one. But if youbring you own laptop you will also always find a plug etc. It is fairly easy to connect to BI Wi-Fiand if there are any IT problems the IT guys will fix it quickly.They have two systems for your information, Its learning and Banner. On its learning you will

find preparation for lectures and notes from the teachers. Each course has its page withinformation needed. At Banner there are student services. There you can find more detailsabout the exams, result services and detail timing of classes. You will also get and emailaccount which is automatically set so all emails are forwarded to the RU mail.

Description of CoursesPlease list all the courses you are taking in the form below:

Course name: Prereq. Exam Approved as(Common/elective/extra)

Business and Professional Ethics None Term paper ElectiveLogistics and Marketing Channels None Written Common

Movie Industry None Term paper ElectiveRisk Mgm. And Governance None Term paper CommonInfo. Tech. in Organizasions None Term paper CommonInvestment Analysis None Written CommonMarketing Research and Multi. Ana. (Master) Written Common

..

Please fill in all the courses you have taken

Any other experiences:

Oslo is a great city with many sights, both during winter and summer. There are many tripsavailable to other cities such as Stavanger and Trondheim. It also only takes about two hours

to drive to Sweden.For Icelandic events there is a slendingaflag in Osl, and they have a website and facebookpage.

Names and e-mails:[email protected]

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Name of the University: BI Norwegian School of ManagementNames of the students: Volodymyr PryvizentsevExchange semester: Fall 2009


1. Describe the school and its surroundingsvery short

BI is one of the larger Higher Education Institutions in Norway and one of the largest businessschools in Europe. A total of six study locations in Norway: Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim,Stavanger, Kristiansand, and Drammen. I was studying in Oslo. The campus is located inNydalen area, it takes 15 minutes to get to the city center by public transport. The dormitory islocated in the walking distance from campus. Nydalen used to be an industrial andmanufacturing area. For the last few years it experienced fast development and big changes.Today Nydalen is a home place for high tech, IT and non-polluting production companies ofNorway. There is a river, park and lake in the walking distance from school.

2. Current faculty divisions and special areas.

BI has organized its academic activities into nine separate research departments (faculties).Accounting, Auditing and LawCommunication, Culture and LanguagesEconomicsFinancial EconomicsInnovation and Economic OrganizationLeadership and Organizational ManagementMarketingPublic GovernanceStrategy and Logistics

3. Number of students - graduate and undergraduatenumber of exchange students

18,253 active students, of whom 9,541 study part-time. 711,835 study points were taken in2007. This corresponds to 11,864 students in full study progress. There were more than 400exchange students studying in fall 2009.

4. Study structure

BI offers 16 different bachelor programs, MBA studies, eight masters studies and fivedoctoral programs, extensive continuing and further education, internet studies, tailor-madein-house programs and management programs.


Information before you left When did you receive the information package from the University?

I got it by post from BI International Office Coordinator.

Any difficulties?

No, everything was clearly described in the information package.

Visa Procedure and travel experiences What problems, if any did you encounter?

No problems. Icelandic students dont need any VISA to get to Norway.

Does the visa cost anything?

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No. How did you order your ticketany problems?No.

Academic Calendar Arrival dateintroductory week

Arrival date 69 August, 1014 August Introductory week.

First day of the semester?17 August Classes start.

Last day of classes?Around 8 November.

Examination period?Mid November - 22.12.09.

Any special events?

Reception How was the reception at the school?Excellent. Was the administration and faculty well prepared for your arrival?Excellent. Did the schools students participate in the reception of the exchange students?Yes. Every exchange student was attached to a buddy starting from arrival to Oslo.

Housing Did you have housing at your disposal or did you have to find your own housing?All exchange students were placed in the dormitory nearby to the campus.

What support did you receive from the school in locating housing?

I submit application and paid for housing before arrival. When I arrived I was given a room. Any special issues or good ideas for prospective students?If you wish to have excellent dormitory in the walking distance from school you should bookBSN dormitory. The number of places is limited and it is more expensive. There are, howeverother options. For example, Krinja is the budget dormitory where most of the students live.

Costs Describe the most important expenses such as rent, books, food, etc.Rent 4200 NOK per month.Books 4000 NOK.Food and other expanses ~ 4000 NOK per month.

The International Office Is there an international office?Yes. Who is responsible for incoming exchange students?Ms. Ellen Tobiasson, International coordinator and Ms. Benedicte Kaltenborn, InternationalStudent Adviser. How does the international office function?The International Relations Office at BI is responsible for the International Student ExchangePrograms as well as for the welfare of foreign exchange students during their stay it BI.International exchange students are always in close contact with the internationalcoordinators at BI, both before and after their arrival in Norway.

Do you receive all relevant information?Yes.

Exchange promotion

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Required Literature Is the literature in English?Yes. How do you estimate the level of the literature?The books were from same publishers as we use at RU. Is the literature used for detailed knowledge or a broad overview?

For detail knowledge. Is exam based on the literature or on the lectures?Literature.

Exams What types of exams were you given?Written exams and multiple choice questions. What knowledge level was required to pass the exams?It is expected to read the required literature and participate in the class work.

Other Do students have easy access to the library and its resources?Yes.

How is the access to the computers?There was no need to take your personal laptop to school because you can always findcomputer place in the school. How is IT used in the teaching or as a distributor of information?Advanced use of IT solutions.


Name and code of the course. Prerequisites, if any. Exam form. Comments: Relevance, Difficult/easy, Practical/theoretical, Enrolment problems.

Example:Course name: Prereq. Exam Major at RU Approved as

(Common/elective/extra)Environmental Basic macro/ Written Marketing electiveEconomics and microeconomicsManagement

Project Management Organizational Written Marketing electivetheory

Financial Management Bachelors Written Marketing elective

degree inBusinessor eq.

Marketing Finance Research Written Marketing electiveMethodology,Multivariate DataAnalysis,strategicmarketingmanagement,Service Marketing,Marketing Channel

Management

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Corporate Governance None Written Marketing elective

..Please fill in all the courses you have taken


Names and e-mails:The International Office will appreciate if you will inform about your e-mail addresses, so thatother students can contact you for more information.

[email protected]@mail.ru+38 050 151 12 59Kiev, Ukraine
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

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Name of the University: BI Norwegian School of managementNames of the students: Alds Gun SigurardttirExchange semester: Fall / Spring, 2009


5. Describe the school and its surroundingsvery shortThe school is very modern, with very friendly environment and great teachers. I wouldrecommend BI to any student planning on studying abroad.

6. Current faculty divisions and special areas.Management and economics.

7. Number of students - graduate and undergraduatenumber of exchange studentsDont know exact number of students at BI.

8. Study structure

Case studies, lectures, study trips, exams, presentations. Very similar to HR.


Information before you left When did you receive the information package from the University?

Three two months before departure I was in contact with BI and everything was readyand clear in very short period of time. Everything was planned two weeks before mydeparture (apartment etc.)

Any difficulties?No, but it was very expensive to stay abroad.

Visa Procedure and travel experiences What problems, if any did you encounter? Does the visa cost anything?

Didnt need visa How did you order your ticketany problems?

Flight ticked I ordered via internet, no problems.

Academic Calendar Arrival dateintroductory week

Arrival date was 11 August and introduction week started the day after. First day of the semester?

The first day of the semester was 21 August. Last day of classes?

27 November Examination period?

From 2ndof December to 18 of December. Any special events?

Yes, I went to Kenya, Africa on a 10 day study trip. It was amazing!

Reception How was the reception at the school?

Very good, everything clear. Was the administration and faculty well prepared for your arrival?

Yes, very much so. Did the schools students participate in the reception of the exchange students?

Yes, buddy service etc.

Housing Did you have housing at your disposal or did you have to find your own housing?

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I had housing at BSNstudent apartments, it was ready for me when I arrived. What support did you receive from the school in locating housing?

Full support, they send me email address and application form for student apartments. Any special issues or good ideas for prospective students?

Stay at BSN because it is in walking distance from the school, 5 min. it is very expensiveto take bus or subway every day.

Costs Describe the most important expenses such as rent, books, food, etc.

Rent was aprox. 100.000 ISK per month for one room (shared apartment with one otherstudent). Food cost about 70.000 ISK. Books cost about 60.000 ISK. Train cost (one hourfair) 500 ISK. If you buy card you spend about 20-25000 ISK pr month.

The International Office Is there an international office?

Yes. Who is responsible for incoming exchange students?

Ms. Ellen Tobiasson

International Co-ordinator, Exch.

Tel: +47 46 41 02 26

E-mail:[email protected]

Responsibilities:

- Incoming Exchange

- Erasmus Co-ordinator

How does the international office function?They handle all incoming and outgoing exchange students, dont know more.

Do you receive all relevant information?Yes. I got everything I needed.

Exchange promotion What kind of activity did you take part in to promote exchange to Iceland at your

exchange university?Told them about the country, how the HR environment is, some asked for more detailsabout courses and living in Iceland. What I did was mainly to describe my experience inHR.

Social Activities How is your relationship with other students?

Very good. Got to know a lot of people from all over the world both Norwegian andexchange students.

How is the relationship among the exchange students?Very good. It is the same tendency as here in HR, the exchange students group togetherand the locals group together but it is possible to break through in the circle of the locals ifyou are willing to.

Is there a student organization, and if so, are the exchange students part of it?Yes there is and yes exchange students can be part of it if they choose to. Are there any special activities and gatherings for exchange students?

Yes, dinner nights where we are invited to dinner and pub nights. There are also Icelandicstudent gatherings at Gurnarstofa not only for BI students but for all the Icelandicstudents studying in Norway.

How do you like it at the school?Very nice, liked it a lot.

Culture and Language Do you have any language problems with the faculty or other students?

Noeveryone spoke perfect English. How are the possibilities to experience the country and the culture?

Very good, they offer exchange students to teach their language. You can teachsomeone your language to some other student who speaks a language you want to learn.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]

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Like I am interested in French, then the school hooks me up with a French student who isinterested to learn Icelandic.

Cultural and Social Effects from the Exchange Experience How do you think the exchange experience will affect you from a cultural and social point

of view?

I thought the culture and the social life in Norway very similar to Iceland. They are a bitmore straight but very similar. How do you think the exchange experience influences your future career possibilities?

In a very positive way.

III ACADEMIC INFORMATION

The Teaching situation In which language are the courses taught? Any problems?

No problems, English. How would you evaluate the level of study in relationship to the level at RU?

A bit harder, more demand is made to students.

Is the teaching primarily practical or theoretical?Depends on courses but I would say more theoretical than in RU. Are the professors using cases, group work or lectures (or a mix)?

Mix. How is the workload compared to that at RU?

More! How is the relationship between faculty and students?

Not as good and personal as in RU but it is good. What is the relationship between the students in the classroom?

Good but high competition.

Required Literature Is the literature in English?

Yes. How do you estimate the level of the literature?

Upper level, very challenging. Is the literature used for detailed knowledge or a broad overview?

Broad overview. Is exam based on the literature or on the lectures?

Both.

Exams What types of exams were you given?

No final exams in the courses I took just final paper. What knowledge level was required to pass the exams?

Above or equal the grade E.

Other Do students have easy access to the library and its resources?

Yes, very good access and they can take as many books as they want, the library sendthe students sms or mail when they need to return the books.

How is the access to the computers?Very good- computers everywhere.

How is IT used in the teaching or as a distributor of information?Dont know??


Name and code of the course Prerequisites, if any Exam form

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Comments: Relevance, Difficult/easy, Practical/theoretical, Enrolment problems

Example:Course name: Prereq. Exam Major at RU Approvedas

(Common/elective/extra)

GRA24231 Persuasion and Influence none final paper Marketing ElectiveGRA31366 New Venture Creation none final paper Marketing ElectiveGRA63371 Foreign Operation Methods none final paper Marketing ElectiveGRA5923 Development Studies none final paper Marketing Elective

..

Please fill in all the courses you have taken


Overall, very good experience, I highly recommend BI-Oslo.

Names and e-mails:The International Office will appreciate if you will inform about your e-mail addresses, so that

other students can contact you for more information.Alds Sigurardttir [email protected]

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