Details

• Norway
• MACEMS-25
• Graduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

No actual tips necessary. All information is given by the host school.

2. Accommodation

I signed up for Hatleberg student housing and would definitely recommend it. CEMS students also seem to receive preferential treatment when it comes to getting single rooms. Hatleberg is very close to the university, located in a safe area, although it is a bit outside the city center of Bergen. However, the university is also located in that area, and there is a bus connection to the city center that takes only around 15 minutes. Make sure to bring a blanket, bed sheets, and a towel with you when you arrive, as the student housing does not provide these items. Housing looks terrible from the outside but works for those few months, is cheap and its fun to hangout with all the other international students from NHH

3. Academic life at host university

The university is very modern, with amazing views and excellent integration of digital and technological equipment. The Norwegian way of studying and working is quite different from what I was used to. There is a stronger emphasis on meetings and discussions, the pace is generally slower, and students spend fewer hours in university courses. They have recently restructured the Global Leadership course, which is now taught by Stig. He is a great professor, and the course has become very enjoyable. It is also quite possible to achieve an A with a reasonable amount of effort. I also took the UNFCCC course, which I found to be significantly more challenging. It focuses heavily on sustainability policy. However, the collaboration and meet-up with students from the other CEMS schools was a great experience and one of the highlights of the course but requires more work than what we are typically used to from CEMS meet-ups. Getting an A in UNFCCC is much more difficult, especially because the mid-term exam can be quite demanding.

5. Every day life in the host country

I bought the 6-month bus ticket, but in hindsight, I would think carefully about whether it is worth it for you. I personally did not go into the city center that often. Many others bought monthly tickets or simply purchased single tickets when needed, so it really depends on your own habits and how much you plan to explore Bergen. Bergen felt very safe. I was almost always out with other people, so safety was never really a concern. Social life mainly revolved around activities such as going to the gym, hiking, and visiting saunas. However, the weather can be quite challenging, so be prepared to spend a fair amount of time indoors, especially during rainy periods. Try to really get to know the people around you and build friendships early on. We had a common room in our student housing (although it is supposed to be renovated), and it was a great place to hang out there. CEMS events can also be a lot of fun, so make sure to participate in as many as you can. I would also recommend considering joining the CEMS board, as it gives you the chance to shape the experience, organize events, and make your exchange even more enjoyable.

6. Testimonial

The people were truly what made the exchange experience so special. The friendships and memories you create will likely be the highlight of your time there. When the sun is shining and the weather is warm, Bergen is absolutely spectacular. Unfortunately, the weather can often be rainy and gloomy, so be prepared for that and make the most of the sunny days when they come. Try to explore as much of Norway as possible. The nature is breathtaking and some of the most beautiful you will ever see. It is definitely expensive, so plan your trips and budget accordingly, but it is absolutely worth experiencing.