Details

• Norway
• MAFW&RW-13
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

When selecting courses, it is important to consider that students in the FiRe master’s program are required to complete their specializations in the third semester. With my specific course combination, it was possible to have all specializations recognized by taking four courses worth 7.5 ECTS each, by allocating these courses across the different specializations. Apart from this requirement, the preparation phase and the application process were relatively straightforward and easy to manage.

2. Accommodation

Accommodation was arranged by applying online through a housing website, where it is possible to indicate personal preferences. I listed Hatleberg student residence as my first choice. There is a guaranteed place in a student dormitory, which made the housing process relatively stress-free. The building we stayed in had been completely renovated shortly before our arrival and was therefore newly occupied and very modern. I shared a double room with a fellow student. In total, there were 24 students living on one floor who shared a common kitchen, which worked surprisingly well. The student residence was located directly next to the university. Additionally, a gym and a supermarket were situated right next to both the dormitory and the university, which was very convenient for everyday life.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus offers everything students need and is beautifully located directly by the fjord. Compared to WU Vienna, the university is much smaller, which makes it easy to find one’s way around in a short time. The interaction with lecturers is very informal and on equal footing, as everyone addresses each other by first name and on a first-name basis. There is no strong hierarchy, reflecting a generally egalitarian academic culture. From an academic perspective, the overall level is comparable to that of WU Vienna, although this depends strongly on the specific course. At NHH, however, there is generally less emphasis on solving calculation-heavy tasks and a stronger focus on theoretical concepts and conceptual understanding, which I found particularly interesting. Students are also expected to work more independently and receive fewer explicit instructions. Examinations, some of which are conducted online on students’ own laptops using a locked browser, provide sufficient time to develop and present one’s thoughts, meaning that time pressure is usually not a limiting factor. While not every course fully met my expectations, overall I found the course offerings interesting and academically enriching. During my exchange semester, I attended the following courses. Advanced Corporate Finance was the course that interested me the most in terms of content, and the lecturer was excellent. Nevertheless, the course required a considerable workload, as is the case for most (finance) courses at NHH. This included compulsory but ungraded problem sets throughout the semester. In addition, students are expected to engage directly with academic papers and work very independently, which is clearly assumed and required in this course. I also took International Finance, which unfortunately I found less interesting due to the teaching style of the lecturer. Financial Accounting followed a flipped classroom concept, and the lecturer was very friendly. In terms of content, this course was clearly the easiest among the ones I took. As my fourth course, I attended Valuation. In this course, students are required to conduct a company valuation and, at the end of the semester, submit a group report and give a final presentation. While the workload during the semester was relatively high and involved frequent presentations, there was no final written exam. Overall, the course was interesting and taught by a very fair lecturer. In retrospect, I would probably not choose International Finance again purely based on personal interest. However, due to the course’s recognition for my specializations at WU Vienna, I would still make the same course selection decision. At WU Vienna, my specializations are International Finance, Corporate Finance, and International Accounting, the latter of which is expected to be completed through the recognition of courses taken during the exchange semester.

5. Every day life in the host country

Anyone who appreciates nature will love Norway, and the same applies to those interested in sports, hiking, and outdoor activities. People in Bergen are generally very active and sporty, and there are beautiful hiking opportunities located directly next to the student residence. Fjords, lakes, and nature in general are literally right on your doorstep. Through BUA, it is possible to borrow tents, sleeping bags, fishing equipment, and other outdoor gear free of charge, which makes exploring nature very accessible. For students who enjoy outdoor activities, Bergen offers excellent opportunities in this regard. Public transportation in Bergen is reliable, with both bus and light rail connections operating efficiently. Bergen is a very safe and relatively quiet city, with a large number of tourists and students. While nightlife was not my main focus, there are certainly several options for going out in the evenings. Additionally, the city offers many cafés and restaurants, although prices are generally quite high. I would also strongly recommend the gym membership provided by the student welfare organization. The facilities are very well equipped, with a wide range of high-quality machines better than most commercial gyms I am familiar with including modern Hammer Strength and Gym80 equipment. In addition, students have access to squash courts, saunas, a gaming room, and a public swimming pool in the city. Overall, the facilities are excellent. Furthermore, there is always something going on in the student residence, which contributes to an active and social student life.

6. Testimonial

In a nutshell, the exchange semester was a very enriching experience. The nature and the trips I was able to take were unforgettable and will stay with me for a long time. From an academic perspective, everything worked very well and met my expectations. Norway is a wonderful country, and I can highly recommend an exchange semester at NHH in Bergen to anyone who enjoys nature and an active lifestyle.