Details

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

1. Preparation

When planning the course selection, it is essential to keep in mind that students in the FiRe master’s program are required to complete their specializations during the third semester. With my chosen combination of courses, I was able to have all specializations recognized by taking four courses of 7.5 ECTS each and allocating them across the respective specialization areas. Although the recognition of the 30 ECTS took somewhat longer than anticipated, the process was ultimately successful. Aside from that, both the preparation and the application phases were generally straightforward and easy to handle.

2. Accommodation

Accommodation was arranged by applying online through the housing organization Sammen, which allows applicants to indicate their personal preferences. I listed the Hatleberg student residence as my first choice. Since there is a guaranteed place in student housing, the entire process was relatively stress-free. The building we moved into had been completely renovated shortly before our arrival, making it newly occupied and very modern. I shared a double room with another student, and in total, 24 students lived on each floor, sharing a common kitchen — something that worked surprisingly well in practice. The residence was located right next to the university, with a gym and a supermarket conveniently situated nearby. Whenever any issues arose within the dorm, Sammen’s staff responded quickly and were always very helpful, which made the living experience even more pleasant.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus offers everything students might need and is beautifully situated right by the fjord. Compared to WU Vienna, the university is much smaller, which makes it easy to find one’s bearings within just a few days. Interaction with lecturers is very informal and takes place on an equal footing, as everyone addresses one another by first name. This lack of hierarchy reflects the generally egalitarian academic culture at NHH. From an academic standpoint, the overall level is similar to that of WU Vienna, though it depends considerably on the specific course. NHH tends to place less emphasis on numerically intensive problem solving and instead focuses more on theoretical understanding and conceptual thinking, which I found particularly enriching. Students are expected to work more independently and receive fewer detailed instructions. Exams, some of which are conducted online using a locked browser on students’ own laptops, typically allow sufficient time for thoughtful and structured responses, so time pressure is rarely an issue. Not every course fully met my expectations, but overall, I found the range of classes interesting and academically valuable. During my exchange semester, I completed four courses. The one that interested me the most was Advanced Corporate Finance, which was excellently taught but also quite demanding, as was the case for most finance courses at NHH. The workload included compulsory but ungraded problem sets throughout the semester, along with active engagement with academic papers and a high level of independent study, which was clearly expected. I also took International Finance, which I found less engaging due to the lecturer’s teaching style. Financial Accounting followed a flipped classroom approach, and the lecturer was especially kind and approachable. In terms of difficulty, this course was clearly the easiest among those I attended. My fourth course was Valuation, which involved conducting a company valuation, preparing a group report, and giving a final presentation at the end of the semester. Although the workload during the term was considerable and included frequent presentations, there was no final written exam. The lecturer was very fair, and I found the course overall both interesting and relevant. In hindsight, I would probably not choose International Finance again purely based on personal interest. However, since it counted toward my specializations at WU Vienna, I would still make the same overall course selection. At WU Vienna, my specializations are International Finance, Corporate Finance, and International Accounting, the latter of which I completed through the recognition of my courses from the exchange semester.

5. Every day life in the host country

Norway is a fantastic destination for anyone who enjoys nature, outdoor activities, and an active way of life. In Bergen, staying active is simply part of the culture, and students benefit from countless opportunities to explore the surroundings. Beautiful hiking trails start right next to the student residence, and fjords, lakes, and forests are just a short walk away. Exploring nature is made even easier thanks to BUA, an organization that lends outdoor gear such as tents, sleeping bags, and fishing equipment free of charge. This makes spontaneous hikes or weekend camping trips simple and affordable. Public transportation in Bergen is reliable, well-structured, and easy to use, with both bus and light rail connections linking all major parts of the city. Bergen itself is a very safe and peaceful place, yet lively and international due to its mix of students and tourists. Although nightlife was not my main focus, there are several good options for going out, along with many cozy cafés and restaurants—though prices tend to be relatively high. The gym membership provided by the student welfare organization is something I can recommend without reservation. The fitness centers are exceptionally well equipped and modern, featuring a wide range of Hammer Strength and Life Fitness machines, as well as a large selection of Eleiko training equipment. The quality easily matches or even exceeds that of many commercial gyms. In addition to the main training area, there are squash courts, saunas, a gaming room, and access to a public swimming pool, offering students a wide variety of ways to stay active. Life in the student residence further contributes to an engaging and social experience. There is always something happening—be it group dinners, social gatherings, or spontaneous activities with other residents—which fosters a strong sense of community. Altogether, Bergen offers the perfect combination of academic life, fitness opportunities, and access to Norway’s stunning natural landscape, making it an outstanding place to study and live.

6. Testimonial

Looking back, my exchange semester was an incredibly rewarding and memorable experience. The breathtaking nature and the trips I was able to take made a lasting impression on me and are memories I’ll carry for a long time. Academically, everything ran smoothly and fully met my expectations. Norway is an extraordinary country, and I would wholeheartedly recommend spending a semester abroad at NHH in Bergen to anyone who appreciates nature, outdoor activities, and a balanced student life.