The exhibition is a joint effort put together by the EEA and Norway Grants and the European Commission, and features pictures focusing on young people in Europe. One of the youngsters featured in the exhibition was Līva Rudzīte-Mičule from Latvia. Thanks to the funding from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, Līva was able to go on an exchange for one semester to the University of Agder in Norway.
Great experience
Līva, who was one of the speakers at today’s opening, which took place in the commission’s main building, the Berlaymont, says she enjoyed her semester in Norway very much.
“It was a very nice experience. Not only did I l get to know a new culture and met a lot of nice people, I also got the opportunity to use my English in an academic setting, which is something that was very useful. Also, I was able to take classes in topics that were not offered at my university back home.”
That Līva ended up studying at the University of Agder, which is located in the Norwegian city of Kristiansand in the southern part of the country, is not a coincidence.
“Once I had decided that I wanted to go Norway, I knew that I wanted to go somewhere in the south. I know that Norway can get really cold during the winter, and I wanted to avoid that as much as possible,” she explains.
Although Līva is now back home in Latvia, she is still connected to Norway through her job.
“I am now working for Statoil which is a Norwegian company, and I am convinced that my semester in Kristiansand helped me get the job. I am very thankful that I was given the opportunity to go there,” she says.
Important area
Kurt Jäger, Ambassador of Liechtenstein to the EU, Asta Magnusdottir, Icelandic Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture and Vidar Helgesen, Norwegian Minister of EEA and EU affairs were all present at the opening and gave short remarks. All three highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young people in Europe, and the fruitful cooperation their three countries have had in this area for the last 20 years. Xavier Prats Monné, the Deputy Director-General for Education and Culture at the European Commission also underlined the importance of making you people a priority. Monné also mentioned the good working relationship between the EU and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway in this field.
In total, 20 photos are showcased in the exhibit, which is open until next Friday, 27 June.
Click here to see video footage of all the speeches given at the opening