With support from the Hungarian scholarship fund set up by the EEA and Norway Grants, students from Hungary are engaging in a five-week exposure on Norwegian culture. Through short stints both at Voss agricultural school and Hjeltnes gardening school, as well as practical experience at apple cider production sites in Hardanger, the students are exposed to a range of new impressions and experiences.
More familiar with the renowned Tokai wine than apple cider, the Hungarian students are learning new skills through their exchange. "It is interesting being here, and we get to try out new things," said Ferenc Danko and Norbert Orosz. "We were interested in getting to know the country better, and we wanted to know more about the cider production. Norway is a little bit cold, but beautiful," said the Hungarian students, who study machine technology at home.
All in all, 8 Hungarian students are participating in the 5-week exchange. This exchange marks the beginning of a cooperation project for students and staff, involving both Voss agricultural school and Hjeltnes gardening school. During the autumn term, seven Norwegian students will also engage in five-week exchanges in Hungary. "The exchange will also include participation from school staff," said Håkon Gjerde of the Hjeltnes gardening school. He believes staff benefit greatly from the exchange. "For the staff, the cooperation offers academic development, as well as a valuable exchange of experiences," he said.
For Gjerde, the Hungarian school is a natural partner from an academic point of view. "Finding good partners is important. These longer-term exchanges are also prioritised instead of the more traditional school trips abroad," he adds. "In addition to the academic aspect, the exchanges are valuable not only for marketing our schools - it is also as an exciting element in the school year."
Source and photo: Sigrid Seim, the Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Higher Education (SIU)