Studying a year abroad is a challenging and interesting experience, especially when you choose to go to a country on the other side of the world, as I did. Being in Chile as an exchange student this semester has taught me a lot. I have been introduced to a new working method and approach when it comes to create architecture. I have worked together with local students and become aware of our differences and similarities as architecture students and people. I have improved my Spanish skills and learned about the Chilean and South American culture, and I have built a pavilion with fellow students in the beautiful south of Chile.

The Chileans are extremely warm and friendly, and it has been easy making friends as a foreign student. This really helps when you are far away from home, because sometimes it can be frustrating and hard being in a foreign country with a different language and culture. I believe that the open and warm people of this country make Chile one of the nicest countries to exchange to! I have made many friends during my stay, not only from Chile, but from around the world. 

As a northern European I find Valparaiso to be a chaotic and lively city, very different from my hometown Oslo. With street dogs, chaotic traffic and rundown buildings it may not be love at first sight. But it definitely has its own charm, with colorful houses clustered together in the many hills around the city that overlooks the pacific. I must say I have enjoyed living in this unique town.

The school is located in beautiful surroundings, with an amazing view over the Pacific Ocean. It’s a small and intimate school, separated from the rest of the university campus. I believe that the small classes have many advantages, it’s easy to get to know your classmates and your teachers, and there’s a less formal tone in class allowing everyone to take part in the discussions. However, I have to say that the students in my class didn´t always use this advantage. At my own university I am used to engagement and long discussions among all of the students, which I think is a valuable part of the learning process. With that being said, the students in Valparaiso have much better skills in drawing, and know how to use this as a tool. I have a long way to go to reach their level, and hope that they will keep on inspiring me with their sketches and drawings in the following semester.

Margrethe Munthe Magnus

Norwegian University of Science and Technology