Bodø International

Bodø International (BI) is the student organisation for international students at Bodø University College. It is a student organisation made up by students from different countries and cultures. BI is formed to provide these students with an opportunity to meet others who share similar or diverse backgrounds with the mutual goal of learning to get along well in a new country. 

Main goal
The main goal of BI is making students feel comfortable and to give them a chance to socialize with both international and Norwegian students outside academic life. We want to create a good living atmosphere and pleasant memories when studies are finished.  BI tries to provide a whole range of activities, events, and happenings including International Day, International Food Party, Coffee Hours, Movie Times, Disco Nights, Farewell Parties, Funny Games, trips around Norway. Other than that, BI cooperates with community by participating in activities organized by Red Cross.

International Day and International Food Party are one of the brightest activities which always attract a great attention from both internationals and Norwegians. On the International Day, each international student represents his/her home country by displaying posters, national costumes, playing movies. This creates an amazing opportunity for those who are eager to learn more about other countries and cultures, make new friends, discover new places… During the International Food Party, one can taste national dishes from all over the world cooked by the natives at one place. This event is highly appreciated by both students and administration and attracts a lot of participants and guests.

BI has the following goals: 

• To create an organization that can be used as a network between international students on campus. 
• To develop a bond between different cultures. By participating in events with other student organizations it creates a diverse, yet united, community.
• To make the international students more visible. New activities encourage more students to get involved and make international students seen and heard.
• To be more than parties. We provide advice and support; try to help potential students with information and practical advice before coming to Bodø.

The board of BI consists of five office bearers. They are the volunteers who got elected at the Annual General Meeting:

President: Chamara Kuruppu

Chamara comes from Sri Lanka and reads for the PhD. He is responsible for keeping in contact with other student unions and administration as well as for the day-to-day activities. Chamara represents BI at official meetings.

Vice President: Upendra Napit

Upendra is originally from Nepal and is currently reading for MSc in Business. He does the bookkeeping, make a budget and plan activities together with the leader. Upendra is the Acting President when the President is absent.

Welfare Director: Olga Tsvetkova

Olga is from Russia and on her first year in Master in Business program. She is responsible for arranging, managing and coordinating various social and cultural activities.

Information Director: Gokce Tekin

Gokce is Turkish enrolling on MSc in Business program. She is in charge of web and mailing lists. Gokce dissemination of information regarding the BI’s activities.

Board Director: Trish McLean

Trish comes from Canada and studies Norwegian Language and Society. She is responsible for providing up-to-date information for the board members and recording minutes.

If you have any questions about studies, weather, language or any other things that interest you, do not hesitate to contact us.

Looking forward to seeing you in Bodø!

Contact information:
E-mail: bodointernational@stud.hibo.no
Telephone: (+47) 75517903
Office: room 1047 ( Entrance B)
Contact persons: Chamara Kuruppu  President  ph. +47 95764796