EDUCATION FOR LUNCH
At the Bergen University College there is room for only one out of ten engineering students in the study halls. However, these are so poorly ventilated that the students prefer to work in a crowded canteen. There are 1400 students and only 120 spaces in study halls. This means that vacant class rooms, library and labs are used for study purposes. – The canteen is the only place with decent ventilation, says student Stian Sæle. The question of where to study is not an exclusive one for the Bergen University College. The Faculty of Psychology and the Faculty of Social Science vie for first place when it comes to having the fewest spaces available for students to work. The 4350 students enrolled in bachelor courses at these two faculties will have one building less to utilize after Christmas. In pure numbers, this amounts to fifteen students per available seat in the study hall.
EDUCATION PAYS LESS
Higher education doesn’t pay well in Norway. But not everybody is too concerned about that. – It isn’t all about money, says Espen Odland, and his mates agree. – Your education creates a foundation for what you will be doing the rest of your life, so your well-being is essential, Osland continues. The three pals think that a challenging job with opportunities for personal development is more important than salary. A report from OECD indicates that the financial benefits of higher education are lower in Norway than elsewhere. Norwegian graduates make an average of only 35 more than those with secondary education. In comparison, the figures are 110 percent for Hungary and 86 percent for the United States.
ASPIRING ARCHITECTS VISIT IRAN
Students from the Bergen School of Architecture have each made a project based on a site outside the Iranian city of Esfahan. Two weeks ago, they presented their work before the locals. Iranian architecture students have different challenges than their Norwegian counterparts. Censorship and huge costs associated with travelling abroad pose problems. Student Arild Eriksen says the visitors from Bergen attracted a lot of interest
ALEXANDER KEMP
03.12.03
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