Start of the Semester for 160 International Students

- This is the largest enrolment of  international students ever, says Ada Carine Hanson who is senior administrative officer and project leader at Joint Resource Center at UiS.

- There is a great variety of students with a good mix of female and male students, she says. Clearly UiS is beginning to become known internationally. Earlier, international students have encouraged others to apply. This is a positive development for UiS.

Mona Levina, Belarus, David Maxwell, Australia, and Efosa Uyiomendo, Nigeria, are three of the 160 students who will study at UiS in the near future.

Knowing Stavanger
- I have been in Stavanger earlier because my sister lives here, Mona Levina says. She is enrolled on a course in Norwegian. I have plans for continuing to take a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources.
- I have fallen in love with Norway and I look forward to meeting new people and improving my competence in the language. I may very well settle down here.

The first student from Southern Cross University
- I'm the first exchange student from Australia to have been enrolled at UiS, David  Maxwell says. He comes from Southern Cross University and is going to study nursing this semester.

- UiS had the best study program. However, Stavanger and Norway are new to me. Now I will have an opportunity to be introduced to  Norwegian culture and language. Stavanger is also convenient for me because I have a mother living in England, David says, who, among other things, has a background from film industry and rugby. The Stavanger Rugby Club may now expect a new member.

Found UiS on the net
- I have work experience from Shell in Nigeria, Efosa Uyiomendo says.
He enrolled in the international Master's Program in Offshore Technology Asset Management. I became aware of UiS and its new Master's program on the university net site.
- Stavanger is strongly influenced by the petroleum industry and has good relations to local industry as well. This is convenient for me. Shell is also represented here. I had an offer of admission at the University of Manchester, but chose UiS instead.

Nigeria had large oil reserves, but I may not return home after my studies here, Efosa Uyiomendo says. He doesn't exclude the possibility of going on to a doctorate program.

Busy week
During the week the students will go through a packed program. The Opening Day was spent on registration and a presentation of UiS with a welcome speech by Rector Aslaug Mikkelsen before the introduction at the three faculties. A tour of the campus finished the day.

The students will also be given a briefing about the Student Union (SiS) and an introduction to relevant practical matters and regulations in addition to a presentation of the Stavanger region including a six hours' coach tour on Sunday.