In the spring of 2024, three girls graduated from the University of Boulder in Colorado. This was the culmination  of 4 years of travel, adventure and friendship. 

‍

Mie, Oda and Amanda first met when they started at the American College of Norway in 2019. Oda and Mie were already pretty set on studying abroad, and chose ACN due to the advising and expertise on the American education system that is offered as part of the program. Amanda, on the other hand, was planning on studying in Norway - but needed the so-called ‘thirteenth year’ to be admitted to university in Norway. For Amanda, her opinion changed as the semester went on - as she got to know more American students, and learned about the opportunities available to her in the American system - she decided to apply to university across the pond.

‍

The girls remember their time in Moss fondly - ACN is a place for community, where you are welcomed and accepted as you are. As the year went on, they applied and were admitted into the same college in the US. There were clear benefits to traveling halfway across the world with people you already know, as Oda states: “I was lucky enough to go there with my two best friends from Moss so I never really felt like I was too far away from home.”

‍

It is no question that studying in the US is quite a different experience than studying in Norway. Not only are the academic structures laid out differently, but social activities and sports are a massive part of the college experience. The girls remember these aspects as their favorite; cheering at football games, tailgating, going to frat parties, traveling to different states and making new friends. Mie says: “I decided to study in the US because I wanted a different experience and challenge myself which I am super grateful that I did.” 

‍

The girls also got involved in Greek life, and joined a sorority. Mie explains that it was a great way to get involved with the college experience, saying; “It’s a good way to socialize, connect with the university and make friends. The girls I met in Pi Beta Phi truly did become some of my best friends.” Oda mentions that it’s a particularly effective way to make friends if you go to the US on your own. 

Amanda made some of her favorite memories by exploring the stunning Colorado mountains. “The Rocky Mountains are very pretty!” she says, and explains how she’s gone on ski trips and that one of her favorite places to visit was Telluride - a village surrounded by spectacular mountains. 

‍

The girls also visited other places in the US - Florida, California, Minnesota and Mexico for spring break. 

‍

Sticking close to home was not a problem for the girls though, as they all enjoyed the school spirit and pride that comes with living in a college town like Boulder. With more than 30.000 students, there was always something going on - and students wherever you went. Oda says: “I have too many favorite memories. I spent three years of my life there and they have been the most amazing three years. I was lucky enough to go there with my two best friends from Moss so I never really felt like I was too far away from home. I miss it already. ”

When asked about what advice the girls have for anyone moving to the US to study - they all agree that it is essential to put yourself out there. Oda says: “Americans are not shy by nature as we Norwegians tend to be known for - but you have to be willing to start conversations. Usually, people are very interested in Norway and how life is there so there are some easy conversation starters!”. Amanda agrees with this, explaining that if you put yourself out there it’s easy to make friends; “Americans are very talkative, and I feel like you can talk to them about anything.”

‍

As far as making the most of your study abroad experience, Amanda suggests making a bucket list to keep yourself accountable - and making sure you do all the things you want to do. “It can be small things; going on a hike, visiting a particular coffee shop - it’s just about actually going and doing them.”

‍

The girls have all graduated with their bachelor’s degrees; Mie with a Major in Strategic Communications and Public Relations with a Minor in Media Studies, Oda with a major in Strategic Communication with a focus in Media Design and a minor in Media Production and Amanda with a Major in Strategic Communications and Public Relations, and a minor in Leadership. 

There are still more adventures to come - Mie secured a PR Internship in Oslo over the summer, and this fall she is starting her Masters in Integrated Marketing at NYU. Amanda is doing her Masters in Strategic Marketing Management at BI Norwegian Business School. 

‍

At ACN we love to see our alumni thriving - and getting to follow along on their journeys. Thank you to Mie, Amanda and Oda for sharing about their time in the US!

‍