Going abroad is exciting and it is challenging sometimes. The excitement is seeing a new place where you have not been before and the people while the challenges could be unfamiliar situation or ignorance if it is the first time travel.
Ignorance means lack of information and knowledge. It is different from stupidity which is a lack of intelligent and it is and it is different from foolishness which is a lack of wisdom. This is what I have suffered from.
Due to ignorance, I missed my flight from Istanbul capital city of Turkey to Oslo Norway on 15.09.2011, and I had to sit the whole night at the waiting room without eating and drinking water. And in the following morning, I was charged 40 dollars to renew my travelling ticket to Oslo and the trader sold to me Turkey credit card (TUM ARAMALAR TELEFON KARTI) with 20 dollars. I bought this credit card to call and inform host and home partner organisation about the situation I was in. Then the plane took off with my bag which contains my clothes and academic documents but later on it was recovered after one week serious follow-up. So I spent all the pocket money I had to solve problems in Istanbul and arrived in Oslo empty pocket. But good enough our exchange partners (Sigurd and Linn) supported me materially a lot.
Besides that, I have experienced a lot of challenge in using computer while at Hotel Hadeland preparatory course September 2011. I was the only one who could not use computer among 56 participants from 18 developing countries in the world which participated in FK-Norway exchange program. Not only computer but also I faced problems in using simple home based electronic machines like washing and drying machines, cooker, regulating heater temperature and shopping because the entire labelled are written in Norsk. Therefore, I was disappointed and felt inferior among the participants. But later on I came to realised that to have challenges about an unfamiliar situation is quite normal .Now I feel good because I learnt how to computer like others. Although it sounds so strange and embracing to others, it is a reality. I grew and studied in marginalised areas in the country side where above machines and computers are not available and I didn't get a better chance or opportunity like FK-Norway exchange program to learn and see other things. Not only challenges I have experienced but also I have learnt a lot of good positive Norwegian behaviours and policies which impressed and convinced me during these five months exchange period. I think if the developing countries can adopt and use as leather for climbing or tools for development it will be very nice. Although policies differ from one country to another, some Norwegian policies need to be treated as neutral and should be used by each country. I have learnt that:-
There is high cooperation and spirit of togetherness among Norwegian citizens at work and other places, although they do their some of their private work individual.
Equality is observed for both foreigners and citizens in the country. This has made Norway a peaceful country.
Gender equality is exercise country wide where works are share between men and women in offices and at home.
Environmental management because every citizen makes sure that his/her home stead is clean and many types of containers are placed at public places for this purpose.
Time management is strictly followed by Norwegian where necessary at work, Bus Park, train stations, meetings and many other places.
High taxation policy for fair distribution wealth, provision of social services for citizens and retirement security
Family planning is extremely practiced. Maximum numbers of two children are practiced for proper care.
Provision of loan or credit policy to students encouraged high number of qualified personnel in the country.
Emergency calls are displayed everywhere in case of any related incident. For example 110 fire, 112 police, 113 ambulance and 06010 Securitas direct.
Goods of the same types, size and quantity has the same price country wide. This protects citizens, reduces overcharging and corruption by traders.
Electronic machines and cards are used in shopping centres, bus parks; road side and many other places made work for two people can be done by one person. It improves efficiency and transparency in the country.
Here am interested in positive things because the aims of exchange program are not study negative things.
However, I would like say this FK-exchange program is reformation, discovery and understanding of global society we live in relation to our community and compare to the present situation. In this exchange program all my dead senses become alive and my blind parts are opened and can see where the world is taking to.
Thanks to all the initiators of Fk-Norway and Norwegian govern.
South participant
Milla Elizeous John.