Nikolina from Serbia: studying Clay, Art and Design at campus Notodden

Nikolina utvekslingsstudent i Norge

"I have only one regret - why didn't I start this earlier? Now I can only tell to other students, explore as much as you can, your home University will always be there, but seize every opportunity to go abroad. You will meet many new people and discover a lot about yourself".

I am Nikolina Petrović from Belgrade, Serbia. I finished bachelor studies at the University of Belgrade - Teacher Education Faculty for primary school teacher and now I am on master studies.

I decided to apply for studies in Norway because I got an opportunity at my University from my art professor. Even before that I was looking for some open calls, because I was always interested in studying abroad and discovering other countries education system. I wasn't sure if I will ever got approved, but I guess I was the lucky one (for once). Here in Norway, I am studying at the USN in campus Notodden. I applied for the 6 months course of Clay, art and design 1. I always had tendencies towards the art, so this was and is a great opportunity for me to express myself in 'artsy' way. To be honest, I didn't use that much of clay in my life or at my studies so in the beginning I was scared that I'm going to fail at this and not be satisfied. But that didn't happen. As a matter of fact, a got an A for my first exam (throwing clay).

Clay bowls that the students in Notodden have made

I picked two courses for this semester - throwing clay and clay in contemporary perspective. So far, I am satisfied with the program and my studies. I enjoy working and playing with the clay and making something of my own. It is a great feeling when you make a cup, handmade cup, and later on you drink from it and get surprised how you made something yet useful and beautiful at the same time. You on your own, on the throwing wheel. I got an opportunity, which I never had back home, to be a part of the exhibition. It is a marvelous feeling when you can show other people what you have made and maybe, just maybe, inspire someone throughout that process.

Nikolina posing next to the waterThis is the first time that I went that far from my home and family. To add on that, alone. Well, I wasn't fully alone, I had my classmate from Belgrade to come here with me, but still you are alone. I was afraid if I will be able to figure out how to live on my one, how much money will I need for 6 months staying. All of the problems that every person has when he or she gets independent. But I always knew how to take care of myself. Cooking was never a problem for me, I like to make various foods. A lot of international students tried my food and I think they liked it. I didn't imagine that winters will be this cold and long here in Norway, but I enjoyed it every day. Norway is a beautiful country and people here are really friendly and they always want to help you.

I have only one regret - why didn't I start this earlier? Now I can only tell to other students, explore as much as you can, your home University will always be there, but seize every opportunity to go abroad. You will meet many new people and discover a lot about yourself.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity! Kind regards,
Nikolina Petrović

 

Here you can read more stories from exchange students at USN.

Bio:

Nikolina Petrović from Serbia
Home University: University of Belgrade

Study programme in Norway:

1-year programme in Clay, Art and Design at campus Notodden