A gathering of International Partners
From June 2nd to 4th, 2025, the International Relations Office hosted this year's USN Partner Days at Campus Bø. Several partner universities from around the world were invited to participate in a comprehensive program, providing a platform to share experiences related to both outgoing and incoming exchanges between institutions in the same sector. Some of the attendees also opted to join the third day, June 5th, which featured events across three of USN’s campuses: Kongsberg, Bø, and Notodden.
The Director of the International Relations Office, Anette Staaland, emphasizes the importance of such an event.
- USN Partner Days is a wonderful opportunity for USN to invite partners from across the globe, both to learn more about USN, but also for the participants to share their approach to internationalization, staff- and student mobility.
- Through these two-days seminars, filled with workshops, group work and presentations, we share best practices and learn a lot about each other’s universities, which again gives inspiration to improve and develop our field.”
This Year’s Partner Days
USN Partner Days 2025 kicked off on June 2nd with an official opening at Bø Hotel. The Mayor of Midt-Telemark, Siri Blichfeldt Dyrland, welcomed 30 participants to the event.
June 3rd was packed with inspiring content, including an introduction to the International Relations Office and the work being done at USN. This was followed by an engaging lecture presented by Professor Peter Fjågesund from the Department of Languages and Literature. The day concluded with a visit to the historic Bø Church, followed by dinner at Lifjellstua.
On June 4th, participants were given a tour of Campus Bø and its offerings.
During lunch, two representatives from the National Technical University of Ukraine, Vice Dean for International Cooperation, Inna Saiapina, and Director of the Center of International Education, Iryna Pryknodko, gave a "Lunch Talk" in the staff canteen. In conversation with Thor-Egil Eide, the two talked about how the war affects universities in Ukraine, with a focus on experiences from their own university. The Ukrainian participants were invited as special guests to the Partner Days.
The day wrapped up with group discussions, followed by waffles served at the student house, KROA.
This year’s Partner Days brought partner universities closer not only to USN but also to each other. Each institution have different practices, and through the exchange of experiences and collaboration, all attendees were able to take home new and inspiring insights to apply in their own contexts. Additionally, the partners were treated to glimpses of Norway’s stunning natural beauty in Bø.
Next Year’s Partner Days
USN Partner Days 2026 will take place at the Drammen campus, click here to read more about next years event. Stay tuned on our website for more information.