Exchange student at VID: Ashlyn Estes

Who are you, and why are you in Norway? 

I am currently a junior (3rd year) nursing student at Azusa Pacific University. I grew up in the central coast of California which is about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. I grew up in a very small town which does not have much diversity. This being in the people, their thoughts and lifestyle. Going to college I knew I wanted to have an experience which really showed me how the “real world” is like. I think the first step for me was to go to Los Angeles for college. I wanted to expand my experiences, and I was very interested in seeing how healthcare worked in Norway. Now I am beyond thankful to have the opportunity to be studying nursing here! 

What have you experienced in Norway during the three months you’ve been here? 

We all really have tried to experience Norway, especially Bergen, to the fullest. The kindness of the people and the beauty of the nation are the two things that have stood out to me. We have been on various hikes, went on a fjord cruise, walked nearly everywhere, and most of all have had a real winter. 

What are your thoughts on the healthcare system and the nursing you’ve observed? 

After experiencing the healthcare system in Norway, it seems crazy that any other country would have a different system. It has honestly made me sad to see that America’s healthcare system is based on how much money one has rather than how much medical care a person needs, like here in Norway. I have been blown away by the healthcare system here and want to bring so many aspects of it home with me if I could. I have noticed that Norway’s healthcare system is more preventative based in hopes to help patients before they would need more emergent services. There are more nursing job opportunities in the community rather than just in hospitals here. 

Has anything surprised you? 

Initially, it was very surprising to understand that all the care that anyone needs is free. I thought there must be a silver lining somewhere, but it really all is at no cost to those who live here for the healthcare that they can receive. Another thing that pleasantly surprised me about Norwegian culture was the kindness of everyone here. I think we almost didn’t expect it since we knew Norwegians keep to themselves and are not as social as we are used to. 

From your perspective, what is good, and what could be improved? 

It is hard to fully understand the benefits and drawbacks of a healthcare system when you are not actually living here full time and being affected by them. As an outsider, it seems like Norway’s healthcare system is an ideal.

What thoughts do you have about the similarities and differences between being a student at Azusa Pacific University in the USA and at VID in Norway? 

The way that nursing school works here is very different than in America. Nursing students at Azusa Pacific University have classes alongside our clinical practice, whereas here students have practice after they finish their classes the first few weeks of school. Additionally, a lot of the students in the same year of college as us are much older. We noticed this is likely because they have one more year of high school than Americans, and they also usually take at least one gap year. Coming from the christian university perspective, there is also a large difference. VID is considered a christian institution, yet does not seem to incorporate much faith into their classes or practice. At APU, we are required to go to chapel three times a week and faith is integrated into each of our courses. 

Read more about exchange opportunities at VID.