Norway - Jessie Smith




“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” – Martin Buber.

I have always had a desire to see the world. Sure, many people say that but I had something pushing me to make this so. What they say is true…once you visit a new country, your soul aches to see more. When I learned I had the opportunity to travel to Norway as part of a graduate social justice course I was taking, without doubt, I was elated. I was also unaware of the impact this trip would have on me. I assumed the trip would both challenge me and enrich my education through our site visits and interviews with local professionals, but I brought back so much more than the educational lessons learned.

Seeing a new culture served as a natural eye-opener for me.

Seeing a new culture served as a natural eye-opener for me. There were times when my values and convictions were both challenged and inspired. I met so many influential people who inspired me to continue the promotion of social justice back home and worldwide. Counseling psychology (my major) is a big proponent of social justice and being a counseling psychologist in training, this experience assisted me in opening up the world’s doors and has given me a deeper appreciation of the world in which I live. I firmly believe that my education is a holistic process that involves a wide range of experiences that are not limited to the classroom and this trip did just that; it allowed me to broaden the connections between the classroom and the world. 

Norway-a truly influential and memorable place

I was able to explore, dream, discover, laugh (a lot), and learn. I hiked the Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, and looked 2,000 feet down at one of Norway’s many breathtaking fjords; partook in the Norwegian Constitution Day, waved to the King, and watched the children’s parade; met local psychologists and learned about the Norwegian mental health system; visited the Nobel Peace Prize Center, Munch Museum, Norwegian Resistance Museum, put my feet in the North Sea (it was freezing, but hey, I’ve been in the North Sea!), and so much more. Norway, offering a rich cultural experience and awe-inspiring surroundings, is a country not often thought of as a likely travel destination but proved to be a truly influential and memorable place for me. Studying abroad is something that should be experienced by every student; it enriches our education and leaves lasting impressions. Adventure is out there, go find it!