Why do you study Economics?
I grew up in a rather unequal society and it has had an impact on me since I was a kid. I thought that the solution to social problems was simple and that the problem was the lack of will to change things. I chose Economics because I saw it as a scientific framework to study society on different levels, and it also includes mathematics that I find a lot of fun to do. Studying Economics has given me a broader perspective and organized my way of thinking. However, I now understand that the solutions to societal problems are not simple.
Why did you apply for the master's programme in Economics?
I decided to do a master’s degree to get back to Economics after I had worked in a different field for some years. Perhaps is not what most people dream of, but I want to be a researcher. The master’s programme at UiO was a perfect fit for my interest in Economics, and it has challenged me to go beyond theory to apply economic thinking to concrete problems.
What is the best thing about being an international master student at the University of Oslo?
I was a bit nervous about how I would integrate to Norwegian society when I first arrived in Oslo. As an international student at UiO I have found a great social environment, where I have met a lot of great students and professors. I like that international students get the same benefits as Norwegian students and that the administrative staff has been very helpful anytime I had doubts or questions. It is also nice that we get access to Norwegian courses. I have felt very welcome from day one!