My name is Espen Foss Skavlem and I am a Norwegian student at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC). I am currently in my second year undertaking a degree in Bachelor of International Business, minoring in Supply Chain Management. Considering my degree, I could not think of any better option than moving to the other side of the world to get educated. However, the process of moving across the globe to study can be challenging. Kilroy in Norway is assisting students that wants to study abroad, and they were really helpful and assisted me with everything I needed and made the process as comfortable and easy as possible.

I moved down under in July 2018 with the expectations of meeting new and interesting people from all around the world, and I can fairly say that my expectations were exceeded as this has been one of the most memorable years of my life. I have made many friends from all around the world and have been able to travel and work with students from many different cultures, and I am only half way there!

The Sunshine Coast lives up to its name, however, keep in mind that the winter mornings and evenings can get pretty chilly so bring enough sweaters. Living on the coast also brings many travel opportunities to several close distances. Byron Bay is one of my favourite places to travel and is only a three-hour drive south from the sunny coast. Two hours north of the coast you can also find Rainbow Beach and Fraser Island, which are some of the most unique places I have ever been. Fraser Island is almost completely made of sand and you can rent a four-wheel drive car and camp at amazing spots on the Island, a great experience!

As you now know, studying at USC and living on the Sunshine Coast is an amazing experience and I am happy for anyone that has the chance to do it! I am going to study overseas in the US next semester and I know that one of the things I am going to miss the most is the opportunity to just drive to the beach, enjoy a morning swim, and hang with my friends just having a couple of cold ones!

– Espen Foss Skavlem