Praj a Flinders student undertaking a semester exchange at BI Norwegian School of Management during S1 2026.
Life in your twenties is a time to step outside what feels familiar, try new things, make mistakes, and grow as a person. As I approach the final year of my Bachelor of Banking and Finance, I want to create an experience that will challenge me, both personally and professionally. For me, studying abroad isn’t just about travelling, it’s about immersing myself in a completely different environment, which I believe can shape the direction of someone’s life in a meaningful way.
How and why did you choose your exchange destination?
When I first started looking into exchange opportunities, I knew I wanted to experience a new culture, meet people from all over the world, and see what life was like beyond Australia. After exploring the options through Flinders University’s Global Experience program, I found that BI Norwegian Business School in Oslo was the perfect fit. Since I’m in my third year, my study options needed to align with my remaining degree requirements, and BI happened to offer exactly what I needed. I’d also heard great things about studying in Oslo from a close friend who went on exchange there the previous year, which gave me extra confidence in my decision.
What are you most looking forward to?
What excites me most is the chance to experience everyday life in Norway. I’m looking forward to meeting people from different backgrounds, learning about Norwegian traditions, adjusting to the extreme cold, and exploring a part of the world I’ve never seen before. I know there will be obstacles along the way, but I think that’s what makes an experience like this so worthwhile.
More than anything, I hope this exchange helps me grow as a person. Living independently in another country will hopefully teach me skills that can’t be learned in a classroom. I hope to return more confident, adaptable, and appreciative of different cultures and perspectives. I’m also looking forward to building friendships that will last well beyond the semester and create memories I’ll carry with me.
I see this exchange as more than one semester overseas; it’s a chance to learn about the world, discover more about myself, and shape the person I’ll become after my time at Flinders University.