Our student ambassadors share their best advice

Picture of Matilda Louise Oculy, Shania Marcella Kalpee, Helena Zhang and Dennis Florian Laeufer.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AMBASSADORS: From left: Matilda Louise Oculy (from France) Shania Marcella Kalpee (Trinidad and Tobago), Helena Zhang (from Sweden) and Dennis Florian Laeufer (from Germany). Photo: Helge Skodvin
NHH By Ingrid Aarseth Johannessen

21 November 2023 09:55

Our student ambassadors share their best advice

They are ready to answer all your questions on student life and how it is to live in Bergen. Get to know them better – and find out what they like the best about NHH.

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Interested in studying at NHH?

As an international student at NHH you have several opportunities. Here are some of them:

Name: Matilda Louise Oculy (22)
FROM: France, Strasbourg
YEAR OF STUDY: MASTER’S STUDENT, FIRST YEAR
SPECIALISATION: Energy, Natural Resources AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Why did you choose NHH?

‘I chose NHH as it has given me the possibility to expand my knowledge in the energy sector through its very interesting and unique master specialisation, ENE. I was further drawn to NHH for its excellent reputation, its Triple Crown accreditation and the international opportunities it offers.’

‘I also liked the idea of studying in Norway as I wanted to explore more of Scandinavia. The school in itself is located in a beautiful and perfect-sized city with close access to nature, which is what I was looking for to enhance in my student life experience.’

What do you want to communicate as a student ambassador?

‘I would like to communicate the benefits of studying at NHH to prospective students, like how you can enrich your experience and meet new people. I’m also looking forward to sharing all the advantages there are to living and studying in Bergen. The city is really welcoming to international students and provides for a great student life.’

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NHH in itself is located in a beautiful and perfect-sized city with close access to nature, which is what I was looking for to enhance my student life experience.

Matilda Louise Oculy (22)

Best thing about NHH?

‘The best thing is that there is always something going on. There are always events, guest talks or stands in large auditoriums or in the corridors, which make the school very lively. I really feel that this makes NHH special as you can sense that the school is very invested in its students. The teaching is also of very high quality, and you can easily reach out to your professors.’

What advice would you give to your past self?

‘I would like to tell my former self to look at all the study options available early on and carefully consider the city or the country. I think it is important to prioritise what makes you happy and find a place which offers you the possibility to develop your interests. I would also tell myself to not worry too much about what will occur in the future, as everything will happen in due course.’

Picture of Matilda Louise Oculy, together with Shania Marcella Kalpee. Photo: Ingunn Gjærde and Helge Skodvin
‘I chose NHH as it has given me the possibility to expand my knowledge in the energy sector through its very interesting and unique master specialisation, ENE,’ says Matilda Louise Oculy. Photo to the right: Shania Marcella Kalpee and Oculy. Photo: Ingunn Gjærde and Helge Skodvin

NAME: DENNIS FLORIAN LAEUFER (25)
FROM:
GERMANY, HAMBURG
YEAR OF STUDY: 
MASTER’S STUDENT, FIRST YEAR
SPECIALISATION:
FINANCIAL ECONOMIS

Why did you choose NHH?

‘Initially, I came across NHH upon a friend's recommendation. The more I read about the school, the more convinced I became: This is the place where I want to pursue my academic journey! NHH's reputation and promising career opportunities are undeniable and had a big impact on my decision.’

‘I also liked the prospect of becoming engaged in the numerous students' activities at NHH and as a nature enthusiast, having a student life between the sea and the mountains.’

What do you want to communicate as a student ambassador?

‘I'd like to emphasise that there are numerous options to tailor both your degree and student life to align with your preferences. On the one hand, you have the specialisation you select, the courses you enroll in, the international experience you aim for, and the student activities you engage in. On the other hand, it is the cultural events you attend, the mountains you hike, and the cabin trips you organise that shape your unique NHH experience.’

Initially, I came across NHH upon a friend's recommendation. The more I read about the school, the more convinced I became: This is the place where I want to pursue my academic journey.

Dennis Florian Laeufer (25)

Best thing about NHH?

‘There is always something happening on campus, from thrilling events such as the NHH case competition to student groups introductions, and the presence of leading companies in the mirror hall. Monotony has no place, and each day brings new excitement.’

What advice would you give to your past self?

‘I'd advise my past self to consider studying abroad for my bachelor's degree. While there are many great business schools worldwide, I’d assure myself that NHH is a place where I feel academically challenged and most importantly a strong sense of belonging. With that in mind, I'd ensure that the new bachelor's degree BEDS is on my radar.’

 Picture of Dennis Florian Laeufer, together with Shania Marcella Kalpee. Photo: Helge Skodvin and Ingunn Gjærde
‘There is always something happening on campus, from thrilling events such as the NHH case competition to student groups introductions, and the presence of leading companies in the mirror hall,’ says Dennis Florian Laeufer. Photo to the left: Shania Marcella Kalpee and Laeufer. Photo: Helge Skodvin and Ingunn Gjærde

NAME: HELENA ZHANG (23)
FROM: 
SWEDEN, STOCKHOLM
YEAR OF STUDY: 
MASTER’S STUDENT, FIRST YEAR
SPECIALISATION: 
STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT

Why did you choose NHH?

‘I was drawn to NHH for several reasons. First, I had friends who had visited Bergen and NHH through the student union at my bachelor university, and their glowing reviews sparked my interest. I also craved a fresh adventure in a new city and university for my master's degree. After researching NHH and discovering the exciting opportunities it offers, such as CEMS, double degrees, and international internships, I knew that NHH was the perfect destination for me.’

What do you want to communicate as a student ambassador? 

‘The process of applying to higher education is overwhelming, and I hope to make the process easier. For me is is important to share my personal experiences and insights to make the transition to NHH and life in Norway as smooth as possible.’

The friends I've made here have transformed my experience into something truly special. I cannot stress enough how important it is to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.

Helena Zhang (23)

Picture of Helena Zhang, together with Mari Walde and Dennis Florian Laeufer. Photo: Ingunn Gjærde and Helge Skodvin
‘After researching NHH and discovering the exciting opportunities it offers, such as CEMS, double degrees, and international internships, I knew that NHH was the perfect destination for me,’ says Helena Zhang. Picture to the right: Mari Walde, Dennis Florian Laeufer and Zhang. Photo: Ingunn Gjærde and Helge Skodvin

Best thing about NHH?

‘Without a doubt, it's the people! NHH offers a vibrant community that introduces you to new individuals both within the school and through various student groups. The friends I've made here have transformed my experience into something truly special. I cannot stress enough how important it is to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Thankfully, NHH makes it easy by providing a bunch of activities, both on and off-campus.’

What advice would you give to your past self?

‘I would tell my old self to enjoy the student life to its fullest and trust that everything sorts itself out. Your university years are all about seizing exciting opportunities and meeting awesome people. You will learn and grow so much, both personally and professionally so never be afraid to try something new!’

NAME: SHANIA MARCELLA KALPEE (27)
FROM: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, CHAGUANAS
YEAR OF STUDY:  DOUBLE DEGREE MASTER’S STUDENT, SECOND YEAR
SPECIALISATION: STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT

Why did you choose NHH?

‘NHH resides in a beautiful city and the opportunity to experience a different culture while also learning from the top business school in Norway was the cherry on top. I did not have any prior experience with the country and the possibility of living there for a year and experiencing what a great work-life balance feels like, was something I could not pass up.’

What do you want to communicate as a student ambassador?

‘You can create your unique community here and it would open your eyes to your own potential of being resilient and confident. Moving away from home is always hard but it allows you to develop your character in ways that are only encouraged by discomfort. Appreciating both the good and bad days encourages you to see the beauty of your personal journey.’

Moving away from home is always hard but it allows you to develop your character in ways that are only encouraged by discomfort.

Shania Marcella Kalpee (27)

 Picture of Shania Marcella Kalpee, together with Mari Walde. Photo: Helge Skodvin and Ingunn Gjærde
‘NHH resides in a beautiful city and the opportunity to experience a different culture while also learning from the top business school in Norway was the cherry on top,’ says Shania Marcella Kalpee. Photo to the left: Mari Walde and Kalpee. Photo: Helge Skodvin and Ingunn Gjærde

Best thing about NHH?

‘NHH provides various opportunities to get involved with the community, whether it is student clubs, career events or socials. Take advantage of doing things that are different from your norm because you may actually end up enjoying it.’

What advice would you give to your past self?

‘My high school self didn't allow myself to dream as big as I do now, and I needed more confidence in my abilities. I wish I changed my mindset from “realistically you can’t do that” to “let’s try and see what happens,” sooner but I'm grateful for my current experiences. I couldn’t imagine pursuing a double degree in Norway when I was 16, but I was able to create a reality I didn’t know existed, and I intend on continuing that in my future.’

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Shania Marcella Kalpee. Photo: Ingunn Gjærde

From Caribbean to Western Norway

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