Alvise Franchin

Going to Norway was a very exciting and important experience for me. In fact, it has helped me not only to improve my knowledge of the English language, but it was also very useful to improve as a person; I think that from this perspective the most important experience we did was the meeting with the mother of the girl who died in the Utøya attack. I think that her words were very important to me and to all of us because they helped us understand better what she has been through and it also made me really understand how important it is to keep talking about events that happened in the past because if we don’t, people might forget about those events.

It has also been very useful to get the chance to communicate with other people in another language, because by doing that I learnt to speak English in a better way and also managed to let other people understand me when it was difficult to express a thought.

Another fundamental part of the project was of course getting to know Norwegian traditions and it was very important to get the possibility to understand how people of our age who live far away from us live and I could see what they do differently from us and what we do in the same way. For example, it was very interesting to see how the Norwegian school system works and what students usually do when they get out of school.

I’m looking forward to being able to meet the other participants in Italy to show them how our school system works and what we usually do after school.

Sara Leurda

I have a lot to say about the amazing experience in Norway, I don’t even know where to start. One thing I must say is that in those three days I learned a remarkable number of notions and had the opportunity to look into them, such as the horrible fact of Utøya, the story of Norwegian migrants and of the country itself. 

I came in touch with different cultures, socializing with the other pupils, and I realized that we are located relatively close but we have completely different habits, in some cases, and that helps open-mindedness a lot. It is quite obvious that not everyone could have been so friendly and understanding, but it’s not something new. 

 This experience made me feel and hopefully be more independent, which is something often lacking in a lot of teenagers nowadays and needs to be boosted. 

Furthermore, you should have seen the teacher Fanny putting all of herself into this project and this was so heart-warming, and so was the mother of the poor girl that didn’t make it home on 22nd of July 2011 because of an unacceptable action. The first day was used basically as an introduction to the other students and to Bryggen (historical Bergen) on the second day in the small town of Voss we learned more about the migrations that characterized that specific town and the country as a whole and 
then we had a tour of Voss school, that compared to ours looks like heaven. 

 When the last day came, we had to write down what we learnt from this experience and we noticed that we all thought the same things. This proves the fact that all of us learned in a homogeneous way and that all those we dealt with were/are open-minded people!

Sara Sarnataro

During the mobility experience in Norway, I was able to learn many different things: I acquired some information about extremism and migration – which were the topics of the project – like the pros and cons of being an immigrant, the fact that, as an immigrant, you have to get to know a new culture, face people’s judgment and cope with being away from your homeland.

Another highlight was the experience of a lecture with Merete Stammneshagen, the mother of a victim from the extremist attack on the Utøya island in 2011, during which we also learnt something about extremism. In addition, during the time I spent in Bergen, I learnt a lot about Norway and its inhabitants’ history and their past as migrants, too. Then I would also say that I learned something about their culture, traditions and their school system.

Apart from the scheduled school-related activities, I can say that I was able to widen my personal knowledge, as during our free-time we had the opportunity to talk to our foreign partners and exchange ideas and opinions. As far as difficulties are concerned, I would say that, obviously, at first the language was a little obstacle as we weren’t so fluent, but as time went by it got easier and easier to communicate and understand each other. Another thing I found difficult at first was being able to move around a city I didn’t know, asking strangers for directions and understanding the Norwegian transportation system.

Last but not least, I have to admit that missing the flight on our way back home and being able not to lose our temper, was another remarkable moment.

Chiara Preo

During the mobility, on a personal level, I grew a lot and I learned to overcome the fear of shyness, to take courage to talk to people I did not know and I became more independent. Although I had some difficulties at first, I always managed to overcome them either by taking courage or with the help of other people. I also learned a lot about Norwegian history and culture.

Many things were important, for example: the activities done with our partners on migration and extremism, the speech given by the mother of the girl who died on Utøya Island and all the visits to the various museums.

Aurora Facchin

The exchange in Norway was an amazing opportunity, I got to know many foreign students, a different culture and challenge myself. I visited some famous places in Norway, such as Bergen and Voss, saw the landscape surrounded by nature and the fjords and small islands near Bergen and experienced the Norwegian climate.

I learned about some important events in the history of Norway and Askøy and talked about the topics of the project: migration and extremism; I attended lectures on migration in Bergen in the 1300’s, on migration to Norway in the 1800’s and migration today, and also on Askøy's role in the Second World War.

What impressed me the most among the activities of the project was the lecture with Mrs. Merete Stammneshagen. I already knew what happened in Utøya but hearing about it from someone who experienced it firsthand was very intense and moving.

I hear about extremism every day, but I didn't expect it to affect people my age. Instead, it is a real threat, and it is important to be aware of it. It is upsetting to think about how an idea, a personal belief, can lead to such cruel and inhumane actions, but it is necessary to talk about it from an early age because living in a golden cage does not really protect
us from what happens in the world.

It was an honor to participate in the interview with Ms. Stammneshagen and to have the opportunity to talk to such a strong and courageous woman, also comparing myself with other foreign students on such an important topic.

I didn't have to face any particular difficulties, there were some complications with the flights but the main obstacle was getting out of my comfort zone, getting used to being and living with people I didn't know and opening up to them, but it was just an initial difficulty, my host family was very kind and always helpful and I immediately bonded with the girls I was hosted with.

I think this experience has helped me to grow as a person, to become more responsible and independent, now I feel more confident, also because I have not perceived any language barrier, and now I know that I can rely on myself.

Rebecca Giannina Massimo

This project interested me a lot, both for the topics and for the incredible experience we took part in. I think we have been very lucky with the opportunity we had. I like to be surrounded by kind, positive people, who transmit good vibes, who want to change the world, and this is how I would like to appear to each person who meets me and getting to know people from all over Europe, each one with a different background, with all points of view projected towards the future and focused on how to improve it as much as possible was great.

I think such an experience can help you be more helpful and raise your expectations for the future: you go to bed knowing that you have done something useful and necessary and above all, knowing that there are so many people who care. To me it was like living a dream.

I was so moved by the meeting with the mother of one of the victims of the attack of 22 July 2011 that since I returned home, I have been telling everyone about it. I have learned how important it is to share and talk about extremism with people.

I’ve learned a lot from Norway too, it’s a country that has a lot to teach, starting from recycling, then the attention to the environment, as well as the indisputable respect for rules and people, and I have admired all these characteristics.

I can't complain about anything really, the family was wonderful, my host mum was very kind, she complimented us on our politeness and kindness. I could not have thought I would create such strong bonds with other students. Now I deeply miss them all, we write to each other almost every day but luckily, it’s easy for us to keep in touch thanks to the Internet. They will have a place in my heart forever.

  Obviously, it was also very useful from a practical point of view; to understand how important it is to respect schedules, be polite and respectful, especially in a stranger’s house.

I believe with all my heart that it is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their life, it is good for us as people. It is downright healthy listening to and letting young people speak about the future, it is something that fascinates me. We are the least listened to and, paradoxically, even those who should be listened to the most.

I can't wait for them to come to Italy to get them to fall in love with our country just as I fell in love with Norway.