Do you have any questions about the programme, or (student) life in Oslo? Get in touch with some of our current students or recent alumni!
We also have a Facebook group with current and former students that you should join. Search for "Master's students at SUM, UiO", request to join, and we'll admit you.
There's also a Facebook group for the class starting in August 2024. Please request to join it when you've accepted your offer to come study with us!
Contact persons:
Angelique:
Hi! I’m Angelique from the US, with a backgroun
d in Business and Japanese studies. I moved to Norway for a career change and to connect with my Norwegian roots. I’m inspired by radical ideas like degrowth, veganism, the sharing economy, and eco-minimalism. My thesis centers on the theme of sustainable lifestyle transformations, specifically how eating practices change as the result of participating in a month-long vegan challenge. Happy to answer any questions/chat about SUM, my thesis, living in Norway, or sustainable social change! I also work at UiO’s Green Office and play roller derby in my spare time. 😊
Helene
I hold a Bachelor in International Environment and Development Studies. My thesis involves green criminology, illegal e-waste trade, and transnational organized crime. I have been an active member of Amnesty Norway and Fashion Revolution Norway and am generally interested in (too many things, and) topics related to ethics and rights. I also love food and people!
Daria
Hello there! I’m Daria. Born in Moscow but have called South Korea home for more than 11 years. I hold a Specialist degree in Cultural studies and a Master’s degree in Advanced interpretation and translation. Being a simultaneous interpreter, I kept listening to attention-grabbing speeches about progress and accelerated growth made by politicians and industry leaders, while the world was facing persisting inequalities and a climate emergency. In an attempt to understand these growing discrepancies, I decided I can’t remain a silent listener and need to dive deeper into the topics of environmental governance and sustainable development. This is what brought me to SUM, one of the most diverse institutions I have experienced. My thesis will focus on Korea’s participation in Arctic governance and its possible contributions to sustainable future of the Arctic.
Alumni:
The people listed below are recent graduates/almost graduates from SUM, who are willing to answer any questions you might have!
Elin
Hi there! My name is Elin. I began this masters degree in 2019, and just recently submitted my thesis because I have been studying part-time and savouring the process! So I should be able to help you out with a thing or two here at SUM :)
I’m Swedish, but grew up in Papua New Guinea and now call Oslo home. My bachelors degree is in social and societal psychology, and for my thesis I am researching why Norwegian farmers are beginning with regenerative agriculture and how they experience the process. I’m also coordinating the Food and Sustainability research group - let me know if you’d like to join!
What I appreciate the most about SUM is of course the amazing, weird, curious, and academically and culturally diverse people it brings together. Everyone you meet is interesting and will teach you something new. There are also opportunities to work as a research assistant, nerd about topics you love in research groups, or start other fun projects such as the UiO Rooftop Initiative.
Looking forward to getting to know you!
Melissa
Hi! My name is Melissa Arbiter. I am from Washington State in the U.S. and hold a
bachelor's degree in History and German. After 20 years in the workforce, I decided I needed more education to address some of the pressing issues our planet is facing. So here I am! My thesis concerns meat consumption and the role of butcher shops in an industrialized meat culture. In my spare time I enjoy getting lost in the woods with my family (I brought my husband and son with me to Oslo), exploring the neighbourhoods of Oslo, reading, and getting lost in thought.
Rafa
Hi there! I'm from Mexico and very glad to help with stuff regarding Norwegian bureaucracy (especially for non-EU students), like dealing with UDI or the Tax authority, getting a national ID number, banking, healthcare; but also culture shock, and tips & tricks for making your landing smoother. Drop me a line!
About me: a pre-pandemic lifetime ago, I completed a BA in political science and international relations in Mexico City, and a master’s of public policy and administration in Melbourne. Looking at a Pacific-centred world map had a silent but profound effect on me. I ditched a grueling career as a bureaucrat and set foot on (literally) greener pastures with crisp vistas of the fjords. In hopes of producing a readable thesis, I wrangle with issues of sustainability in data and technology.
Charlotte
In my thesis I'm analyzing sustainability discourse in eco-fashion advertising, as I am generally interested in (changing) consumption patterns and consumer culture. My Bachelor's is in International Environment and Development studies from NMBU. Obviously interested in ice cream, but reading novels and hiking also rank high on the list.