International midwife student at UCN

International student at University College of Northern Denmark, Irene Kleven (Norway), gives an interview on being a student at UCN. Irene is a midwifery student at Høyskolen in Bergen, Norway. She is 27 years old and is an educated nurse in plastic surgery. She was at University College of Northern Denmark for 12 weeks in the fall of 2009.

Could you tell a little bit about your studies?

My studies are in Bergen, Norway, in the department of further education at Høyskolen in Bergen. In Norway all the midwife students have a bachelor in nursing before they study two years to become a midwife. I am currently in my last year at midwife school.

How do you feel you were received at University College of Northern Denmark?

Everyone from students to teachers took very good care of me. 

What was the main reason for you choosing to do part of your midwife education at University College of Northern Denmark?

I wanted to learn even more and to be more reflective regarding what and why I am doing the things I am doing in my work as a midwife. I wanted to get to know the procedures at the maternity ward, but I also wanted to get to know the people, the city and the Danish culture. 

What have you learned from being here – both professionally and personally?

I have seen and learned a lot from the differences in the procedures, and the “little things” from how to estimate the baby from the outside of the mothers belly to different medications compared to what we have in Norway. Personally, I have learned to be more open to get to know people. I have met some wonderful people that I feel will be my friends for the rest of my life. 
 

Does your stay in Denmark live up to your expectations?

I was so surprised when I first got to Denmark everyone is so genuine and kind. They took good care of me, and I never felt alone. I am still amazed of how wonderful it is here. So, YES Denmark lives up to my expectations!

What were the best experiences you had in Denmark?

I helped with a water birth, I went to dinner and a concert with the students from the university and last, but not least, when a new mother said to me after a traumatic birth: “Irene, thank you! I could not have done it without your help!”