Student Spotlights: Lars Jorde
Curious about life as an international student? We asked your burning questions to current and former students!
Meet Lars!
- Major: Business Administration
- Home country: Norway
- Program: Exchange (AY 2016-2017)
Lars's advice for new CSUMB international students:
You must socialize with people from other countries than your own! A lot of internationals tend to stick together in groups only consisting of their own countrymen. The Americans are pretty nice! Or the Europeans! You just gotta speak English to them...
What is your background? Where are you from and when did you arrive at CSUMB?
I'm from Dalsbygda, Norway. I arrived at CSUMB in 2016.
What are you studying at CSUMB, and what do you hope to gain from your exchange program? Do you feel that CSUMB is helping yo achieve those goals?
At CSUMB I studied Music and Performing Arts. After I finished my Bachelor in 2017, I got hired by the university theater (The World Theater). I wanted to gain more knowledge about my subject, the American culture and society, as well as growing as a human being myself. It was really great, and I learned more than I ever dared to dream of. CSUMB was great for all of it.
What is your favorite aspect of studying at CSUMB?
How it's so laid back and relaxed compared to the Norwegian culture.
What is your favorite restaurant in Monterey?
STARBUCKS! No just kidding. It's horrible. Hmmm.. I gotta be honest and say sorry America, (and Monterey) but your food really isn't that great. Everything is just covered in either fat or sugar, but most times in both.. But alright, check out Happy Girl Kitchen in Pacific Grove. It's alright!
What have you learned about life in the U.S. that you hope to bring back to your country?
Relax! Don't stress, and leave your anxieties behind. Individualism! In Norway people tend to be terrified of being a bit different. Why should we care so much about what other people think of us?
What has been the hardest challenge of adjusting to life in the U.S.?
Hmm. I don't really know. To be honest, I don't feel I had too many problems. The American (or maybe I should say the Californian) culture is very open minded, helpful, caring, and easy going. I could always ask for help, and was never afraid to do so.
What do you miss most from home?
Mussmør and Kølbua! English: Mouse Butter (it's a cheese) and the Coal Bu (a pub).
What is one thing that a new international student must do during their time in Monterey?
Well, it's hard to say because we are all so different. I love surfing and the ocean but it's not for everyone. Travel! Go surf!
What is your favorite spot on the CSUMB campus?
It's my own secret little lunch-spot. You are overlooking campus, and you can see all the way to the ocean. But I won't tell where it is!