ODSA Holds Orientation for Norwegian Students

The Office of the Dean of Student Affairs (ODSA), University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has held a day’s Intensive Pre-academic Orientation Programme (IPOP) for six Norwegian students.  

The IPOP, held in collaboration with the Centre for International Programmes (CIP), UEW, at the ODSA Conference Room, North Campus, UEW, was meant to facilitate the entry of the six students from the Oslo Metropolitan University in Norway into the UEW community.

They were taken through personal security and safety issues, immigration matters, food and eating places on the UEW campus, international library support services, recreation and sports at UEW, banking and finance, managing cultural shocks, and UEW at a glance.

 Dr. (Mrs.) Edinam Kakra Avoke, Dean of Student Affairs

In her welcome address, the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. (Mrs.) Edinam Kakra Avoke, recounted some of the difficulties international students encounter while studying abroad. She, however, dispelled the fears of the students, saying that the orientation was intended to prepare their minds for the task ahead.

"Moving from your country to study in a country you probably have not visited before can be daunting. It is therefore our responsibility to provide you with insights into what opportunities and challenges you are likely to face," she said. 

Dr. Edinam Avoke indicated that the students’ decisions to enroll in different universities are dependent on their preferences and interests for a variety of reasons, including experiences outside of their home country, exposure to foreign cultures, and the desire to travel.

"Ghana is an interesting country to visit, and in the recent past many undergraduate students have shown interest in attending our university. We are therefore delighted that you have chosen Ghana and the University of Education, Winneba, for your experiences," she stated.  

 Prof. Charles K. Assuah, Dean of CIP

For his part, the Dean of CIP, Prof. Charles K. Assuah, urged the students to engage with Ghanaians and share their experiences with them.

"We are equally going to be receptive to you, and so we urge you to open up to learning new things. In this way, when you return home, you'll enhance your outlook," he explained.

The international students are on a six-week educational expedition at UEW in fulfillment of the terms of the student exchange cooperation between UEW and the Oslo Metropolitan University.