Lauren Hanson

Overall Experience

I had the opportunity to complete the second half of my student teaching experience abroad in Halsnøy, Norway, where I lived with three other girls in a very authentic Norwegian cabin right on the fjord. I taught at Valen Skule, a 1st-7th-grade primary school in Valen with roughly 115 students. The school days were 8:25 am – 1:55 pm, which consisted of roughly four lesson blocks with a break outside/recess between each lesson block. I spent most of my time at Valen teaching fourth- and fifth-grade English and math, while also teaching seventh-grade English twice a week. While outside of school, my roommates and I did our best to experience as much of Norway and its culture as we could, spending most of our weekends traveling around the country.

Learning experience

My most valuable learning experience was observing and adapting to the slower, more flexible approach to education in Norway. I learned the importance of slowing down, prioritizing student well-being, and allowing for more student-led exploration. With less emphasis on frequent testing and a more flexible curriculum, I saw how much deeper engagement and curiosity can develop when students are given more time and freedom to learn. This shifted my perspective on how I want to structure my own future classroom.

Memorable experience

One of my most memorable experiences from student teaching in Norway was how frequently students engaged in hands-on, real-world learning activities that built meaningful skills they could apply beyond the classroom. For example, my fourth graders spent several weeks designing and building individual sailboats out of scrap wood, complete with cloth sails and simple propellers made from wood and rubber bands. Once they finished, we walked to the fjord, where students were able to test and play with their boats in the water. Another memorable experience was with my fifth graders, who spent a morning preparing soup as a class. Students used kitchen tools to cut vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and then worked together to cook and share the meal for lunch. These experiences stood out to me because they showed how powerful hands-on, collaborative learning can be in engaging students and making learning meaningful.

What did you not expect?

Something that really surprised me was just how different schools in Norway are compared to those in the United States. From shorter school days and a strong emphasis on outdoor play and exploration to the calm, safe environment within schools, the differences were very noticeable. I was also surprised by how flexible their curriculum is, where teachers have a large amount of freedom to adjust what they are teaching, and testing is not as frequent or emphasized as it is in the United States. However, what stood out most to me is that, at the end of the day, children are still children everywhere. No matter the country, they share the same curiosity, energy, and playful spirit. This experience will impact my approach as a teacher, reminding me to prioritize play, exploration, and student well-being, while also creating a flexible, supportive classroom where students feel safe to be curious and engaged in their learning.

What advice would you give?

My advice for other students is to push yourself out of your comfort zone and say yes to opportunities you may not normally choose. Leaving home can be challenging, but stepping into new experiences leads to tremendous growth and creates memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s trying new foods like reindeer or sour porridge, or engaging in new cultural and classroom experiences, these moments help you learn more about yourself and the world around you.

How has this experience impacted your life?

This experience had an incredible impact on the pace at which I move through all aspects of my life. Life in Norway is much slower, calmer, and more relaxed in comparison to the “go-go-go” culture we have here in the United States. It taught me the importance of slowing down and soaking in each moment, no matter where I am—whether inside the classroom or outside at home—taking a deep breath and being present.

How did you learn about this experience?

I learned about this experience during my first semester at Iowa State in the Elementary Education Orientation Class, where they introduce you to all the possibilities you have throughout the program. I’ve always loved to travel, so I immediately knew I would pursue an opportunity to complete part of my student teaching abroad.

International Connections