Originally from Oslo, Camilla Haughland Fischer left Norway three years ago to study and launch an international career in Rome.
“At sixteen I had my first international experience studying for a year at a high school in Cremona. In 2007, I began studying Culture and Communication at the University of Oslo, and later went on to study Social and Health Psychology. In 2009 I spent a semester at the University of California, Berkeley.”
Upon graduating from both programs, Camilla came back to Italy, this time to Rome, to participate in a summer program at the Norwegian Institute of Rome where she studied Italian language and culture. “I’ve been closely attached to Italy since high school, and after finishing my studies at the University of Oslo in 2011, I decided to move to Italy to improve my Italian language skills. I then started a six-month internship at the Royal Norwegian Embassy, where I became interested in international relations.”
Therefore, two years ago, Camilla applied for the master’s program in International Relations. “Coming from a different academic background, I found the classes challenging but interesting. The course in Sustainable Development was especially intriguing as well as Mediterranean Studies, in which I’m writing my final dissertation. The fact that professors at LUISS are professionals from the field added value to the courses, made the subjects more inspiring and gave their teaching credibility.”
In 2014, Camilla applied for an exchange program with Renmin University of China, in Beijing. “I wanted to learn more about Asia. In a degree program like mine, understanding China’s importance is fundamental to comprehending international politics. Renmin made a great impression, it’s an excellent, well-organized institution. The day I arrived I registered with the university, selected my courses, bought a sim card, opened a bank account and moved into my on-campus room, all in the same day. Lessons there are tough, and attendance and active participation are mandatory. However, the professors understood that studying abroad is a chance to do more than just follow lessons, but visit and learn about the country. They are the first to encourage you to study and understand their society.”
Camilla will defend her thesis in March 2016, concluding her two years at LUISS. “The time I’ve spent in Italy has given me the opportunity to learn about Europe from the other side. I am looking forward to different experiences and hope to be able to try several career paths within the field of international politics and diplomacy. In this line of work, experiencing the world first-hand is of tremendous importance."
