Sam on being an international student at Trøndertun

Q: Why did you choose to come to Norway and Trøndertun?

I started listening to a lot of Norwegian music (Kalandra, Leprous, Aurora and more) that music really touched my heart and soul. When I was a child my family went on a vacation to Norway, and I remember how norways nature made me feel. It gives me so much peace and comfort, so I started to look for something to do after I graduated in Norway.
Connected with my dream of making music in life, and a friend of my dad who went to Toneheim, I came across Trøndertun. I applied to Toneheim and Trøndertun and Trøndertun accepted me first.
Also, I red that Toneheim is a little more focused on performance and a little more “strict”.


Q: Did you speak Norwegian before you arrived or have you learned it? What has it been like studying jazz while also learning Norwegian?

I started learning Norwegian in summer of 2024 on Duolingo. Singing along to Norwegian music kinda helped me prepare for speaking. I never had any practice or a real Norwegian class. So, coming here and only know a little bit of Norwegian was, and still is, scary. But I quickly found people who teach me and answer all my questions when I don’t understand things in class. Also while still doing Duolingo and bubble, you learn a lot by listening. Being in class and only understanding things when you really focus is kinda hard, but being surrounded by lovely helping people this is not a fear of mine anymore.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about folkhøyskole and being in Norway? What do you enjoy most about being at Trøndertun?

I mostly enjoy the variety of people and music there is. It is beautiful to get to know new people through music and their passion. I enjoy walking in the woods and exploring a new city. Norway is beautiful. All of that gives me space for so many new memories. I also really enjoy my jazz class, in that one month where I have been here I already learned so much new things about music and my instrument.
Trøndertun is the perfect place to learn but also not being in school (with grades and a lot of judgement on you actions) and learning how to be alive on your own.

4. What are your plans for after this year?

So far, the stay here taught me that the whole world is open. So I can do basically everything. That’s a little intimidating.
I still have my dream of becoming a music teacher or maybe be a musician.  At the same time I want to be a hairdresser.
We will see what comes.

Thanks for your time Sam, it is an pleasure have you as our student!