Trondheim, Norway—From Freezing Temperatures to Warm Connections

My Unforgettable ISFiT 2007 Experience

My ISFiT 2007 experience in Trondheim, Norway, was the moment my world expanded beyond borders and the trajectory of my life took an unexpected turn.

ISFiT stands for International Student Festival in Trondheim.

I was selected from a pool of thousands of applicants from all over the world, mostly university students like me.

The umbrella theme of the workshops was globalization, and it served as a gateway to the remarkable year of 2007, when I had the opportunity to extensively explore Europe.

A bit about Trondheim

Trondheim is a lovely city in Norway, set beside the scenic Trondheim Fjord. As the nation’s historic capital, it is recognized for its rich history and a great blend of tradition and modernity.

Trondheim is known for its spectacular Gothic architecture, particularly the iconic Nidaros Cathedral, which attracts visitors from all over the world.

In my view, the sheer beauty of Trondheim, highlighted by the meandering Nidelva River and the embracing hills, creates a unique blend of nature and urbanity. It’s a city where these elements harmoniously coexist, making it an inviting and vibrant place for both tourists and residents.

Winter Wonderland

During ISFiT, I was fortunate to be hosted by a welcoming Norwegian family with four kids. I remember the colorful winter boots lined up in the mud room (the entrance hall of the house).

Imagine a typical Norwegian white house where I got my own room in the half-basement, with a computer and a comfy bed. I remember the delicious breakfasts in the spacious kitchen, consisting of black tea with cardamom, butter and cucumber sandwiches on freshly baked buns, and caramel cheese.

I was in a winter wonderland. February temperatures were dropping to a bone-chilling -15 degrees, and snowy landscapes painted the town.

I embraced the Norwegian winter by trying flat skiing for the first time, as organized by ISFiT. It was my first time cross-country skiing, and I found it both challenging and exhilarating.

Beyond Global Boundaries

Yet, it was during the conference’s diverse attendees that I truly felt at home, especially with Central and South American peers with whom I could speak Spanish and had a similar mindset.

Now that I think about it, I have discovered my true niche among international people, engaging in vivid social exchanges and creating long-lasting friendships. I had been an active participant in the official online forum, which was dedicated to globalization talks in the run-up to the conference. That presence had made me a familiar figure to many delegates.

Another inspiring connection was with B, a Hungarian fellow participant, with whom I started keeping in touch after the conference and met again later in the same year. But it wasn’t just about romantic connections. I also formed a profound sisterly friendship with a kindred spirit from Singapore. With Kit, we shared an unspoken similarity, and we half-joked that we were long-lost sisters.

The conference attendees were organized into workshops, for which we had submitted our preferences in the original applications to ISFiT.

I had chosen Workshop 15—Global Boundaries, reflecting the wide diversity of countries represented at the conference. Our first group activity was to define the values and criteria for our workshop. Kiet from Vietnam, Stefan from Austria, Afrodita from Kosovo, myself (Gabby), and Ahmed from Tajikistan participated in this collaborative endeavor. You can easily spot the mix of cultures in the photo below.

The Opening Ceremony

The ISFiT 2007 opening ceremony was a spectacular display of diversity and talent. It featured traditional performances and defined the basis for a great global conference.

Following that, a party at Samfundet provided the ideal venue for participants to connect, dance, and enjoy their shared experiences. Music from around the world filled the night, producing a vibrant blend of cultures and lasting memories.

Together, the opening ceremony and the Samfundet party marked the start of a remarkable journey at ISFiT 2007, where borders disappeared and the world felt like a united global community.

Our days at the conference were packed with sessions that sparked thought-provoking debates and collaborative learning. These dialogues increased our awareness of global challenges.

The evenings were a time for cultural discovery and celebration. We set out on trips around town, discovering Trondheim’s heritage and modernity. It was not uncommon for me to return to my host family’s place through blustery, snow-laden weather with a face frozen by the cold, despite being fully bundled up except for my eyes.

The Global Fiesta

One of the most outstanding events was the Global Fiesta, an event that truly exemplified the spirit of unity. Representatives from all over the world dressed up in their national costumes, resulting in a spectacular blend of colors, traditions, and stories. Despite our differences, we were all part of a global family, developing relationships that crossed borders.

Mental Boundaries Workshop

The “Mental Boundaries” class was one of the most impactful workshops we attended at ISFiT in Trondheim. This thought-provoking and introspective program pushed us to investigate and comprehend the complex world of mental health, breaking down the obstacles and stigmas that frequently surround this essential subject. It created a secure environment for free debate and personal reflection, leading to a greater understanding of the mental barriers that affect people all over the world.

Sami Concert

I found the Sami performance of “Adjágas” enthralling to the core. The duo’s ethereal music took us on a profound journey into the heart of Sami culture. Their evocative tunes, steeped in indigenous traditions, struck a deep chord, demonstrating music’s universal potential to cross ethnic divides.

This performance highlighted the importance of celebrating and maintaining indigenous history, and it left a lasting impression on my ISFiT journey.

The World Parliament Experiment

As a member of the South-European group during the World Parliament Experiment at ISFiT, I found myself fully immersed in the talks and deliberations. For the first time, I actually felt like part of the solution.

It was an eye-opening event that allowed me to share my ideas on global concerns and collaborate with people from all around the world.

This sense of participation and contribution was both powerful and inspiring. It confirmed the notion that collective efforts might achieve positive change on a worldwide scale.

A play and a party

Following this thought-provoking event, we were treated to a riveting play named “Three Blocks Away.” I remember being deeply moved by this presentation, rich in storyline and aesthetic expression. The play managed to portray complicated human experiences and emotions.

The evening continued with a lively party hosted by one of the organizers. I remember it was in a small apartment and I was curious about the setting and the cultural differences. Participants and organizers came together to unwind, share experiences, and make new connections.

The World Parliament Experiment, “Three Blocks Away,” and the organizer’s party demonstrated the varied spectrum of experiences ISFiT provided, from intellectual study to creative expression and, ultimately, the formation of important connections.

The Peace Prize Ceremony

On our eighth day at ISFiT, we explored Trondheim’s ancient city, visiting its fortress and learning about its rich history. The day concluded with the Peace Prize Ceremony, a touching reminder of our shared commitment to global peace.

A Discussion on Sustainability and Development

The ninth day opened with an interactive session on development and sustainability, highlighting our commitment to a better future. It provided a place for us to exchange ideas and points of view, strengthening our commitment to a more sustainable and fair future.

Battle of the Dances concert by Snuff Grinders

The day culminated in an exhilarating concert at Samfundet, where “Snuff Grinders” delivered a stunning performance in the “Battle of the Dances.”

The music and enthusiasm were contagious, bringing the crowd together in a joyful celebration of many cultures and rhythms.

It was an unforgettable evening that reminded us of the power of music and unity to transcend boundaries and generate long-lasting memories.

Last Day of ISFiT and the Closing Ceremony

ISFiT’s final day was a sad blend of emotions. We went to our final workshop, stopping for group shots that wrapped up the experiences we’d made together. The moment we received our diplomas was both exciting and emotional. It was a day filled with heartfelt hugs as we bid farewell to newfound friends.

The disclosure of our secret pals or “angels,” which added an element of surprise and respect for the ties we had developed, was one of the most poignant moments. We honored our time at ISFiT by selling and buying Bongo (Tanzanian) shirts, which served as a symbol of our shared experiences.

The Closing Ceremony was a fitting end to this remarkable voyage. The phrase “Don’t stop me now; I’m having such a good time” rang true for us. I personally didn’t want ISFiT to stop. I thought that this extraordinary experience would continue, leaving us with fond memories and the hope for a future filled with connections and constructive change.

ISFiT was truly remarkable! It provided yet another great international experience that broadened my knowledge and perspective. I made lifelong friends and was inspired to pursue my aspirations. ISFiT has played an important role in my path, where I discovered a world of possibilities and an unyielding desire to make a difference.

Have you attended an International Conference like ISFiT?

Did you know ISFiT is organized by SOrCE Students Organizing Conventions Everywhere?

Let me know in the comments section if you experienced an international student conference, either from the attendee's or organizer’s point of view. I’m curious about your experience and lessons learned.

Gabriela is studying to become a full-stack developer while being a mother of three small kids. This requires her to pay for some graduate programs and boot camps to gain experience. She is writing articles on Medium to inspire others and fund her journey.

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