Elina Gobeti knew from a young age that she wanted to improve the lives of those around her. The international classroom at NMBU provided her with insights she would not have missed for the world.
She holds a master’s degree in International Development Studies and works as a communications advisor at Vitenparken, Campus Ås, making knowledge for a greener and more sustainable world more accessible.
Hopes Norwegian politicians reconsider tuition fees
Elina would not have been where she is today if it had not been for free education in Norway. She hopes that Norwegian politicians will reconsider the tuition fees introduced for non-EU/EEA/EFTA citizens in 2023.
Tuition fees will lead to fewer international students. Discussing important international environmental and societal issues in a multicultural setting is one of the most valuable things I take with me from my time as student. It makes you reflect on things you would not otherwise. At the end of the day, I believe solutions for a more sustainable world lie within international collaboration, including in the educational field.
Elina Gobeti.
Heading to work in magical surroundings
The ground creaks beneath her shoes as she walks across campus. In the twilight, Elina passes the old oak tree in the university courtyard. The duck pond, usually home to several duck families in summertime, is now covered in ice.
The surroundings are not unlike those in the Harry Potter books she is currently reading to unwind.
– The surroundings at NMBU have mesmerized me since the day I arrived. It's incredibly beautiful! You absolutely feel like a Hogwarts student, she smiles.
Friendly Norwegians alleviate the longing for spectacular Caucasus nature
8 years has passed since she completed her bachelor’s at the North Ossetian State University in Russia, situated in her hometown Vladikavkaz in the Caucasus.
She has handled the darkness and long winters in Norway without any problem, but she misses the mountains and the spectacular nature.
The encounter with Norwegians has been much more positive than expected.
– I don't recognize the description of Norwegians as cold and excluding. I have always been included and greeted with smiles by strangers, she says.
An education that benefits others
Elina grew up in challenging geopolitical environment where many people faced socioeconomic challenges. One reason she chose to study international development studies was the desire to contribute to her local community and livelihoods of people all over the world.
I knew from a young age that I wanted to improve the lives of people through better social policies. That is why I chose to study economics in my bachelor’s. Proceeding with a master’s in International Development Studies at NMBU was a natural continuation of my academic and professional interests. The master’s degree explores various theories and approaches to working towards better socio-economic policies.
Elina Gobeti.
Working to make knowledge and education more accessible
Inside Vitenparken, the lights are on, and it's warm and cozy. In the background, we hear soft music. "Would you like a coffee?" Elina asks after greeting some colleagues. Steam rises from the steamer before it is placed in the milk jug.
Vitenparken is a science center located on the NMBU campus focusing on sustainability, technology and food systems. This is where she has worked for almost three years.
As a communication and marketing advisor, she finds great value in her education from NMBU.
I benefit greatly from my broad understanding of the environmental and social aspects of sustainability. My job is truly diverse. I work with science communication, integrated and digital marketing, events, projects, BioArt, school visits and more, and I use the knowledge I received at NMBU every day. My degree from NMBU helped me to become a professional with a diverse skillset
Elina Gobeti.
She is pleased to work at an organization that makes important knowledge about sustainability, the environment and science accessible to everyone. Work and studies have led her to appreciate the sustainability goal for education more than before.
– It's important to understand and remember that education is still not something accessible to everyone, but I want to contribute to making it so.
