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To start our final day in Oslo, we practiced our final presentations. We then assembled in an auditorium and presented our community health projects to the entire COIL program, including the Norwegian and US students that were watching via Zoom. It was so interesting to see how each group chose their topics and the differences in healthcare for marginalized groups between Norway and the US.

The SDG for this day is #17- “Partnership for the Goals”. The cooperation between Norwegian and American students to collectively select a healthcare problem and decide on an intervention shows the global partnership in bettering the world. This gives the world hope that our generation has the ability and desire to work together to become better as a whole, rather than compete with each other. Through this project, I can see how this generation in these two nations yearn toward world peace and health equality.

A rainy morning and a cool breeze flowing through the window gently woke us to begin our day. Naturally, our first stop was Espresso House for a signature latte and a focaccia sandwich before catching the tram to an informational session with Nurses on Wheels.

During our conversation with the Nurses on Wheels staff, we learned about their preventative approach to public health, which includes providing clean supplies to individuals suffering from drug addiction. This mobile organization travels throughout Oslo, Norway, offering aid to vulnerable populations in need. Their work directly supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being.

After the session, we took a scenic ferry ride to the island of Hovedøya. There, we explored the island’s stunning natural landscapes and enjoyed a snack at a charming café. The visit gave us a chance to connect with SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 14: Life Below Water, as we appreciated the importance of preserving both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

To end our day, we visited the Munch Museum, where we had the chance to view a wide array of beautiful artwork, including Edvard Munch’s iconic painting The Scream. The museum, an impressive 13-story building, offered breathtaking views, and I concluded the day on the top floor, watching the sunset with friends.

The Scream

Hovedøya

Nurses on Wheels

Today I began my day with a coffee at Espresso House before taking the bus to Cathinka Guldberg. Cathinka is a nursing home or, “home for the aged” owned by Lovisenburg, which is the nursing school where we took our classes. Today we were on floor 6, which is specifically for dementia patients. These patients are relatively physically healthy, but are unable to care for themselves due to their cognitive decline. Most of these patients do not have chronic conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension; I found this to be interesting as these conditions are extremely common in the elderly population in the US!

Our nurse explained that they first turn to alternative measures before patients are placed on medications. Some things that the nurses do to promote the well-being of the patients are excellent hygiene and nutrition, swimming classes in their pool, calming music/ environment, outdoor space, activities, church, and dolls for the residents to take care of. She also explained that everyone who needs to is able to live in a nursing home regardless of financial resources. This relates to sustainable development goal 10, “Reduced Inequalities”. By allowing all people the basic necessity of medical care, people of different socioeconomic status can care for their health, thus reducing inequalities.

Today we began our day by taking the bus to Norsk Folkemuseum, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. Here we had a wonderful tour of a town that resembled what it would be like to live in the Oslo suburbs in the 1800s. Our tour guide told us that 10-12 people would share one small house. Additionally, the entire suburb shared one water pump and dumped waste into the streets. This relates to Sustainable Development Goal 6- Clean Water and Sanitation. This allowed me to see how not having access to clean water and sanitation would impact daily life. For some people we take this for granted, however for those who do not have access to clean water and sanitation, infectious diseases can be more easily spread.

We walked through beautiful gardens with medicinal plants, saw cows grazing in a field, and ran into an “Apotek” or pharmacy. Lastly, we saw The Stave Church was a beautiful Nordic style- building built in roughly 1200. Our tour guide told us that women sat on the left side of the church that was north-facing because evil/ demons were thought to come from the north. Men sat on the right side of the church so that they could escape out the open door if any evil/ demons came from the north side.

We continued our day by taking the bus to Omsorg +, which is an apartment complex/ living community for elders in Oslo. We made Buckeyes for the residents and got to know each other over coffee. It was very entertaining to watch them try the Buckeyes as many of them said that they are too sweet and sugary for their liking; This was funny to me because as Americans we are very used to sugar!

To honor my last day in Norway, I had to start off my day by having breakfast at “our spot” Expresso House. I enjoyed a toasted multigrain roll with egg, bacon and cheddar, and of course a delicious hot matcha! After my breakfast, I walked to school with some friends—Walking to school has been so enjoyable in my stay in Norway because I can hear the birds chirping and breath fresh air on my way to school. I have to admit that I have also enjoyed saying good morning to Cathinka (of course the statue outside of Lovisenberg).

This morning, I had the opportunity to see children playing outside of a daycare in front of Omsorg +. Then I spent my morning at the Kaffee in school, eating what I consider the best pistachio pastry ever, with the girls from my group working on our school project. We have learned so much about women health and the differences of the care for women during postpartum leave in the U.S. and Norway.

Seeing the children this morning and spending time with the girls talking about our project made me realize that education has been something I sometimes take from granted because fortunately for me, it has always been easy to have the access to education but is not the same for everyone. So, my sustainable development goal is ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Talking to my Norwegian friends, I have learned that access to education in Norway can be easy. Kindergarten according to them is paid, but then everything after that is free as well as undergrad if you go to a public school but not if you go to private school. The U.S also has free education until you get to college, which in my opinion public college should also be free because many students take out loans that then they have to pay for many years after graduation and not being able to fully enjoy their money. So hopefully access to free education for both undergrad and graduate schools can be a possibility in future years in the U.S. at least for public schools.

Happy Blog Day 3!

We had such a fun and eye-opening Wednesday here in Oslo! Olivia and I started our morning the same way we always do—at Espresso House (seriously, at this point they should know our orders). After grabbing some coffee and breakfast, we headed out for a short walk through the city with our group to meet two incredible nurses from Nurses on Wheels, or “Sykepleie På Hjul” in Norwegian. They drive around Oslo in a van filled with supplies to help people who are actively using substances. Their main focus is harm reduction, which means helping people stay as safe and healthy as possible.

We got a tour of the van, which was super interesting—it’s stocked with clean needles, syringes, filters, and even pipes. Infection is a big concern for this population, so having access to sterile equipment can make a huge difference. They also offer wound care, make referrals to hospitals, and give people a safe place to dispose of used needles (they estimate they get about 70% of them back!). This kind of outreach connects with Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities—because building a healthy, inclusive city means making sure everyone has access to care and support.

We wrapped up the day with a ferry ride to Hovedøya, a beautiful island just off the coast of Oslo. We had some amazing food, walked around the island, and got to experience yet another form of transportation—one that’s both efficient and sustainable. It was the perfect way to end the day and tied in perfectly with the theme of Sustainable Development Goal 11. Having accessible, diverse transportation options helps create more connected, inclusive, and environmentally friendly cities. Overall, today was the perfect mix of learning, exploring, and reflecting on what it really means to build healthier communities for everyone.

Today is the second-to-last day in Oslo, and I’m feeling all kinds of emotions. It’s a bittersweet moment as I’ve really grown to love this city, its people, and everything I’ve experienced here.

This morning was especially moving. We met with the incredible nurses behind “Nursing on Wheels” (Sykepleie På Hjul), a program that brings care directly to people who are battling substance use. These nurses travel around in a sprinter van, providing clean needles, medical supplies, wound care, and even up to 10 days of antibiotics. Their goal is simple but powerful: reduce the risk of infection and meet people where they are – literally and figuratively.

We got a chance to step inside the van and see all the supplies they use. What struck me most, though, was the safe space they create. It’s more than just medical care; it’s compassion in action. These nurses don’t just wait for people to come to them; they respond to calls and go out to anyone who needs their help.

The OSUCON and LDUC nursing students!

Nursing on Wheels!

Today was one of those days that fills your soul in the best way possible. After spending time with and learning from the incredible nurses at Sykepleie På Hjul, we hopped on a ferry to Hovedøya, a small island just south of Oslo. The moment we stepped off the boat, it felt like we’d discovered a hidden gem. The island, rich with history and surrounded by the soothing sound of waves, offered a peaceful escape from the busyness of the city.

We wandered along hiking trails, breathed in the crisp scent of the fjord, and let the rhythm of the ocean ground us. It was a perfect moment of stillness after a couple of intense but rewarding days.

In true spontaneous spirit, we decided to head to the Munch Museum in the evening. On Wednesdays, they open their doors to the public for free from 18:00 to 21:00. A gift we couldn’t pass up. Walking through the museum and seeing Edvard Munch’s work up close was powerful. His emotion, talent, and vision come through in every brushstroke. Seeing The Scream in person? Absolutely surreal. It’s one thing to learn about art history, it’s another to stand in front of it and feel it.

Reflecting on the day, I’m reminded of the Sustainable Development Goal that resonates most with today’s experience: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.” The compassion and commitment of the nurses at Sykepleie På Hjul, combined with our impromptu ferry adventure and the inspiration of Munch’s artwork, truly filled my cup.

Some days are just good for the soul, and today was one of them

Ferry to Hovedøya!

Group trip to Munch Museum!

Edvard Munch’s most famous art pieces.