Specialist on Japan - chose Sunnhordland
asl • 27. november 2023
Facts
Name: Vibeke H. Kvarven
Company and position: Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), Study Advisor
Background: Two bachelor's degrees from the University of Bergen (UiB) in English and Japanese. Master's degree in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, specializing in Modern Japan from the University of Oslo (UiO). Studied at three universities in Japan and one in England.
From: Stord
Lives in: Bømlo
A bit about me: Married, one cat
Listening to: All kinds of music
Watches: Netflix and TikTok
Hobbies: Hiking, orienteering, cycling, violin (playing with a group of pensioners and others at HVL).)
- A perfect work day is when one can help students make their study day go smoothly.
- What type of business do you work in? Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL)
- How did you get this job? I first got a temporary position in November 2021, and then I got a permanent job in June 2022.
- Why was it interesting for you? I worked in the administration at the International Office at the University of Stavanger (UiS). I enjoy working with administrative tasks and students.
- What is your job about? Facilitating for students affiliated with the Faculty of Teacher Education, Arts and Sports. Everything from leave applications to educational plans. In addition, I work with HVL's chatbot and other digitalization tasks.
- Why did you choose to work and settle in Sunnhordland? I was born and raised in Stord and missed my family and the island. I had lived away for over 10 years and wanted to come back home. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, it felt isolating to live in Stavanger.
- What is extra good about living here besides the job? Affordable housing prices, family, and proximity to mountains, nature, and the sea.
- What are your tips for others considering moving to Sunnhordland? Sunnhordland, and especially Stord, has everything one needs in terms of shops and activities. It is also a short distance to Bergen and Haugesund if you want to have a city trip.
- A perfect workday for me is:
A perfect workday is when you can help students make their study days work. Life has many challenges, especially in a 5-year education like primary school teacher training, so many students need some facilitation to succeed.
- "Stord is just right in size with a fine balance between city and countryside. This, combined with a 'forward-leaning' industry, provides good opportunities to find a good balance between exciting workplaces and a nice place to live."
- In Sunnhordland there are lots of different events, clubs and businesses. Just find something that suits you!
