Comfort, equality, and relationships
Other surprises are the mode of dressing. In Uganda, one must dress in suits, dresses, or something smart for a formal occasion. Here, comfort stands above everything, and people dress to keep warm and be practical, not to follow fashion. At first, it felt too casual, but then I saw how it creates a stress-free environment.
The biggest cultural difference has been how people relate to each other. Norwegians are more reserved at the beginning, but once they open up, their kindness is steady and sincere. Building relationships takes time, and I felt this during my first week at the school. In Uganda, it is easy to start a conversation with someone you just met because we create a friendly atmosphere right away. In Norway, people speak directly and prefer that you call them by their first name, even if they are your teacher or supervisor. In Uganda, this would feel disrespectful, but here it signals equality. I remember sitting in the dining room one afternoon after lunch. When we finished eating, the teacher at our table asked if he could clear the plates for us. I was surprised, because where I come from, the distance between authority and students is much bigger. Moments like that have helped me understand how differently relationships are shaped here.