North Hills students connect with Norwegian peers in virtual cultural exchange

On Wednesday, March 19, 12 North Hills High School students took part in a unique virtual cultural exchange, meeting with students from Ringshaug Ungdomsskole in Tønsberg, Norway. This modern twist on traditional pen pals provided both groups an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about their respective countries and daily lives.

The American students joined the session immediately after school, around 2:15 p.m., while their Norwegian counterparts returned to school after hours to participate since it was five hours later, approximately 7:15 p.m. in Norway.

Using Google Meet, the students, in small groups, were encouraged to ask and answer questions about school routines, sports, holidays, and favorite foods, among other topics. While a list of suggested conversation starters was provided, students were free to explore any school-appropriate subject that piqued their curiosity.

The event was organized by North Hills Middle School eighth grade social studies teacher Larry Dorenkamp. Dorenkamp spent the previous academic year as a Roving Scholar with the Fulbright Program in Norway, where he taught at Ringshaug Ungdomsskole, among other schools, and established connections that made the virtual meet-up possible.

A similar event occurred last spring while he was still abroad.

Dorenkamp emphasized that the primary goals of the exchange were to broaden cultural understanding, enhance verbal communication skills, and foster new relationships that could lead to further academic and personal opportunities. The North Hills students selected to participate were chosen for their ability to represent themselves and their country well, along with their strong academic standing.

The event was a success, with students from both schools engaging in lively and insightful discussions. Dorenkamp expressed his hope that this exchange will become an annual tradition, further strengthening the connection between North Hills and Ringshaug Ungdomsskole while continuing to provide students with a broader worldview and valuable international experiences.