From Sydney to Norway and Beyond, Embracing Lifelong Friendships

At ICMS, students from different backgrounds form strong friendships that last a lifetime.

Tamzyn Harris, a second-year student studying Event Management and serving as the SRC president since November 2023, is a great example of this, having just returned from a trip to Norway with her ICMS Study Abroad friends.

“At ICMS, wherever you are in the world, you will always have a friend nearby,” Tamzyn said.

Watch the video below for a snapshot of Tamzyn’s trip.

@tamzyn.h Best trip ever! #fyp #europe ♬ ur the only friend I need – 🎧

Embracing ICMS’s Global Community Experience

As an Australian student, Tamzyn arrived at the ICMS campus in January 2023 intending to fully immerse herself in an international school environment.

Opting for a shared room was a purposeful choice, driven by her wish to build strong connections with students from different countries.

The ICMS student community is represented by students from over 50 countries around the world.

What Tamzyn didn’t realise was how this decision would shape an incredible adventure a year down the line.

Staying in a triple room, Tamzyn formed a close bond with her roommates, Johanne and Maria, who were participants in the GoStudy program from Norway, spending a Study Abroad trimester.

Their residence was a mix of cultures, including 20 Norwegian students who came to Australia for the summer trimester to escape the European winter.

Forming Friendships for Life

Tamzyn, Johanne, and Maria grew very close, spending time together sharing stories, laughter, and trying out new foods. While the Norwegians weren’t fans of Vegemite, they developed a liking for Tim Tams!

Tamzyn and her Norwegian friends bonded over late-night chats, sharing stories about their countries, exploring their hometowns on Google Maps, and discussing cultural differences.

ICMS Study Abroad programs typically last between a semester and a year.

As the friends neared the end of their time together, they promised to keep in contact, exchanging small tokens and messages to maintain their friendship.

From Australia to Norway with Friends

A year later, Tamzyn had saved for a flight to Norway to visit Johanne and Maria during their summer break.

When she arrived, she was amazed by the stunning landscapes and friendly locals.

Hosted by her friends, her days were filled with exciting experiences, such as touring the National Museum and watching a dance show at the National Opera and Ballet, as well as exploring Monolith Park and the grand Royal Palace.

Tamzyn’s journey didn’t stop in Oslo. The trio took a trip to Bergen, where they enjoyed a boat ride to the stunning village of Rosendal.

She was also able to meet up and reconnect with most of the Norwegian ICMS Study Abroad students while in their home country.

These experiences cemented their friendship further, proving that the connections made at ICMS extend far beyond the classroom.

International Friendships from ICMS

Tamzyn’s experience shows how important it is to cultivate friendships with people from around the world, not just for enjoyment and creating memories, but also for the significant influence they can have on our personal and professional paths.

Looking ahead, Tamzyn and her friends have made a pact to inform each other of their travels and meet up whenever possible.

Their next adventure?

A trip across the United States, with stops in California, Michigan, and New York.

To fellow students, Tamzyn offers this advice: “If you’re looking for a sign to visit your friends—just do it.

“Embrace the connections you make at ICMS—they might just lead you to unexpected and wonderful places.”

For more information about ICMS, click here.

For more information about the ICMS Study Abroad options, click here.