Young Harris College

YHC student returns from scholarship trip to Norway

by Steve Esser

Young Harris, GA (08/31/2026) — As Dickens would say, it was the tale of two cities, or actually, two countries for Laura Mauldin, a junior triple major at Young Harris College, who just spent her summer in Oslo, Norway, thanks to the Georgia Rotary Student Program.

Mauldin was one of two students in Georgia selected by the Georgia Rotary Student Program for a scholarship offered by the Rotarians of Oslo, Norway, for the 2026 International Summer School at the University of Oslo.

"It was an experience that held so many emotions at once that it's hard to capture," Mauldin said. "Most days started with three-hour lectures, followed by homework and readings that never seemed to end. But as soon as class was over, I'd step outside and remember I was in Norway, a place that practically begs you to explore."

While trying to balance everything, Mauldin read on buses, finished assignments in little cafes, and squeezed exploring in whenever she could.

"Some days I felt proud of how well I handled it; other days I was just tired and trying to keep up," she said. "There was always something exciting waiting outside the classroom. That's what made the experience so special. It wasn't just studying abroad; it was learning how to manage real academic pressure while still making room for adventure and moments that made the stress worth it."

The scholarship allowed Mauldin to learn both inside and outside the classroom.

"Academically, I studied at the International Summer School at the University of Oslo in a course outside of my major," she said. "The class challenged me because the material was unfamiliar, and the workload was intense. Outside of class, I experienced Norwegian culture through museums, fotball matches, churches, the Oslo Opera House, ferry rides, fjords, and much more."

In Norway from June 27 to July 25, Mauldin was surrounded by students from many countries, learning about different cultures, religions, traditions, education systems, and families. Yet, at the same time, she said she realized how much people have in common.

"Norway made me more independent and more confident in my ability to handle situations I cannot predict or control," Mauldin said. "Living thousands of miles from home taught me that independence is more than just being able to navigate a new city. It means trusting yourself to solve problems, communicate with people who may see things differently, and keep going even when you are uncomfortable.

"Going forward, I think I will carry a much greater sense of curiosity and openness toward other people," she added. "Living with students from around the world taught me the importance of learning from each other. I want to take that with me into my education, career, and relationships."

When she had time out of class, Mauldin explored Oslo's cultural side, from countless museums, historic churches, ferries, and the islands and fjords. She even experienced a piece of World Cup lore, joining the host Norwegians in the "Viking Row" - made famous during Norway's run in last summer's World Cup.

"I was one of over 100,000 people rowing in the street, welcoming home the national team in a parade, voices full of pride and joy as we sang. It was incredible," she said.

Mauldin's very thankful for the Rotary scholarship that made it all possible. The scholarship included six credit hours of undergraduate coursework at the International Summer School at Oslo University.

"I am incredibly grateful to Rotary and Young Harris College for making this experience possible and for preparing me to take advantage of it," she said. "Their support gave me an opportunity that went far beyond spending a month in another country. They invested in an experience that challenged me academically, pushed me personally, and introduced me to people and perspectives I may never have encountered otherwise."

It's something she said she will never forget.

"When I came home, I kept thinking about how incredible it was that people from more than 70 countries had all come together in one place. Some of the people I became closest to had grown up in completely different cultures and circumstances from mine, yet we spent a month sharing meals, laughing together, struggling through classes, exploring Oslo, and talking about our lives," Mauldin said. "The most emotional part of coming home was realizing that Norway had made the world feel smaller. There are now people across the world who were once complete strangers but who became an important part of my life. I think that is what I will remember most vividly - not just what Norway looked like, but what it felt like to belong to a small international community, even for only a month."

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Laura Mauldin

Laura Mauldin, a junior triple major at Young Harris College, just spent her summer in Oslo, Norway, thanks to the Georgia Rotary Student Program.

Laura Mauldin

Laura Mauldin, a junior triple major at Young Harris College, just spent her summer in Oslo, Norway, thanks to the Georgia Rotary Student Program.

Laura Mauldin

Laura Mauldin, a junior triple major at Young Harris College, just spent her summer in Oslo, Norway, thanks to the Georgia Rotary Student Program.

Young Harris College

YHC student returns from scholarship trip to Norway

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Young Harris College

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