Fulbright scholar Debbies semester of teaching, research, and cultural immersion

From New York City to Norway

Debbie’s connection with Norway dates back to 2016, when Dr. Camilla Lindvall Dahlgren, a visiting scholar, collaborated with her team in New York to translate a key eating disorder diagnostic tool into Norwegian. "We stayed in touch over the years, and when I decided to pursue an international work experience in 2022, she was the first person I reached out to," Debbie shares. This reconnection sparked new ideas for collaborative projects, eventually leading to her successful application for a Fulbright scholarship to teach and conduct research at ONUC.

Preparing for her stay was a meticulous process. Along with her ONUC colleagues, Debbie shaped a proposal aimed at enhancing eating disorder education, a project she is passionate about. "The support I received from Dr. Lindvall Dahlgren and ONUC’s Psychology Department Head, Gun Bente Johansen, was invaluable," she says, adding that their guidance helped her craft a strong application, which she is thrilled to see come to fruition this fall.

A focus on eating disorders education

Debbie’s primary research interest at ONUC is in enhancing eating disorder education, an area she feels deeply connected to. "I've worked in eating disorder research for over 15 years, focusing on developing treatments for adults with anorexia nervosa," she explains. Her work in Oslo involves laying the groundwork to adapt and translate PreparED, an online educational tool she co-developed, into Norwegian.

The aim of PreparED is to make eating disorder training accessible to healthcare provider and students. "We’ve had success with an English version and recently completed a Spanish version. Now, with Dr. Lindvall Dahlgren and local partners, we’re working toward a Norwegian adaptation," Debbie shares. She finds the enthusiasm from her ONUC colleagues and Norway’s mental health advocacy groups encouraging, and hopes that the grant funding comes through.

Teaching and connecting with Norwegian students

Teaching at ONUC has been a rewarding experience for Debbie, who is leading a Science Communication seminar for faculty and contributing to classes for master’s students in health psychology. “The students here are very engaged,” she says. "In my lecture on Social Media and Mental Health, they were attentive and open to discussion. It was delightful!"

This experience differs from her teaching in New York, where her focus is on clinical training. At ONUC, she enjoys stepping into a new role and working with students and faculty who are eager to broaden public awareness of psychology. "I am inspired by the faculty's commitment to bringing psychology knowledge to the Norwegian public," she remarks.

Exploring Oslo, one bakery at a time

Settled in Majorstuen, Debbie has fully embraced life in Norway. " I am taking the opportunity to fully explore Oslo — the fjord islands, the forests, the museums, and of course, the delicious bakeries," she says. An adventurer at heart, she has already traveled to Bergen and Lofoten, where she enjoyed Norway’s stunning landscapes. Debbie’s Norwegian journey has also taken her to Tromsø, where she got to see the Northern Lights and spend time with reindeer.

Living in Oslo offers a welcome change from New York City. "Oslo is a beautiful, clean, manageable city with access to incredible nature," she remarks. Adjusting to Norwegian life includes experimenting with black coffee—a challenge for her. "I’m trying to like it, but so far, I still need my milk and sugar." As the winter approaches, she loves how the city is literally lighting up with holiday decorations.

Cinnamon buns, apple juice and sustainability

Debbie has quickly adapted to many Norwegian customs, some of which took her by surprise. “I had no idea that cinnamon buns were such a big deal here!” she says. Her favorite weekend activity involves hiking in Nordmarka, planning her stops at different cafes to enjoy pastries along the way. "It’s a very civilized way to hike, and clearly the proper way to enjoy a long day in the outdoor." She’s also surprised by the popularity of apple juice amongst Norwegians. "I have not drank this much apple juice since I was in pre-school and it's so delicious that I have no idea why I ever stopped.»

Norway’s focus on sustainability has also impressed her. "I went to a Loppemarked and loved the culture of reusing items like skis and skates," she says. She plans to bring home an authentic Norwegian wool sweater as a keepsake of her stay.

Reflecting on her time in Norway

As her semester unfolds, Debbie appreciates the warmth and kindness of her ONUC colleagues. “They have been so welcoming, offering travel tips and even switching to English at lunchtime so I can join the conversations,” she shares. Her integration into Norwegian life extends even to Oslo’s famed obsession with weather. “I’m beginning to understand why everyone checks Yr so often, and am amused at how much Norwegians laugh at themselves about their obsession about the weather. Now that I'm here and living in it, the obsession seems healthy to me.”

Her time at ONUC has brought unexpected delights, like the convenience of sparkling water taps in the office kitchens—a feature she now dreams of bringing back to Columbia. "I’ve even joked with my colleagues that if Columbia doesn’t install sparkling water taps, I might just stay here forever!" she says.

Debbie’s experience in Norway has been one of professional growth, exploration, and heartwarming cultural exchange. Her semester in Oslo promises not only to shape her future work in psychology but also to leave her with lasting memories of Norway’s landscapes, traditions, and the warm community at ONUC.