"The academic excellence and cross-cultural exposure I’ve gained have uniquely positioned me to make a greater impact"
Get to know Peace and Conflict Studies scholarship recipient Shreya Baral and learn about her background, experience with the Kulturstudier programme, and goals for the future.
Are you a national of one of our study countries, eager to learn about societal issues and gain unique experiences with cultural exchange?
Each semester, a select few local students receive scholarships to take part in our study programmes. Shreya Baral was a scholarship student in Nepal spring 2025:
– I first learned about Kulturstudier and the scholarship opportunity through a former colleague with whom I had worked closely.
She had been a Kulturstudier student herself and shared her positive experiences with me. Her journey and insights intrigued me, and I was inspired to explore the program further.
– The opportunity to study Peace and Conflict Studies in such a unique international environment immediately caught my interest, and I decided to apply for the scholarship. I knew instantly that it was the perfect next step for me.
Our scholarship students come from varied backgrounds, and we welcome all eligible applicants to apply regardless of your specific professional background. We aim to create an engaging, fun, and challenging study environment, and look for applicants with a strong interest in and passion for the field of study.
– With a background in social activism and years of working to empower women from marginalized and excluded communities, many of whom have been direct victims of violence and systemic neglect, I deeply understood the urgent need to strengthen my knowledge in peace and conflict studies.
This scholarship was not just an academic opportunity; it was a continuation of my purpose.
– Prior to joining the programme, I completed my Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK.
I am also a certified CIPD Associate. Professionally, I was working as a Program Manager, Professional Development Coach, and Mobilization Leader at an organization called Life Project for Youth.
The organization focuses on empowering young women from excluded backgrounds by supporting them in securing decent and sustainable employment. This role was deeply meaningful and aligned closely with my passion for social inclusion and gender equality.
Academic coordinator Mira on the programme
- Nepal and Sri Lanka
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Inspiration
"The learning environment is not just intellectually enriching, but also personally transformative"
For all our courses, we focus on the combination of theory and practical experience and examples from the real world.
Our lecturers come from around the world and each bring unique points of view to help you make sense of the theoretical aspects of the programme and how they relate to the real world:
– What I find most compelling about Peace and Conflict Studies is how it connects academic theory with human experiences.
Each lecture opened up new ways of understanding the roots and impacts of conflict. I was especially drawn to the sessions led by Professor Priyankar and Dr. Anjoo, where we explored South Asian conflicts in depth.
Looking ahead, my goal is to work with international organizations that are actively involved in peacebuilding, post-conflict recovery, and gender justice.– Shreya (31)
– Their analysis of communal violence in India and Pakistan, as well as the complexities of post-war reconstruction in Sri Lanka, helped me understand the nuances behind these issues, especially since my group project focused on Sri Lankan conflict.
I also found Jenn Weidman’s lectures very impactful, as they explored practical tools for peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and nonviolence. These real-world approaches gave me a deeper appreciation for the role of peace practitioners in today’s world.
Most Kulturstudier students are Scandinavian. Having local students join the programme is an enrichment both academically and socially, allowing the Scandinavian students a deeper understanding of local culture.
For the local students, the experience can also be transformative.
Scholarship students often remark upon how they grew academically and as a person as a result of getting to know students from a vastly different cultural background, as they get to view their own culture in a different light:
– I absolutely loved spending ten weeks with my Scandinavian friends, it was one of the highlights of the programme.
Read about Scandinavian students' experiences in Nepal
- Nepal and Sri Lanka
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Portraits
"When I was studying in Nepal, I learned that not all people need, or want, to live like we do in Western Europe"
– What stood out the most was how inclusive, open, and genuinely friendly they were. The cultural exchange felt very natural and meaningful.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn how much they admired Nepal and Nepali people. It was heartwarming to realize that I could be a bridge for them to understand and appreciate Nepali culture on a deeper level.
– Another thing which truly surprised me was how effortlessly the Scandinavian students blended into the local culture. From participating in Nepali traditions to trying local food, their willingness to engage was inspiring.
These ten weeks flew by, filled with laughter, learning, and deep connections they began to feel like family.
Saying goodbye was emotional, and I’m incredibly grateful to Kulturstudier and the entire team for making this unforgettable experience possible.
Shreya has clear goals for the future:
– Being selected among many deserving applicants has been both an honor and a powerful affirmation of the work I’ve committed myself to.
It has reinforced my belief that dedication, when rooted in genuine passion for social change, does get recognized.
This programme has not only expanded my academic foundation but has also given me new tools to critically engage with issues of violence, justice, and reconciliation.
– Looking ahead, my goal is to work with international organizations that are actively involved in peacebuilding, post-conflict recovery, and gender justice.
I want to be on the frontlines designing programs, influencing policy, and ensuring that voices of the excluded are not only heard but respected.
The academic excellence and cross-cultural exposure I’ve gained through Kulturstudier and OsloMet have uniquely positioned me to make a greater impact.
– This journey has been transformative, and I’m determined to carry its lessons forward in every step of my professional path.
I remain deeply grateful to Kulturstudier and OsloMet for believing in my vision and helping me grow as a changemaker.
Eligible for a scholarship, interested in expanding your horizons and inspired by Shreya?
We eagerly await your application!
