Victor Rubinat (28), a big sunny boy from Barcelona, continues his student life in Molde even after graduating four years ago.

By AMBER HUANG (text and photo)

Victor Rubinat was previously an Erasmus exchange student at HiMolde for one semester, then he returned for a master’s study. He now works in Molde as a data analyst for road construction.

Now, four years after graduation, Victor Rubinat’s heart remains on campus. All Erasmus students are familiar with this Spanish boy. From hiking trips to cabin trips, barbeques at Kringstadbukta and skiing at Oppdal, he is at all of the students’ events.

«Although I left the school and went into society, my heart still remains at campus. I am always an activity-lover and I can find so many activities in HiMolde. ESN organizes interesting things for international students. Students are usually more open and easy to talk with even if we just met for the first time. It fills my social needs.»

«Participating in student activities enriches my after-work life. I feel like it’s a link with the past but with a wiser approach. When I stay with students, it reminds me of the hard days when I collaborated with my study partners. We earned knowledge and made improvements together. And every semester, more international students arrive. It is nice and interesting to communicate with them. I cherish every moment that I am with students. I also like to share my experiences with them as I’ve been here longer. I tell them all I know about this city, this school and the choice of related courses.»

Besides activities at school, Victor also attends the training at Molde Taekwondo club at Moldehallen once or twice a week. «Since the weather is often not so good, I take the training. Through this Taekwondo club, I’ve met more funny friends who are a mix of students from campus and employees from local companies. I hope more and more students can join this club.»

The nostalgia of hanging out with Erasmus students isn’t all fun and games, though.

«Seasons come and go, but I am always here» Victor said. «Every year I see students come and we have fun together. When they finish their study in Molde, I see them off, watching the flight disappearing into the distance. Friends come and friends go. This kind of sadness is not what I wanted, but it’s something I have to take.»

In several months many students will leave again, including some of Victor’s good friends. «I will cherish the final days when we are still together here. I’m proud that I can help them with their studies. The world is small, and I would like to visit them someday somewhere in the future. Most importantly, they are welcome to visit any time!»