Shaborshina and Atieva have been studying North Sami semester courses since last autumn. This spring, they applied for a bachelor’s degree in Sami. Sami University College in Kautokeino informed in April that they lack documentation for knowledge of English. Therefore, their applications are rejected. – The information came so late that I have not had the opportunity to prepare for such a test. I am disappointed with Sami University College, says Shaborshina to news. Fears that the study plans will stop here The Sami women from Lovozero in Russia came to Kautokeino in the autumn of 2021 to study Northern Sami. Shaborshina has higher educational education from his native Russia. Her plan is to stay in Norway for several years. She will take a bachelor’s and later a master’s. TRIVES: Arina Shaborshina thrives in Kautokeino. – The Sami studies are interesting and educational. I want to stay here for many years, she says. Photo: Private – Now I fear that my study plans will stop here. The English requirement is strange. All teaching at Sami University College takes place in Northern Sami, Shaborshina points out. The women believe that their study qualifications must in principle be approved, since they were admitted as students. – If we had received this information already this autumn, we could have done something about it, Artieva points out. – Stupid to have to interrupt studies Everyone who applies for admission to a university and college in Norway through Coordinated admission, must cover language requirements in Norwegian and English. English can be covered in different ways depending on your background. This can be done, among other things, by taking 140 hours of study at a Norwegian upper secondary school. THRIVES: Aleksandra Artieva would like to continue her studies in Kautokeino. Aleksandra Artieva has two higher educations from Russia. She wants to combine these with higher education in Sami. – I have an education as a psychologist and special educator. If I get good knowledge of Sami, I can work with children, Artieva explains. Both believe it would be foolish to cancel their studies now. – One of the alternatives will then be to travel back to Russia, Shaborshina and Artieva explain. SAME VILLAGE: The river Virma flows quietly through the Russian Sami village Lovozero. Photo: Aleksander Paul – Higher requirements for bachelor level Director Anne-Marie Gaino at Sami University College says she knows about Shaborshina’s and Artieva’s case. She regrets that the two Sami students from Russia have not received the information they are entitled to in time. – We just have to become better at informing our students, she emphasizes. DIEHTOSIIDA: Sami University College is housed in a modern building in the heart of Kautokeino city center. Photo: Dan Robert Larsen / news The director has this explanation for what has happened: – There are higher requirements for students in the bachelor studies than for the semester courses. We have spoken with both the Ministry of Education and Coordinated Admissions. They say that the English requirement is mandatory, Gaino states. The management at Sami University College has tried to look for ways they can avoid this requirement, but has not yet been able to find a legal basis for it. – We have not given up yet. We will meet the two students tomorrow. Maybe together we can find a solution, hopes Anne-Marie Gaino. MEETS THE STUDENTS: Director Anne-Marie Gaino will meet the students tomorrow. Photo: Private
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Arina Shaborshina (27) and Aleksandra Artieva (44) disappointed with Sami University College – news Sápmi
