An interest in watches led Kristinn Hall Arnarsson abroad. He is now studying watchmaking in Denmark and says the experience has been an adventure that has strengthened him both professionally and personally.
Kristinn Hallur Arnarson, a 25-year-old watchmaking student, is doing an internship at the ZBC school in Ringsted, Denmark. He began his studies in 2024, following in the footsteps of several Icelandic students who have completed their studies and journeyman's examination in watchmaking at the school in recent years. Alongside his studies, Kristinn is doing a workplace apprenticeship in Iceland at Klukkan, where his interest in the trade was first sparked.
The fascinating world of watchmaking
When asked what made him decide to study abroad, Kristinn says the decision came after he started working at Klukkan. There, he got to know the world of watches and watchmaking more closely and quickly realised that this was a trade he wanted to pursue. "I started working at Klukkan and developed an interest in watches and then watchmaking. With that, I decided what I wanted to do and decided to go abroad for those studies," he says.
Kristinn says there is a considerable difference between the school systems in Denmark and Iceland. The studies in Denmark have a different focus, including more oral exams than he was used to. In his opinion, adapting to the new learning environment has been both challenging and educational.
The experience of studying abroad has been very positive, even though the beginning was difficult. Kristinn says it's important for people considering studying abroad to realise that the adjustment takes time. "It's hard to begin with, but it gets easier, and you become richer for the experience. It's an experience you can't miss out on," he says.
Always look on the bright side
When asked to describe the experience in three words, he mentions: "Adventurous, exciting, and educational."
He also encourages those who are considering an Erasmus programme or other studies abroad to maintain a positive mindset. "Always look on the bright side, even if it's difficult to begin with," Kristinn concludes.