Study Abroad in Norway

Semester Programs

As a YFU student in Norway, you can choose from 15 fields of study in upper secondary school. You will attend a local high school and live with a host family, and part of your experience will be:

School

Education is considered especially important in Norway, and many schools have strict attendance policies. Norwegian schools expect a great deal of independence and responsibility from students. Courses offered in most areas of the country include Norwegian, mathematics, history, geography, philosophy, economics, religion, physical education, sciences, social studies, and languages. Spanish, French, and German language classes are usually offered, and some schools may have Russian and Italian. Optional courses may include music, drama, dance, arts, sports, business and administration, and information technology. All classes will be taught in Norwegian, so students are encouraged to study up on their Norwegian before departure!

Because many schools in Norway use internet-based learning (meaning communication is almost exclusively online, and students typically use laptops in class), students are recommended to bring a laptop if they own one. Schools will usually help students borrow or rent a laptop for an additional cost if they do not own one.

Orientations

All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

Upon arrival in Norway, all students will attend a 3-day orientation with other YFU students from around the world. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Extracurriculars

Norwegian schools generally don’t offer after-school activities. However, there are plenty of music groups, clubs, and organizations to choose from in the community, and most of your Norwegian friends will belong to some type of sports club. YFU exchange students are encouraged to get involved in their communities by joining any type of team, group, or club.

Optional Excursions

Semester program students will also usually have the option of participating in a number of educational trips and excursions during their stay at an additional cost.

Snowcave Skiing Expedition: Spring students will have the opportunity to explore the amazing Norwegian nature and partake in the Norwegian tradition of Snøhuletur. During this three-day trip, students will be led by guides on a skiing and camping adventure. Students ski into the Norwegian backcountry to build snow caves, which, upon completion, will be slept in overnight.

A Trip to Northern Norway: During this optional trip, fall students will embark on a trip to the North of Norway and have the opportunity to participate in many exciting events. Students may have a chance to go to a reindeer farm, see huskies, go skiing, and possibly even see the Northern Lights! As the Norwegians say: Ut på tur – aldri sur or out in nature—never in a bad mood!

Language

Norwegian. Previous language study is not required; however, students must be motivated to learn Norwegian. While English is widely spoken in Norway, this is not an English program.

Trimester Programs

As a YFU student in Norway, you can choose from 15 fields of study in upper secondary school. You will attend a local high school and live with a host family, and part of your experience will be:

Dormitory School

Students choosing the trimester option dorm option will attend a private school (Tomb vgs, a private Christian school) and live in the dorm. Students are typically placed in the nature study program where they can choose between focuses on agriculture, outdoor life or horses. Academic subjects may also include math, nature sciences, religion, Norwegian, and English classes. Placements may be double or single, dependent on availability. The dormitory has adult staff on premises at all times. Room includes a bed, bedding, desk, chair and a closet.

The dorm is closed during longer school holidays. When closed, the students will stay with host families or may be allowed to visit friends they have made while attending school.

All classes will be taught in Norwegian, so students are encouraged to study up on their Norwegian before departure! Because many schools in Norway use internet-based learning (meaning communication is almost exclusively online, and students typically use laptops in class), students are recommended to bring a laptop if they own one. Schools will usually help students borrow or rent a laptop for an additional cost if they do not own one.

Orientations

All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

Upon arrival in Norway, all students will attend a 3-day orientation with other YFU students from around the world. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Extracurriculars

Norwegian schools generally don’t offer after-school activities. However, there are plenty of music groups, clubs, and organizations to choose from in the community, and most of your Norwegian friends will belong to some type of sports club. YFU exchange students are encouraged to get involved in their communities by joining any type of team, group, or club.

Language

Norwegian. Previous language study is not required; however, students must be motivated to learn Norwegian. While English is widely spoken in Norway, this is not an English program.