School

Education is considered especially important in Norway and many schools have a strict attendance policy. 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 year 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. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June.

*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.

Upon arrival in Norway, all students will attend a 3 day orientation with other YFU students from around the world. Year students also attend a 3 day mid-year orientation, and all students attend a daylong re-entry orientation at the end of their program to reflect on their experiences. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Extracurricular

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

Year 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: 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 back country to build snow caves which, upon completion, will be slept in overnight.

A Trip to Northern Norway: During this optional trip, 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 Norwegian’s say: Ut på tur – aldri sur or out in nature—never in a bad mood!

School

Education is considered especially important in Norway and many schools have a strict attendance policy. 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. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June.

*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.

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.

Extracurricular

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.