Student Exchange Programs in Norway

Study at a high school in the Nordics

Student exchange programs to Norway are filled with stunning scenery including, of course, the Northern Lights!

Everyone is talking about Norway, and as an exchange student, you will soon understand why. This amazing country is without a doubt one of the world’s most stunning and unique landscapes. Enjoy seeing beautiful fjords and glaciers, as well as midnight sun and Northern lights. If you love spending time outdoors or are interested in activities such as skiing and hiking – this is the choice for you.

Your education and host family experience in Norway will be a delight as well. Like most Scandinavian countries, English is a common second language and, thanks to the country’s rich natural resources, Norway has also long been a wealthy trading nation. The arts are heavily supported by state subsidies, particularly in film production and book publishing.

Pack your winter boots and jacket, and get ready for a true Nordic adventure!

Quick facts

Age of students: All students applying to Norway must have turned 16 years before arrival. All students must not be more than 18 years on the last day of the program period.

Departure: August, January

Language requirements: An online language course is recommended prior to departure

Visa: Yes

Area choice: No

Soft Landing Camp: Yes, in Oslo

School day: Normally from 8 to 15

Subjects: There are both compulsory subjects and electives

Program: Classic High School

Our Student Exchange Programs

In Norway, we offer our Classic High School exchange program.

Our destinations in the Nordics

The experience of a lifetime

Student exchange is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shapes your future. Check out this short guide to planning your exchange in Norway. Then request a call with us to make that plan a reality. 

About high school in Norway

As an exchange student in Norway, you will immerse into life as a Norwegian teenage life. High schools here are called “videregående” and last for three years. Your host school will enrol you in a suitable year level based on your age.

You may experience the “russefeiring” celebration during the spring semester. It is a fun celebration all over Norway, where the senior students engage in activities to celebrate graduating from high school. Even though you will not be a “russ” yourself, it is fun to watch from the sidelines.

Enquire now

Subjects and school activities

There are several different high school programs as an exchange student in Norway. These may be Science, Social Science, Language, Business or Arts. The Norwegian school system enables independent learning and the relationships between students and their teachers are usually quite relaxed.

Mandatory subjects are often Math, English, Norwegian, History, as well as Physical Education. You may not be able to choose the subjects you want to study, but if you are able to choose one or two subjects, we would highly recommend you select a subject that is now available in your country.

Norwegian high schools generally do not offer extracurricular activities. If you want to practice a sport or another interest, you must do this in your spare time in private clubs. Your host family may be able to assist with this.

Enquire now

Semesters and breaks

The Norwegian school year is divided into two semesters: August to December and January to late June. In between June and August, there is a summer break. In addition, Norwegian schools have a one-week break in October, usually two weeks off over Christmas and New Year, a one-week break in February as well as a one week break over Easter. You may be able to see more of Norway on excursions and trips during these holiday breaks.

Enquire now

Your spare time in Norway

Deep coastal glaciers, ski-friendly mountains, modern cities or cosy villages. One thing is certain is that the life for many Norwegians surrounds around outdoor activities. The activities will depend on your interests, and your host family’s location.

Sports and activities

In spring and summer, Norwegians like to go on hikes (“gå på tur”), and in winter they enjoy skiing and snowboarding. They often go downhill skiing in the mountains, but cross-country skiing is more common and accessible. Many Norwegian families also have a “hytte”, which is a cottage they go to for the weekend and during the holidays. A hytte is the perfect place to get the best of both worlds – an active lifestyle, but also some well-deserved relaxation!

Due to the country’s chilly weather, there are also plenty of sports halls and gyms in most of the Norwegian cities. Popular indoor activities are football, handball, and basketball, just like in many other countries. If you want to join a club, your host family will help you contact clubs around town.

Enquire now

Staying with a Norwegian host family

Staying with a Norwegian host family is the best way to gain insight into Norwegian society as well as become fluent in the language. You will have the opportunity to practice your language skills every day, as well as to create bonds with a caring family in Norway.

Life at home

You will probably soon notice that Norwegian teenagers have a lot of freedom, and are raised to do things independently. They are allowed to take their own initiatives and are trusted when doing things on their own in their spare time.

Rather than seeing you as a child, your host family will see you as a young adult who has to take responsibility. Housework is generally equally divided among family members, and you are expected to help out with different tasks at home, such as helping out with dinner and cleaning your room.

Learn about host families

About high school in Norway

As an exchange student in Norway, you will immerse into life as a Norwegian teenage life. High schools here are called “videregående” and last for three years. Your host school will enrol you in a suitable year level based on your age.

You may experience the “russefeiring” celebration during the spring semester. It is a fun celebration all over Norway, where the senior students engage in activities to celebrate graduating from high school. Even though you will not be a “russ” yourself, it is fun to watch from the sidelines.

Enquire now
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Subjects and school activities

There are several different high school programs as an exchange student in Norway. These may be Science, Social Science, Language, Business or Arts. The Norwegian school system enables independent learning and the relationships between students and their teachers are usually quite relaxed.

Mandatory subjects are often Math, English, Norwegian, History, as well as Physical Education. You may not be able to choose the subjects you want to study, but if you are able to choose one or two subjects, we would highly recommend you select a subject that is now available in your country.

Norwegian high schools generally do not offer extracurricular activities. If you want to practice a sport or another interest, you must do this in your spare time in private clubs. Your host family may be able to assist with this.

Enquire now
banner-img

Semesters and breaks

The Norwegian school year is divided into two semesters: August to December and January to late June. In between June and August, there is a summer break. In addition, Norwegian schools have a one-week break in October, usually two weeks off over Christmas and New Year, a one-week break in February as well as a one week break over Easter. You may be able to see more of Norway on excursions and trips during these holiday breaks.

Enquire now
banner-img

Your spare time in Norway

Deep coastal glaciers, ski-friendly mountains, modern cities or cosy villages. One thing is certain is that the life for many Norwegians surrounds around outdoor activities. The activities will depend on your interests, and your host family’s location.

Sports and activities

In spring and summer, Norwegians like to go on hikes (“gå på tur”), and in winter they enjoy skiing and snowboarding. They often go downhill skiing in the mountains, but cross-country skiing is more common and accessible. Many Norwegian families also have a “hytte”, which is a cottage they go to for the weekend and during the holidays. A hytte is the perfect place to get the best of both worlds – an active lifestyle, but also some well-deserved relaxation!

Due to the country’s chilly weather, there are also plenty of sports halls and gyms in most of the Norwegian cities. Popular indoor activities are football, handball, and basketball, just like in many other countries. If you want to join a club, your host family will help you contact clubs around town.

Enquire now
banner-img

Staying with a Norwegian host family

Staying with a Norwegian host family is the best way to gain insight into Norwegian society as well as become fluent in the language. You will have the opportunity to practice your language skills every day, as well as to create bonds with a caring family in Norway.

Life at home

You will probably soon notice that Norwegian teenagers have a lot of freedom, and are raised to do things independently. They are allowed to take their own initiatives and are trusted when doing things on their own in their spare time.

Rather than seeing you as a child, your host family will see you as a young adult who has to take responsibility. Housework is generally equally divided among family members, and you are expected to help out with different tasks at home, such as helping out with dinner and cleaning your room.

Learn about host families
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Soft Landing Camp in Oslo

As an exchange student in Norway, you will also have the chance to discover Oslo on our Soft Landing Camp at the beginning of your exchange, along with other exchange student commencing their programs in Norway.

Hear from our former exchange students in Norway

Jemima in Fredrikstad

Jemima shares her experience from her student exchange in Norway.

Read her story here.

Eliza

Eliza and her mom shares thoughts from Elizas exchange in Norway.

Read their story here.

Enquire now

The best way to prepare for your exchange program is to join an Information Session Webinar.
Please click here to register and then complete your details below and we will be in touch to answer your questions.

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