Student Exchange Programs in Norway

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.