School Immersion in Norway – Age 16-18 – 3 months to 1 academic year
This programme is available to motivated students aged 16 to 18 who wish to study for a period of 3 months to 1 academic year in this country of spectacular and enchanting landscapes and live a unique and unforgettable experience.
Participants attend a Norwegian high school while sharing the life of a host family. This programme allows a cultural and linguistic immersion into the Norwegian life.
No previous knowledge of Norwegian is required (beginners welcome), but a good command of English is.
Nature is the heart of the Norwegian way of life : unique and spectacular landscapes, glaciers, enchanting fjords, northern lights, midnight sun, magnificent mountains… There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy an outdoor activity with your Norwegian family or friends ! In winter people go skiing or snowboarding, in spring and summer they go trekking or canoeing.
Why study in Norway ?
- An educational system of excellence, encouraging critical thinking and individual reflection
- High standards of living
- Amazing landscapes: glaciers, fjords, northern lights, midnight sun, snowy mountains…
- The principle of equality is the foundation of the Norwegian society and has shaped its development
- Environmental protection and sustainable development are an integral part of the Nordic way of life
- Norwegians are cheerful and friendly people who have a very close relationship with nature. They enjoy outdoor sports and activities in all seasons
- Ideal destination for nature lovers
- Everybody speaks English
Although related to the Vikings, Norwegians are deeply peaceful, welcoming and warm people with a great sense of humour. As we say here: “A cold country, with warm people” ! Norway has some of the most spectacular scenery in the world! If you love nature and outdoor activities, if you want to meet friendly people, Norway is the ideal country to experience something extraordinary, off the beaten track !
Norway
- 5,5 millions inhabitants
- Capital city : Oslo
- The “world’s happiest people”
- Safe country with a high quality of life
- One of the richest countries in the world, thanks to large oil resources
- Snow is part of everyday life (here, more than 100 words to talk about snow…)
- The most important Norwegian word is “Kos”, a mixture of warmth, caring, attention, laughter, conviviality… but also a cup of coffee with a cinnamon roll…
Placements take place all over Norway. Your stay may take place in an average sized town or even a small village : in Norway, the settlement is scattered.
There are two official languages in Norway : Bokmal (the mother tongue of 80% of Norwegians) and Nynorsk ( about 17.5% of the population). Both are North Germanic languages and are mutually intelligible. The first, the “language of books”, is marked by Danish. The second is derived from the old Norwegian dialects.
Almost all Norwegians speak English, but the High School classes will be taught in Norwegian. It is then strongly recommended to follow an online Norwegian course prior to departure to prepare your immersion in the best way possible.
You will attend an “Ungdomskole” which corresponds to the last three years of secondary school (1st, 2nd and 3rd). The choice of the school depends on your host family’s place of residence.
Because of the scattered settlement in Norway, schools can be small and classes can be multi-grade.
You will be placed in either 1st or 2nd according to your age, level and classs availability (no placement in 3rd which is an exam year). The choice of course/class is determined by the school headmaster. Courses are organised by level, so students of different ages can take the same course. The timetable is based on the course schedule and not on a specific class.
The school year is divided into 4 terms. The year starts by mid-August and ends by mid-June. Classes usually start at 8.00 and never end later than 15.00. Apart from language classes, all other lessons are conducted in Norwegian.
Norwegian students follow a common core of basic knowledge and choose options, a specialisation or a focus on a particular field. There are no scientific, literary or economic studies : students choose the content of their programme themselves.
Students generally follow about 9 subjects (same subjects all year long). The number of subjects vary according to each school.
Some subjects are mandatory (must be studied during school time) : religion, ethics, mathematics, social sciences, arts and crafts, English, natural and environmental sciences, music, history and local cultures
Sports generally practised in Scandinavian countries: football, hockey, handball, floorball, skiing
Norwegian lessons
An online Norwegian course is highly recommended prior to departure and during the first part of your stay in order to prepare your immersion in the best possible way. Your host family and local coordinator will advise you for the best options.
In Norway, education is mandatory between the age of 6 and 16. From age 16 to 20, students attend a Ungdomskole (equivalent of High School). The Ungdomskole prepares for University and offers general teaching.
The Norwegian educational system is known for its academic excellence and encourage to think independently and critically. It aso gives students a lot of freedom. Teachers are usually very open and relaxed. The relationship between students and teachers is much more informal than in other countries and is based on mutual respect and trust. However, with this freedom comes a lot of responsibility for students to finish their work on time without strict supervision.
Local schools usually don’t offer any sports, hobbies or leisure activities, but students can join local clubs and associations outside of the school setting. We recommend to practice at least one activity outside the school and host family. It is a great way to make new acquaintances and to get to know more people so as to understand better the Norwegian society.
The Norwegian educational system offers a hub for students and teachers : Itslearning.com. This innovative system allows teachers and students to communicate : teachers write down homework for the next day, the schedule of exercises and tests so that students can get prepared. It is also a chat platform. A user-friendly and functional tool !
School holidays take place as follow : 1 week in October/November, 2 weeks during Christmas and New Year, 1 week in February and 1 week in April.
Host families are without a doubt the most important element of the whole programme. This is why we attach great importance to their careful selection.
Norwegian host families are volunteers. They choose to host students because they want to share their lifestyle and culture. They are also keen on learning more about the country and culture of their young hosts.
Your host family will choose you according to your own description and their own appreciation on how they think you would fit into their family life.
You will be considered as the newest family member. As the Danes prefer an intimate and stable family life, families are generally small.
The typical Norwegian family is usually very busy during the day (work, school and various activities). They usually get together for dinner and enjoy sharing their free time. Parents give their teenagers a lot of freedom. The upbringing encourages autonomy from an early age and the parent/child relationship is based on mutual trust and respect.
Norwegian families generally divide housework among family members equally, so as a member of the family you will have to take on responsibilities (such as helping in the kitchen, the laundry and cleaning) , you will also be in charge of keeping your room clean and tidy.
The local coordinator is an experienced person who selects the host families and keeps in regular contact with the students. He or she is your main contact all throughout your stay to act quickly in the event of a problem occurring.
He or she will be present to answer any questions that may arise once you are in the country and to assist you in all the steps you need to take. Regular communication is also maintained with your host family and the school to ensure that the experience runs as smoothly as possible.
You will also be given an emergency number in case of any major problem you may encounter during your stay.
An orientation course of 4 days/3 nights is suggested at the beginning of the stay.
This course is a good preparation for Scandinavian life and culture and an opportunity to meet the other international students participating in the programme. Local visits are also included in the course !
The course will normally take place in Copenhagen – Denmark (it may be relocated depending on any COVID-related restrictions that may apply at that time.
Timetable based on the 2020 course (subject to change and only given as an example).
Accommodation in a youth hostel, shared bedroom.
The orientation course price includes :
- 3 nights at a youth hostel
- 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners
- Guided walking tour in Copenhagen
- Entry to Tivoli Gardens (but not to the amusement rides)
- Transfers between the airport and the youth hostel
- Preparation meetings prior to your stay
The price does not include :
- The lunches
- Transport from Copenhagen to the closest station/airport from the host family’s home
- Personal expenses
Dates 2021-2022
Orientation courses dates : August 11 to 13 2021 or January 05 to 07 2022
- Academic Year : August 21 2021 to June 25 2022
- Autumn/Winter Semester : August 13 2021 to January 08 2022
- Winter/Spring Semester : January 05 to June 25 2022
- 3 months programmes : August 13 to November 14 2021 or January 15 to April 10 2022
Prices 2021-2022
| Scolarité, logement et repas, stage d'orientation, tous frais d'inscription compris | |
|---|---|
| Durée | Tarif |
| 1 semestre scolaire | € 7.620 |
| 1 année scolaire | € 8.250 |
Prices include :
- Preliminary interview
- Local school enrolment fees
- Homestay accommodation, half-board during school weeks and full-board on weekends and school holidays
- Personal assistance, constant support and attendance from our local correspondent during the stay
- Regular contact and monthly evaluation
- Official certificate of participation
- Airport/Rail Station meet & greet and transfer to the host family place of residence
Prices do not include :
- Round-trip flight to the closest airport from the host family’s place of residence
- Local transportation
- Lunches at the school cafeteria
- Pocket money – about €200 per month recommended
- School books (it is possible to borrow them)
- School material and other fees such as locker fees
- After school excursions and activities
- Return airport transfer (the host family often look after this part)
