The Scandinavian Urban Studies Term will provide a deep understanding of contemporary Scandinavia as a complex, progressive society with the most comprehensive systems of social protection in the world.  Three integrated seminars will give you an understanding of the challenges and opportunities for the Scandinavian welfare states in an age of globalization and mass immigration. The program also explores the relationship between Scandinavian countries, the European Union and other global powers.  Classes are held at the University of Oslo.

The courses are taken as an integrated whole and provide the equivalent of a semester's worth of credit, or 16 semester hours.  Courses are taught in English.  For more detailed information on the courses, click here.  You will also spend approximately four hours each week at a volunteer placement working with a variety of government and community organizations. For examples of the types of placements, click here.

Housing is located in a student village near the campus which is a shared living space with other Norwegian and foreign students.  A monthly food stipend is provided for food.  One brief home stay is arranged.

Contact Renee Knutson, Director of Study Abroad, to discuss program fees and financial aid.

Up to three $500 awards will be made each semester to students who have worked for social change and whose future goals will be strengthened by a HECUA semester program.  Selection criteria include: a scholarship essay showing the match between the student's goals and the HECUA program, a strong letter of recommendation, and financial need (students who do not qualify for aid may apply). This is a merit-based scholarship; however, among equally deserving candidates financial need may be considered. Please note in your essay if there are financial considerations.  The deadline is June 1 for fall programs and Decmeber 1 for spring programs.  For a scholarship application, click here.

Up to two $1500 scholarships for first generation college students, students from low-income families, and students of color, are available.  Required materials include a reflective essay, a letter of recommendation, and a student aid report.  The deadline is April 15 for fall programs and December 1 for spring programs.  For an application, click here.

To be eligible, you must have at least a 2.0 GPA, preferably a 2.5 GPA, and be of sophomore status. 

Submit HECUA application, required items and $50 application fee to the Study Abroad Office.

Submit Saint Mary's required paperwork to the Study Abroad Office. 

Acceptance is contingent on a thorough review of the student's application and subsequent approval from HECUA.

After acceptance, complete the following required items.

1.  Pay $400 non-refundable program deposit payable to SMU. 

2.  Attend all orientation sessions.

3.  Obtain a passport.  Submit a copy of the first page to the Study Abroad Office.

4.  Obtain a student visa. 

5.  Arrange travel plans.  Submit a copy of your flight itinerary to the Study Abroad Office.

6.  Purchase the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) for $22 in the Study Abroad Office.

Location

Norway, officially the Kingdom of Norway, borders Sweden, Finland and Russia.  The landscape is generally rugged and mountainous, with several major glaciers occupying central mountain plateau. Its coastline of over 51,500 miles has many steep-sloped inlets known as fjords.

Oslo is the capital of Norway and has a population of the city proper of approximately 542,000.  Oslo metropolitan area has a population of about 1.3 million and close to 1,7 million people live in the Oslofjord region which sprawls out from Oslo on both sides of the fjord of which the city center of Oslo is situated at the end of, giving the region a U shape.

Climate

The average temperature in Oslo in January is 24 °F (-4 °C).  The average temperature in July is 62 °F (16 °C).  For the year, the average temperature is 42 °F (6 °C). 

Time

When Central Standard Time is in effect in the United States, Norway is seven hours ahead.

Currency

The currency in Norway is the Krone (NOK).  1 NOK = 100 øre.  Krone bank notes come in the following denominations: 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000.  Coins are in denominations of 50 øre, 1 NOK, 5 NOK, 10 NOK and 20 NOK.  For the current exchange rate, click here.  

More Information

Consulate General Minneapolis 
Facts about Norway 
Norway, the Official Site 
US Department of State Consular Information Sheet 
United States Embassy, Norway
Wikitravel Oslo 
World Guide