Scandinavian Urban Studies Term
Fall Semester
Whether students intend to deepen knowledge about their own self identity / ethnicity or learn more about a welfare state, this program will provide a deep understanding of contemporary Scandinavia as a complex, progressive society with arguably the most comprehensive systems of social protection in the world. Three integrated seminars give students an understanding of the challenges and opportunities for the Scandinavian welfare states in an age of globalization and mass immigration. The countries of Scandinavia share a solid tradition of grassroots citizen participation and equality, as well as ‘cradle to grave’ welfare support through childcare, education, healthcare and economic security. The program also explores the relationship between Scandinavian countries, the European Union and other global powers such the United States.
Based in Oslo, Norway, a compact, increasingly multicultural city nestled between the Oslo Fjord and mountains, the Scandinavian Urban Studies Term is associated with the University of Oslo. Classes will be held on campus, with comparative field study in selected regions of Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The option of Norwegian language study offers another opportunity to gain an insight into the local culture. Seminars, lectures and readings are in English.
Scandinavian Urban Studies Term experience persuades students to look beyond the trolls, rose paintings, Norwegian wool sweaters and other traditions commonly associated with the region to learn about the depth and reality of modern day Scandinavia!
| To view additional photos, see homemade video documentaries about Norway, and to read reflections from a student currently participating in the program, please take a few extra moments to visit Andrew's SCANDINAVIA BLOG. |
Hands-On Experience
Seminars include a variety of experiential projects outside the classroom where students interact with diverse groups including politicians, community activists, university faculty, and immigrants. In addition to seminars and field excursions students 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 available see the below link.
Example Volunteer Placements
Courses
Challenges of Globalization to the Scandinavian Welfare State – Urbanization and Immigration (equivalent of 2 courses)
Scandinavian Art & Literature
Norwegian Language or Independent Study Project
The courses are taken as an integrated whole and provide the equivalent of a semester's worth of credit, i.e. 4 course credits, 16 semester hours or 27 trimester credits.
Faculty
Extras
Seminars are taught in English. Electing to do an independent study project instead of language study may allow you to explore in-depth a topic of your choosing that is related to course themes and takes advantage of being “on site” in Scandinavia. Open to students with any major. Of special interest to students in the social sciences, interdisciplinary majors and the humanities.
For students with prior Norwegian language study, level of instruction will be by placement exam. Those interested in intense language learning should consider enrolling in the International Summer School in Oslo (www.uio.no/iss/iss) and then continuing study during the fall semester with HECUA.
Housing is located in a student village near the campus which is a shared living space with other Norwegian and foreign students. Students buy and cook your own food as a monthly food stipend is provided. One brief home stay is arranged during the term.
Opportunities for personal travel includes visiting other parts of Scandinavia and Europe during breaks and upon program completion.
If you would like to know more about the program fee, dates or other specific application information please visit the General Program Information page.
Scholarships
Some additional scholarships resources for HECUA students planning to participating in the SUST and DSE program include the following:
The Lakselaget Foundation, scholarship amount is $1,000.
The Sons of Norway Foundation has a King Olav V Norwegian-American Heritage Fund, scholarship amount ranges from $1,000 - $1,500.
Scholarship eligibility and deadline information can be found by clicking on the above links. Please contact the foundations directly for more information about available funds and other additional questions.
| Program Documentation |
| Sample Syllabus |
| Learn More About Scandinavia |
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