University of Stavanger (UiS) - Stavanger, Norway

Advisor/Important notes:

Direct Enroll Programs offer students an immersive academic and social experience as they directly enroll in a local University in their Host country! Students learn in a diverse classroom with degree seeking and fellow global study students from all over the world, and have opportunities to choose from a wide array of courses. Students love engaging with the local campus and the opportunities to join student clubs and organizations. These programs oftentimes offer more STEM courses in comparison to our Hybrid/Group programs through our affiliated study abroad providers. Most direct enrollment programs allow students to live in shared apartments with other university students, but a few have host family options.
Currently Gettysburg College students can only attend this program during the Spring semester. Students can attend our other affiliated Norway University (the University of Tromso) during the Fall semester.
Students will work with the designated Norway Student Exchange Coordinator throughout the application process. You must inform CGE (cge@gettysburg.edu) that you would like to attend this program and complete your CGE Global Study Dashboard so that Gettysburg can nominate you to apply for this university.
Students attending this university in Norway should understand that this global study semester will require more independence than a normal semester at Gettysburg College, since you will be truly immersed in their university.

Students will be provided with instructions on how and when to apply for important Norway processes like enrolling in the University or for a residence permit. If questions arise, students should direct their questions to CGE.
A typical semester in Norway oftentimes does not include academic norms that are typical in a U.S. semester. Homework or exams throughout the semester in Norway is not typical, and your main grade for your courses in Norway are based on your final exam.
The International Office is extremely supportive but won’t follow up with students all the time to make sure they are adjusting well—the student must be prepared to take it upon themselves to reach out if they have questions or are struggling.

Courses are taught directly through the university (in English). There are no credit-bearing Norwegian language courses offered in Stavanger, but students can take a course not for credit and just for fun. Students enroll in 30 ECTS units (which is usually—but not always—3 courses at 10 ECTS each).
Southern Norway, so their temperatures are very mild (seldom less than 30 degrees, seldom more than 80 degrees). Doesn’t experience the Midnight Sun/Polar Night.
Courses are good for physics, math, science, and has been offering some new elective courses each semester.
Offers Spring semester-length education programs in Comparative Education or in Outdoor Education. There is also the opportunity to enroll in the university’s Music program, but acceptance into this program is often dependent on instrument and availability. Music students should reach out directly to James Day. All special programs like these have limited availability so students should express interest as soon as possible.
Courses - their course listing can be a bit dense to get through, so make sure you direct your eyes to Bachelor level courses and that the courses are offered in the semester that you are looking for.

Who to contact:

Program Highlights:

Located in southern Norway, Stavanger has a very European feel with a bustling harbor, cozy streets with restaurants and shops, and a vibrant street art scene. There’s an airport just 10 minutes away from campus, but if you go just a few minutes outside the city and you have access to the beautiful nature; Stavanger is actually quite popular due to its close proximity to iconic hikes such as pulpit rock and kjerag!
As students live in shared apartments, the University of Stavanger offers you the opportunity to meet and interact with so many local Norwegians your age and other international students.
Stavanger is very much a port-city, right on the water. Historically a fishing village (so you’ll see Maritime Museums and information about the history of canning in Stavanger), but oil was discovered off the coast in the early 20th century. Center of the oil industry in Norway and a huge topic of conversation (Norway is very eco-friendly but also receives a LOT of money from oil). Great balance of a small port-city feel but lots of neat things to do in the area. Very close to the Lysefjord area which has some of the best-known hiking destinations in Norway (Pulpit Rock, Trolltunga, etc.)
Opportunity to study for a semester in a more concentrated program through their Comparative Education Program, Outdoor Education Program, or their Music Program.
High contact with local students—students take classes with local students and live in shared apartments with local students.