University of Tromso website
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 often times 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.
- 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 study/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 Tromso, 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).
- Excellent for students who say they:
- Want an independent program
- Want something “different” or “off the beaten path”
- Love the outdoors
- Love skiing/hiking
- Want to be immersed in their community and/or make local friends
- Courses are good for Biology, Physics, Psychology, English, BOM, Economics, Indigenous Studies, some history, some anthropology, some political science, sociology.
- Courses - Students can take 1000 or 2000 level courses. Fall courses are updated on March 15th the semester prior. Students must meet the equivalent of the required prerequisites.
Who to contact:
- Center for Global Education: CGE@gettysburg.edu
- Contact a returned Gettysburg student
Program Highlights:
- Located in northern Norway, Tromso offers students a unique opportunity to learn at the world's northernmost institution! Set on an island with its mainland sitting at the base of a mountain, Tromso offers you unparalleled access to pristine Norwegian nature. Beautiful hikes are just minutes from your home and town, there are reindeer living on campus, whale watching cruises to go on, sled dog puppy farms to visit, and arguably the best place in the world to view the northern lights!
- This direct enroll University offers you an independent and immersive experience into Scandinavian culture and academics. Students enjoy the opportunity to meet and interact with so many local Norwegians your age and other international students as you live in shared apartments together throughout the campus and main city (but don’t worry, you get your own bedroom). Past students have really loved the community they’re able to build through this housing arrangement!