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Study abroad in Norway
Norway offers a host of undergraduate and graduate study abroad programs taught in English, and as such, has become a firm favourite for international students.
Country overview
The Land of the Midnight Sun earns its title from northern Norway’s everlasting sunlight during the summer months.
Known for its stunning natural beauty and winter sports scene, Norway attracts a lot of outdoor enthusiasts. But that’s not all the country has to offer. Numerous famous artists, writers, composers and actors are Norwegian, with the names Henrik Ibsen and Edvard Munch coming first to mind. Norwegian art and design has also enjoyed notoriety amongst the ever-so-picky design crowd. Numerous Norwegian designers and architects have won awards for their infamous contemporary creations, making Norway a leader of innovation and creative output.
Needless to say, like most westernized nations, Norway offers its students bars, clubs, restaurants, sports and cultural activities fit for the most outgoing of people; however, you must keep in mind that Norway is an expensive country. Students with a craving for culinary adventure can indulge in reindeer meat and roast venison But not to worry - vegetarians can also enjoy a large selection of veggie eateries.
Norway is consistently rated by the UNDP Human Development Index as having one of the highest standards of living in the world. Accordingly, healthcare is provided to international students free of charge if they are staying in Norway for more than three months, and universities offer free counseling services and access to a wide range of other health services.
Education overview
As one of the first countries to strategize to meet the targets of the Bologna Process, Norway is telling the world it’s serious about education and encouraging study abroad. Now students who study in Norway will be able to hold their heads higher, as their degrees will carry international recognition and the framework for a successful career. With this in mind, the nation offers more than 170 Masters programs taught in English, with English-taught undergraduate programs following closely behind. Study abroad options in Norway are plentiful.
Norway has four universities in the THES – QS World University Rankings 2006 - the University of Oslo, University of Bergen, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and the University of Tromso. Norway has a range of higher education institutions, from universities to specialized university colleges.
Pros and cons
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Worldwide recognition of
Very high cost of living
International student accommodation
There are options for various student budgets in Norway – ranging from university housing to private accommodation. University housing is much cheaper, and international students seeking an exciting social life will enjoy such accommodation. Youth hostels are normally safe and reasonably priced, and suitable for short-term accommodation while seeking long-term housing.
Weather/Climate
Norway isn’t as cold as you might imagine. With average winter temperatures rarely dipping below –4C in Oslo, one can venture around comfortably. The wettest month is August and snow is bountiful in the winter, making for an ideal winter sports arena and beautiful landscape.
Transport
Transportation throughout Norway is efficient, with trams, subways, buses, trains, and ferries comprising its system. Oslo is the smallest city in the world with an expansive metro system. Monthly bus passes are a good bargain and students can benefit from discounted fares for public transport.
Bicycle enthusiasts will feel at home in Norway, as cycling is a very popular way of getting around, and an excellent way to burn off those calories!
Ferries and trains to such hotspots as Copenhagen and Stockholm are frequent, making for easy weekend excursions.
Cost*
| Item | Price |
| small bottle of beer | NOK48.00 |
| movie ticket | NOK58.00 |
| basic hot dog | NOK20.00 |
| basic tent site outside main cities | NOK50.00 |
| nightclub cover charge | NOK70.00 |
| 100km bus trip | NOK140.00 |
*WorldGuide Index from Lonely Planet
Useful info
Dialing code: 47
Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)
Time zone: GMT/UTC +1
International Study Abroad Guides