Midnight sun and mountains in Norway
High school in Norway
Take the opportunity to study in one of the world’s most mesmerising countries. Norway is known worldwide for its exceptional nature and it’s the perfect destination for you who love skiing and snowboarding.
High School Classic
High School Classic is the traditional high school exchange program, chosen by most of our students. It is the perfect program for those who long for a genuine high school experience abroad and who are willing to embrace all the surprises it can bring. Here’s how it works: based on your profile, we find you a suitable host family and school, and the best part is, it can be anywhere in Norway, from its modern and exciting cities to the unforgettable fjords! If you’re open to adventure and are willing to let yourself be surprised by your exchange experience, this is the program for you.
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Explore beautiful Norway
Norway has incredibly beautiful mountains, fjords and glaciers, but also cities with a vibrant urban and cultural life. The Norwegians speak great English but take the opportunity to learn Norwegian – a language you will have great usage for in the rest of Scandinavia!
Population: 5.2 million
Area: 387 000 km2
Capital: Oslo
Borders: Sweden, Finland and Russia
Language: Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk)
National holiday: May 17
Study in Norway
In Norway, the contact between teachers and students is open and informal. You are expected to be active, and to learn as much as possible. No previous knowledge of the Norwegian language is required in order to participate in our exchange program. However, we do recommend that you have a basic level of understanding. After all, the teaching will be in Norwegian.
The Norwegian school system
High school in Norway consists of three school years called Videregående, which you normally attend between the age of 16 to 19, in preparation for continued higher education. The school is divided into two semesters: fall semester from August to December and spring semester from January to June. During the school year there are four school breaks. The school day normally begins at 8 am and ends around 3.30 pm.
Exchange students in Norwegian high schools are usually placed in year one or two. You will have compulsory subjects such as mathematics, Norwegian, English, history and social studies. In some cases, you might be able to choose other subjects, depending on what you are interested in and what the school can offer. In addition to theoretical subjects, most Norwegian schools also have physical education on the schedule.
Your Norwegian host family
Our Norwegian families are all spread out across the country. Your family might live in the south near the beautiful Norwegian archipelago, in the north with amazing scenery and northern lights, in the west with deep fjords and vast glaciers or in the east near the capital of Oslo. But wherever you are placed, you will meet a family excited to open up their home to receive an exchange student – you!
Become independent
From an early age, Norwegian children learn to be independent and to participate in decision-making. In your host family, everyone will help out with the regular household chores, including you. It will be a great opportunity for you to grow as a person, and also have lots of fun with new family members.
Typical Norwegian food
Norwegian food can be very special, but you should at least try some if it’s served at home. You will get to taste the sweet brown cheese “geitost”, the classic stew “får-i-kål” and a thin bread called lefser. You will definitely get to eat a lot of fish; Norway is a nation of seafarers and fishermen. And if you’re lucky, you may even get to taste whale meat.
Quick facts
Who can go: 16–17 years on arrival
Departure month: January/August
Language requirements: No previous knowledge required
Visa: Yes.
Prep course: STS Welcome Camp included
School year: August–June
School day: Usually 08.00 – 15.30
Subjects: Compulsory
Bring your skis
Norwegians in general like to think of themselves as sports lovers and specialists in outdoor activities. You will soon find out that they are totally right about this. In the summer you go “on tour” in the beautiful Norwegian landscape with hiking boots on your feet and your lunch in a backpack. In winter, it’s time to take out your skis.
There are lots of resorts for downhill skiing, but the most popular activity is cross-country skiing. You might have heard of cross-country icons such as Petter Northug and Marit Bjørgen. If not, you will become familiar with their faces during your time in Norway.
More than sports
Of course, Norwegian free time is not only about sports. If that’s not your thing, you will still have plenty of things to do. You can join a club or organisation involving music, theatre or maybe crafts. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about Norwegian traditions.
For the weekend, gather your friends and go to a club, concert or the cinema. These are all great activities to practice your language skills. In addition, many Norwegian families have a summer cottage, in Norwegian called hytte, where they like to spend their leisure time.
Trips in Scandinavia
Take the chance to see more of Scandinavia. We offer all our exchange students in the Nordic countries to join us on several exciting trips in Northern Europe. All trips cost extra. Your local contact person will give you more detailed information.
STS Welcome Camp in Europe
Your exchange begins with our fun Welcome Camp in Europe! The Welcome Camp gives you the best possible start to your exchange, and is packed with sightseeing, seminars, new friends and lots of fun.
Welcome Camp in Europe
At the Welcome Camp in Europe you’ll have the chance to share your hopes, worries and expectations for your upcoming exchange along with other STS students. You’ll participate in workshops and get more information about what to expect from your experience and how to get help and support should you need it. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and talk about the adventure you have ahead of you. Best of all, you’ll do all of this while partaking in fun activities and making new friends from around the world.
Food, accommodation and other info
During the Welcome Camp, you’ll stay on campus along with other STS students and a group of leaders. You’ll also have seminars and workshops on campus. Breakfast is included, as well as a welcome dinner and transportation in the city, but you’ll also have the chance to have some meals on your own.
What’s included:
- Accommodation in a host family
- School spot in a local high school
- Pre-departure orientation in your home country
- Meetings and material to prepare you and your parents
- Personal assistance and contact person in both home and host country
- Emergency support 24/7
- STS bag
- Full board in a host family
- STS Welcome Camp
- Free interview
- STS Diploma
Add-ons
Gain more control over your high school exchange experience with our add-ons.
Tell us about your wishes and increase your chances of making your dreams a reality.
Special request
From 300 €
Do you have a special request concerning your exchange? A certain town you want to stay in, a favorite subject you want to study, a sport you want to continue to practice or try out, or something completely different. You name it, we will try to arrange it! The sky is the limit.
If we can fulfill your request, you pay an additional fee. If not, there is no charge.
Our destinations
Your exchange year can take you to North America, South America, Europe, Asia, or Oceania. Each destination offers unique cultures, school systems, and everyday experiences — and the choice is yours. Where will you go?
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