Study Abroad

Norway

International Summer School ~ University of Oslo

Summer Applications must be received prior to January 1

THE INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL (ISS)
ISS is an academic center for learning in an international context, and a forum for fostering intercultural understanding. Every summer from late June to early August it welcomes some 500 students from all over the world to its wide variety of graduate and undergraduate courses, mostly within the liberal arts and social sciences.

OSLO, NORWAY
King Harald Hardråda founded Oslo in 1048 and in the early 14th century King Håkon V created a military presence by building the Akershus Festning in the hope of deterring the Swedish threat from the east.  Norway joined forces with Denmark after the Plague devastated most of the country in 1348.  From 1397 to 1624, Norway's affairs were dealt with in Copenhagen and Oslo took a back seat, fading into obscurity.  After being destroyed by a massive fire in 1624, Oslo was rebuilt on the west side of the river, making it more defensible.  Norway united with Sweden in 1814 and the unification contributed to Oslo's strong economic and political growth right up until the break with the Swedes in 1905.

After the split with Sweden, Oslo (and Norway) basked in a sustained period of economic growth until WWI in 1914.  Despite Norway declaring itself neutral in WWII, Germany invaded in 1940.  During the war the Norwegian government continued to represent an independent Norway in exile.  Oslo benefited from postwar prosperity generated in large part by the discovery of oilfields in Norway's North Sea waters.

Today, Oslo enjoys one of the highest standards of living of any city on earth.  It's one of the top 10 cities in the world in area, its suburbs having spread rapidly in recent decades.  This suburban sprawl has the advantage of gathering in the green outskirts, making the city one of the world's most densely forested.

[Source: Lonely Planet]

ACADEMIC PROGRAM
A full listing of this summer’s courses and descriptions offered can be found at: http://www.uio.no/iss/academics/.

COURSE EQUIVALENCIES
 The course equivalencies spreadsheets have been compiled from past approved Academic Plan forms.  They show when the course was last approved and how it transferred back to La Crosse.  You may notice that some classes satisfied several UWL options.

This list is not comprehensive nor does it take the place of  meeting with your advisor for final approval!  They are meant to be a guide of what courses may be appropriate for your studies abroad.

HOUSING AND MEALS
On-campus participants are housed at Blindern Studenterhjem (Blindern Dormitories). This is a privately-run institution whose facilities the ISS leases on contract for the duration of the summer session only. Blindern Studenterhjem is located in a park-like garden adjacent to the University, and its charming buildings date from the mid-1920s.

There are few single rooms, which mean that the majority of the participants will be assigned to double rooms and have a roommate. This provides a unique opportunity for friendship across national borders.

All rooms are adequately furnished with desks, single beds, dressers, tables and chairs. There are no private baths, but there is a shower for every two rooms.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided on all weekdays. Lunch on weekends (including long weekend) will not be served after the weekend of arrival, but tea and coffee will be available and residents may pack their lunch at the breakfast table.

More information on accommodations and meals may be found at: http://www.uio.no/iss/student_life/hou_foo.html.

PASSPORTS & VISAS
Before you travel abroad, you will need to obtain a passport, which will serve as proof of your U.S. citizenship. A passport may allow you to gain entry to (and exit from) other countries. Depending on the country to which you're traveling, a visa may be required as well. Entry requirements vary from one country to another. The U.S. State Department issues travel warnings specific to certain countries, and offers tips and publications relevant to travel abroad generally. Well in advance of your departure, you should also familiarize yourself with international travel health issues, and health recommendations specific to your destination.

PROGRAM DATES
For more precise dates refer to the Program Dates.

ADMISSION CRITERIA
2.75 GPA minimum, 3.0+ GPA preferred
Junior standing preferred
Open to students from other universities

PROGRAM FEE
The program fee includes the following:

  • Tuition (6 credits) and Administrative Fees
  • Housing and most Meals
  • Study Abroad Health Insurance (required by UW System)
  • International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
  • Study Abroad Graduation Sash

Airfare is not included in the program fee.

Financial aid is applicable.
Refer to Program Fees for the most current program fee.

All program fees subject to change. Valid for undergraduate Wisconsin residents only; out-of-state students pay Minnesota reciprocity or a non-resident surcharge.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
http://www.uio.no/iss/
Tips and Advice from Program Alumni

Journaling Graphic Check out Jamie's Blog from Summer 2008!

 

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Office of International Education
116 Graff Main Hall
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601 USA

Telephone: 608-785-8016 Fax: 608-785-8923 E-Mail: studyabroad@uwlax.edu