University of Oslo International Summer School
- Spend six weeks in Oslo, Norway, a small country in Northern Europe with beautiful and breath-taking scenery, a fascinating history and culture, and a thriving economy.
- Complete seven - twelve credit hours of undergraduate coursework, looking at such diverse topics as sustainability, the welfare state, film, politics, etc. from a comparative perspective, with Norway as a case study. Graduate students take one course during the University of Oslo International Summer School
- Engage with and learn from fellow students from nearly 100 countries, building cross-cultural understanding and confidence.
- Christine Pederson Fund for the ISS at the University of Oslo scholarship available. See Further Reading below for more information.
The University of Oslo International Summer School offers students the opportunity to engage in a diverse array of academic courses, experience a rich variety of cultural and social activities, explore the environment of Norway through mountain hikes and excursions to the Western Norway fjords, and foster engagement and understanding between people of different backgrounds, cultures, and ways of life. Founded in 1947, the International Summer School offered its 70th session in 2016 and now boasts more than 30,000 alumni from around the world.
Oslo is one of Europe’s fastest-growing cities, with a population approaching 700,000 and new neighborhoods with eye-catching architecture popping up all over. The largest city in Norway, Oslo is quickly transforming into a cosmopolitan hub with an abundance of world-class museums, restaurants and art, while still maintaining the relaxed atmosphere of a much smaller town.
Oslo is nestled between the Oslo Fjord and hundreds of square miles of forested hills, and is a green city in more ways than one. The compact city center is easily explored on foot or by bike, and an efficient public transport system makes the whole city accessible to the visiting student.
The ISS offers courses focusing on Norwegian language and various aspects of Norwegian culture and society.
- Undergraduate courses to be offered during the Summer 2023 program include:
- Intensive Norwegian (beginning through advanced), times TBD
- Norwegian Architecture, Urban Planning and Design, 8 KU credits
- Norwegian History [HIST 250, 5 KU credits]
- Gender Equality in the Nordic Countries [WGSS 397, 7 KU credits]
- Trends in Scandinavian Film and TV [FMS 302, 7 KU credits]
- Norwegian Literature [EURS 350, 5 KU credits]
- Political Data Science Hackathon, 5 KU credits
- The Norwegian Welfare State [POLS 249, 5 KU credits]
- International Politics [POLS 170, 3 KU credits + POLS 249, 2 KU credits]
- Norwegian Life and Society [EURS 150, 5 KU credits]
- Graduate courses are also available for students who have completed their undergraduate degree. Advanced undergraduate students may be considered for these courses by petition only.
- Gender Equality in the Nordic Countries
- Peace Research
- How Democracies Emerge and Survive
- International Development Studies
All courses are intensive in nature, and many include field trips, cultural activities or excursions as critical components of the course.
Additional information on the academic program, including a complete list of courses to be offered at the undergraduate and graduate level each summer, is available through the ISS Website.
The majority of students participating in the International Summer School will be housed at Blindern Dormitory. The dormitory is located next to the University campus at Blindern. The beautiful, historic buildings were constructed 1925 and are surrounded by a green garden. In addition to accommodations, students staying at Blindern dormitory also have access to a small study hall with a library, a gym, a music room and a volleyball court.
Three meals per day are served during the week, and breakfast and dinner is provided on weekends. All meals are served at Blindern dormitory.
The ISS arranges a number of weekend excursions to culturally interesting and scenic areas of Norway. Past excursions have included:
- The Oslo Fjord
- Telemark
- Jotunheimen
- White Water Rafting
- Hallingdal
One weekend excursion is included in the program fee. In addition, students may participate in a five-day excursion to Bergen and the West Coast for an additional charge. See the ISS website for more information.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
This program is open to undergraduate and graduate students in good academic standing at the University of Kansas.
The priority application deadline is January 30 (for consideration as an ISS scholarship recipient). Applications will be accepted into February until the University of Oslo reaches enrollment capacity for the International Summer School.
Christine Pederson Fund for the ISS at the University of Oslo
Through the generous support of Christine Pederson, KU alumnus and former participant in the International Summer School, Study Abroad & Global Engagement will award one scholarship each year to an ISS participant. This scholarship provides financial support of up to $5,000 to KU degree-seeking students to participate in the International Summer School (ISS) at the University of Oslo. The deadline to apply is February 15. See Christine Pederson Fund for the ISS at the University of Oslo (.pdf).