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Norway is the only country in the world with deep blue fjords and high mountains. The Norwegians are very proud of their country and their Constitution Day on May 17th is a day of great festivity. Norwegians are known as friendly with a good sense of humor.
Basic Facts About Norway
» Situated: Northern Europe, Scandinavia
» Area: 386.958 square kilometres
» Inhabitants: 4.7 million
» Capital: Oslo
» Language: Norwegian
» National day: May 17th
» Celebrities: AHA, Lene Marlin, Marion Ravn, World Idol Kurt Nilsen :o)
Norway is the land of the midnight sun, the land of elks and reindeer, the land of "lusekofter"... - these are beautiful, warm woollen cardigans, knitted in beautiful traditional designs. The "lusekofter" and the equally beautiful thick sweaters are much appreciated here, since much of the country of Norway is situated north of the Arctic Circle. The word Norway itself means "the way to the north". To the east, Norway shares a border with Russia, Finland and Sweden, while to the west, the country faces the Atlantic Ocean. Norway is a country of extremes. Ranging from the rugged mountains to the solemn beauty of the fjords, from the emptiness of North Cape to the beaches of the south. In the north of the country you can experience the midnight sun in June and 24 hours of darkness in December. Mountains and sea dominate this country on the western edge of the Scandinavian peninsula. The coast is punctuated by fjords, which can be as deep as 3,700 feet, and dotted with islands.
Norwegians start school at the age of six. Everybody has to complete 13 years of elementary school. The school year is divided into two semesters, the fall semester starts in August and ends in December. Spring semester starts in January and ends in June (see below for details about school breaks).
High school consists of three years, and this is a preparation for higher education. The students have a certain number of compulsory subjects such as Math, English, Norwegian, History and Social Science, but they can also choose between a range of subjects depending on their interests and depending on the schools. We have a Natural Science Program, Social Science Program, Language Program (English, French, German or Spanish is offered at most schools), Business- and Economics, Aesthetics, Media and Communication, Sports Program and more.
The relation between teachers and pupils is usually friendly and informal. Students in their final year of high school are referred to as "russ". These graduates tend to make themselves heard and seen around in towns and communities throughout the year, and especially in the spring. Dressed in red or blue, the "russ" have their special cars, clothes, whistles etc. They participate in a number of activities such as trips, parties, shows, parades etc. It's a fun year although hard studying is necessary for the final exams.
School grades on the transcript are from 1-6, 6 being the best. The school day is normally from 8 or 9 in the morning and ends between one and four in the afternoon.
Exchange students must be thankful towards the school for accepting them, as it is sometimes hard to get school placements and there are quite a few exchange organisations who wants to place students. So please be open and thankful towards schools, and don't be overly demanding. If you have a special request go via the partner office or area rep, please ask-the schools will sometimes grant them.
All the schools normally have Physical Education on the week schedule. Other sport activities will be after school activities and have to be arranged by you and the host family while in the host country.
Transportation to schools varies, if you have to go by bus there is a chance that the school will pay for this, but if the school does not pay, you must pay this on your own, prices varies.
The Schools usually offer a cafeteria where the students can buy lunch, but it is common for Norwegian students to bring their own lunch to school.
You should be aware of the fact that the school will be hard in the beginning, when you don't know the Norwegian language. It is strongly recommended that you to study Norwegian in your home country before you arrive in Norway. It will help you follow the lessons in school and you will more easily get new Norwegian friends.
You must be present at school, do all your homework and do what the teachers tell you to do, as for all exchange students. You must also show respect towards teachers and other students.
Schoolbreaks:
Summer - end of June until middle of August
Autumn - one week off in October or November
Christmas - one week off in end of December
Winter - one week off in February
Easter - one week off at Eastertime (March or April)
Most of the students arrive directly to their permanent Host Families when they arrive to Norway. All Host Families must be screened and accepted by our overseas partner before a student moves into their home.
Norwegian families spread all over the country open their homes and volunteer as Host Families. Therefore you should be prepared to be placed either in the south near the beautiful Norwegian archipelago, in the north where you can experience amazing nature and the famous aurora, in the west where the deep fjords and glaciers are, or in the east near our capital Oslo.
The average Norwegian family consists of a mother, father and two children. If you compare to the US, Norwegian families are not that religious. You usually do not have to participate in church activities. Most Norwegian families only go to church on holidays like Christmas or Easter.
In the past decade divorce has become a feature of life, and society today accepts that a mother or father lives alone with his or her children. It is also acceptable for a woman to have children without being married and for couples to live together without being married.
In their everyday life people are busy with work, school and activities. Most families have dinner together every day, and parents try to spend as much time as possible with their children. Most Norwegian children are taught to be independent and participate in making decisions from an early age. In the upbringing of the children, little emphasis is placed on obedience and discipline, whereas more emphasis is placed on being active, independent and creative.
You must be able to help out in the Host Family's home like all other family members. It is important to show the Host Family that you take initiative to help out. Many Norwegian Host Families expect exchange student to do that.
Similar to Americans, Norwegian people are very hygienic and shower every day and will expect the student to be hygienic as well.
We recommend about 1500 - 3000 ($246-$540) Norwegian Kroner for pocket money per month.
Norwegians in general like to think of themselves as lovers of sports and out door activities. Soccer is a big sport among girls as well as boys. Handball is another very popular sport in many communities. If you like other sports such as tennis, golf, basketball, volleyball, aerobics or ice hockey, just to mention some, you will have no problems keeping fit. Skiing is a very popular weekend-activity in the winter, while boating and swimming take up a lot of people's time in the summer. In addition to sport clubs, there are many organisations and clubs for children or adults involved with music, singing, dancing, drama, and arts and crafts. Norwegians enjoy getting together for celebrations both in public and privately. In the towns young people go to youth clubs and discotheques as well as to the cinema and to concerts. In the summer there are all sorts of music festivals, some of them internationally known.
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