High School Study Abroad in Norway

Tucked between Norway’s natural beauty are many thrilling cities. Cities in Norway are typically defined by a key feature that makes up the culture of that city. Some cities are known for their academics, while others may be better known for their history. One thing is for sure, no matter what city you choose for teen travel in Norway, it's guaranteed to be a life-changing experience.    

Oslo. For high school programs in Norway, Oslo is the obvious (but perfect) choice. Oslo is by far Norway’s biggest city, and also happens to be the capital. The city has some of Norway’s best schools, many of which accept students from around the world. 

Bergen. When you picture Norway, you picture Bergen. The city is full of picturesque views that fill postcards. Bergen may be a bit smaller than Oslo, but the city still has plenty of international students and great opportunities for high school travel in Norway.

Trondheim. If you want to be fully immersed in Norwegian culture, Trondheim is the city for you. Largely known for its many universities, Trondheim is also a great place for music and everything Norwegian culture.

From studying abroad in world-class institutions to spending a summer basking in the never-setting sun, high school programs in Norway offer endless possibilities. For teens and young adults, there are a few program types that stand out amongst the rest.   

Student Exchange. Student exchange is by far one of the most popular programs for high school abroad in Norway. The country is extremely English-friendly and welcomes students from around the world. Student exchange during high school abroad in Norway is an opportunity you can’t afford to miss.

Outdoor Education. Teen travel in Norway and outdoor education takes you out of the city and lets you explore the country as a whole. Not only will you be able to explore the major cities like Oslo, but you will also get to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Norway.

Summer programs. Norway gets on average 20 hours of daylight in the summer. Picture yourself spending three months hiking through the forest, canyoning in sparkling blue water, and exploring a culture like no other for hours on end. A summer in Norway is guaranteed to be the best summer of your life!

Norway and its major cities are notoriously expensive. Tuition for high school programs in Norway can cost close to 13,000 USD for an academic year. Luckily, many programs offer scholarships to help with the cost. There are also great resources to help you fund your time in Norway, like FundMyTravel and GoAbroad Travel Resources.

The type of program you decide to participate in can determine what type of accommodation you’ll have during your time in Norway. For high school travel in Norway, expect to stay in a homestay with a Norwegian family. A homestay is a great way to truly learn and fully immerse yourself in Norwegian culture.

To study abroad for over 90 days, you’ll need what’s known as a student residence permit. The process to get a permit is fairly straightforward and does require a small application fee. There are a few requirements you’ll need to meet to be eligible for a permit, including a valid passport, health insurance, valid housing, and proof you can cover a year’s worth of expenses. Your guidance counselor or program provider will help you sort out all the fine details.

With a student residence permit, you’re also automatically granted a permit to work part-time. During your studies, you can work up to 20 hours a week. With so many English-speaking businesses in Norway, picking up a part-time job can be fairly easy and help you cover some of your travel expenses.

It's never too early to become a world traveler. While most young adults may wait for college to go abroad, teen travel in Norway can be just as rewarding. You’ll experience a new culture, grow as a person, jumpstart your college career, and look back without a single regret.  

Don’t underestimate the size of Norway. With a population of just 5 million, Norway is sparsely populated, but that doesn’t mean the country is small by any means. Norway is a huge country that many travelers don’t discover until they’ve already set out. During your time in Norway, make sure to plan your trips accordingly.

While Norway is an extremely modern country with fantastic public transportation, trying to travel by bus or train to other cities may not be your best option. Because of the distance and time, buses between cities often only run once a day. Norway isn’t a country for spontaneous travel, but if you’re willing to do some planning ahead of time and map out your journey, you’ll have an adventure that can only be found in Norway.