NORSEC is an exchange programme offered to international students enrolled in a teacher education or studies of comparative education. In the course of a semester, you get an introduction to various aspects of Norwegian society through a broad approach to learning: studying academic and literary texts, going on excursions, doing school practice and creative activities. The Norwegian education system is analyzed in context of Norwegian society and culture. Lectures on Norwegian history, religion, language, and literature are therefore substantial parts of the course.
What do you learn?
The aim of the programme is to foster a broad approach to learning and raise the capacity of students to compare, discuss and reflect on education, society, and culture.
Some of the topics and questions discussed in the programme are:
- What may be described as basic Norwegian values, how did these values develop, and do they still stand strong in school and society in present-day Norway?
- What are the traces and the impact of cultural heritage icons today – the Vikings, the fairytales and Henrik Ibsen’s protagonist Nora?
- Why is Norway a wealthy country, what are the links between wealth and welfare, and how to address the paradox of environmentalism and petroleum production?
Course structure
The language of instruction is English, and good language skills are required. You are expected to be able to express yourself in advanced academic English on a variety of subjects, both orally and in writing.
The semester starts medio August and finishes medio December. Curriculum literature will generally be made accessible through the learning platform Canvas, but you must be prepared to buy the book Norway: Society and Culture, which costs appr. NOK 400.
Two school experience weeks in primary school (age 6 to 12) or lower secondary school (age 13 to 15) are included in the programme. This is mainly observation, which means that you do not get an individual assessment of your school experience. Before participating in school practice or school visits all students must sign a declaration of confidentiality, document a tuberculosis examination, and present a Certificate of good conduct issued by the police.
Excursions in the region of Agder are also included in the programme. One of these is an overnight stay. The excursions are subsidised, but you must be prepared to pay for food. Necessary equipment for the excursions includes:
- suitable shoes/boots for hiking in the mountains
- warm clothes (sweater, socks, beanie, scarf, mittens)
- rainwear
- swimwear
- towels and other necessary equipment for travelling
- water bottle and/or thermos flask for out-door lunches
Further information will be given when the semester starts.
Admission requirements
NORSEC is an exchange programme for teacher education students and students who are enrolled in education/ comparative education programmes in their home institutions.
Students are expected to be able to express themselves in advanced academic English on a variety of subjects, both orally and in writing.
Before participating in school practice or school visits all students must sign a declaration of confidentiality and present a valid certificate of good conduct issued by the police, or a confirmation from the home institution that the valid certificate is in their possession.
