Short programme

Outdoor Studies

Kristiansand

This programme is for exchange students looking for a full semester of activities in the Norwegian mountains, forests, sea and coastline.

Facts about the program

Mode of study: Full-time
Semester:: Spring 2025
Application opens:: 01. June
Application deadline:: 15. October
Student places:: 24

Apply here

About the programme

The Outdoor Education Program at the University of Agder is activity-based and gives you both practical and theoretical skills in outdoor education, or “friluftsliv” as we call it in Norway. After completing the programme you should be able to use the mountains, the forest and coastline as arenas for learning, development and experience. The program also aims to give students an insight into the traditions of Norwegian outdoor activities.

What will you learn?

During the programme you will:

Learn how to recreate, live, and camp in mountainous areas, the forests, the sea, and coastline over multiple days
Learn to master different and challenging environments in winter, spring, and summer conditions
Make appropriate choices concerning clothing and equipment related to the environment and the activities
Learn how to teach, lead, and guide in these areas and gain knowledge about planning, navigation, making risk assessments before and during an activity and basic winter first aid
Execute several self-planned trips in winter and summer time in various activities
Gain basic knowledge of rowing and fishing and a selection of flora and fauna which characterize the local archipelago/skerries area
Learn how to evaluate the areas in a cultural-historical perspective
Gain an understanding of how nature can be used as a resource for tourism and business development
Gain an understanding of how being outdoors is part of Norwegian schools and kindergartens
Gain experience with back-country skiing, trekking, canoeing, and sea-kayaking
Qualify for the Norwegian certificate in sea-kayaking, canoeing and climbing (these are optional, a small fee will apply and require some practice outside of ordinary teaching)

Course structure

This exchange programme consists of two courses and takes place during the Spring semester, from January to May.

Basic Outdoor Activities Theory (FRI109, 10 ECTS)
Outdoor Education 2 - Forest, Sea and Coastline (FRI111, 20 ECTS)

You may choose to take only the FRI109 course, which covers the theoretical aspects and allows you to enroll in another UiA exchange course during the same semester.

However, to enroll in the FRI111 activity-based course, you must also complete FRI109. Together, these two courses form a full semester programme worth 30 ECTS.

Learning environment

Joining the Outdoor Education Program at the University of Agder is like becoming part of a global village. You’ll study, explore, and grow alongside students from all corners of the world, turning every activity into a chance to learn from each other. Our classes are dynamic, taking place across the beautiful Norwegian landscape, from mountains to coastlines. A former student says “It’s an immersive experience where every day is a new adventure, filled with learning and laughter.”

How Outdoor Education at UiA inspired my YouTube channel
Balthes, a student from Germany, combined his passion for nature with his studies in Outdoor Education at the University of Agder. The result? A semester of unforgettable adventures – and a YouTube channel sharing them with the world.
“Say yes to everything!” Jordi’s adventure in Norway with Outdoor Education
Jordi travelled from South Australia to Kristiansand to study Friluftsliv at UiA. What she found was a hands-on, supportive programme full of adventure, new friendships – and snow caves.

Admissions

This exchange course is aimed at students with a sports or outdoor education background. However, other students may apply and will be offered places depending on availability.

Admission requirements

Please note that to participate in the Outdoor Education course, you must be physically and mentally fit and be able to swim. It is highly advisable to complete a basic first aid course before travelling to Norway. All courses are taught in English.

How to apply

ApplicationWeb

To apply for the full outdoor education programme you must add both FRI109 and FRI111 to your application in ApplicationWeb. Please note that if you are accepted to the programme, you will not be able to register for any other courses.

Letter of Motivation for Outdoor Education

All students must submit a letter of motivation together with the application. Submit the letter as an attachment in the ApplicationWeb process.

Answer the following questions in your letter of motivation, using approximately 400 words in total:

What is your personal background in outdoor activities and/or sports?
What is your educational background in outdoor activities and/or sports?
How do you think or expect outdoor education can contribute to your degree and to you personally?

Practical information

Price

There is no course fee for attending the programme.

Transportation to and from courses and activities outside Kristiansand Municipality will be covered by UiA. Students are expected to cover the cost for transportation to and from courses and activities within the Municipality (bus, walking or cycling). We recommend that you purchase a bus card that will cover the whole region of Agder when you arrive.

Small fees will apply for students wanting to be certified within the Norwegian Climbing Association (approximately 300 NOK) and the Norwegian Paddle Association (approximately 200 NOK). Both of the certifications are optional. You can check with your country's association to see if they allow transfer of certificates between Norway and your country.

Equipment list

As outdoor adventurers you probably have most of the clothing and equipment required for the course. This equipment list will show you what you need. It is advisable to bring as much as possible with you at semester start, as gear here can be expensive, dependent on the currency value.

Outdoor Education - Equipment List

Our students will be able to use our equipment that is needed for excursions, such as tent, trangia, back-country skis and sea kayaks.

Syllabus

The following books are used in the theoretical and practical lessons in the program:

Priest, S., & Gass, M. (2018). Effective leadership in adventure programming, 3E. Human Kinetics. ISBN: 9781492547860
Long, S. (2020). Hillwalking. The official handbook of the Mountain Training walking schemes. UK Mountain Training Board. ISBN: 9780954151195

Books can be bought on campus or through internet stores such as Amazon.

Physical demands

Please note that you must be physically and mentally fit and be able to swim to participate in the program. It is further highly advisable to complete a basic first aid course before arrival.

Questions?

What does the full Outdoor Education programme include?

The full programme consists of two courses:

Basic Outdoor Activities Theory (FRI109, 10 ECTS)
Outdoor Education 2 - Forest, Sea and Coastline (FRI111, 20 ECTS)

Can I take just the theory course (FRI109)?

Yes, you may take only the FRI109 course (10 ECTS). This allows you to enroll in other UiA exchange courses at the same time. [See available courses here.]

Can I take just the practical course (FRI111)?

No, you must take both the FRI109 (theory) and FRI111 (practical) courses in the same semester.

Who needs to submit a motivational letter?

Students applying for the full Outdoor Education programme (FRI109 + FRI111) must submit a motivational letter. [More details can be found above.]

How many spots are available?

We offer 24 spots for the full programme. However, the theoretical course (FRI109) accepts more students.

What language are the courses taught in?

All courses are taught in English.

Do you provide housing while I am on the exchange programme?

All student housing inquiries must go through SiA. Some students also choose to arrange their own housing. More information can be found here: Student housing