Youth For Understanding USA

Academic Year and Semester Programs

As a YFU student in Norway, you can choose from 15 fields of study in upper secondary school. You will attend a local high school and live with a host family, and part of your experience will be:

School: Norwegian schools expect a great deal of independence and responsibility from students. Courses offered in most areas of the country include Norwegian, mathematics, history, geography, philosophy, economics, religion, physical education, sciences, social studies, and languages. Spanish, French, and German language classes are usually offered and some schools may have Russian and Italian. Optional courses may include music, drama, dance, arts, sports, business and administration, and information technology.

Because many schools in Norway use internet-based learning (meaning communication is almost exclusively online and students typically use laptops in class), students are recommended to bring a laptop if they own one. Schools will usually help students borrow or rent a laptop for an additional cost if they do not own one.

Orientations: All students applying for the semester or year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June. Upon arrival in Norway, all students will attend a 3 day orientation with other YFU students from around the world. Year students also attend a 3 day mid-year orientation, and all students attend a daylong re-entry orientation at the end of their program to reflect on their experiences. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Extracurricular: Norwegian schools generally don't offer after-school activities. However, there are plenty of music groups, clubs, and organizations to choose from in the community and most of your Norwegian friends will belong to some type of sports club. YFU exchange students are encouraged to get involved in their communities by joining any type of team, group, or club.

Year program students may have the option to participate in the YFU Young Europeans' Seminar, a week-long program of seminars, educational workshops, inspiring guest speakers, panel discussions, and other activities.  The Seminar takes place in Germany in late June and is attended by around 500 other YFU exchange program participants from across the continent. Space is limited and participation requires an additional application and fee.