Go on high school exchange in Norway
Why study abroad in Norway?
Take the opportunity to study in one of the world’s most mesmerising countries. Norway is known worldwide for its exceptional nature and it’s the perfect destination for you who love skiing and snowboarding.
High School Classic
High School Classic is the traditional high school exchange program, chosen by most of our students. It is the perfect program for those who long for a genuine high school experience abroad and who are willing to embrace all the surprises it can bring. Here’s how it works: based on your profile, we find you a suitable host family and school, and the best part is, it can be anywhere in Norway, from its modern and exciting cities to the unforgettable fjords! If you’re open to adventure and are willing to let yourself be surprised by your exchange experience, this is the program for you.
High school exchange – all you need to know
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Explore beautiful Norway
Norway has incredibly beautiful mountains, fjords and glaciers, but also cities with a vibrant urban and cultural life. The Norwegians speak great English but take the opportunity to learn Norwegian – a language you will have great usage for in the rest of Scandinavia!
Population: 5.2 million
Area: 387 000 km2
Capital: Oslo
Borders: Sweden, Finland and Russia
Language: Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk)
National holiday: May 17
Study in Norway
In Norway, the contact between teachers and students is open and informal. You are expected to be active, and to learn as much as possible. No previous knowledge of the Norwegian language is required in order to participate in our exchange program. However, we do recommend that you have a basic level of understanding. After all, the teaching will be in Norwegian.
The Norwegian school system
High school in Norway consists of three school years called Videregående, which you normally attend between the age of 16 to 19, in preparation for continued higher education. The school is divided into two semesters: fall semester from August to December and spring semester from January to June. During the school year there are four school breaks. The school day normally begins at 8 am and ends around 3.30 pm.
Exchange students in Norwegian high schools are usually placed in year one or two. You will have compulsory subjects such as mathematics, Norwegian, English, history and social studies. In some cases, you might be able to choose other subjects, depending on what you are interested in and what the school can offer. In addition to theoretical subjects, most Norwegian schools also have physical education on the schedule.
Your Norwegian host family
Our Norwegian families are all spread out across the country. Your family might live in the south near the beautiful Norwegian archipelago, in the north with amazing scenery and northern lights, in the west with deep fjords and vast glaciers or in the east near the capital of Oslo. But wherever you are placed, you will meet a family excited to open up their home to receive an exchange student – you!
Become independent
From an early age, Norwegian children learn to be independent and to participate in decision-making. In your host family, everyone will help out with the regular household chores, including you. It will be a great opportunity for you to grow as a person, and also have lots of fun with new family members.
Typical Norwegian food
Norwegian food can be very special, but you should at least try some if it’s served at home. You will get to taste the sweet brown cheese “geitost”, the classic stew “får-i-kål” and a thin bread called lefser. You will definitely get to eat a lot of fish; Norway is a nation of seafarers and fishermen. And if you’re lucky, you may even get to taste whale meat.
Quick facts
Who can go: 16–17 years on arrival
Departure month: January/August
Language requirements: No previous knowledge required
Visa: Yes.
Prep course: STS Welcome Camp included
School year: August–June
School day: Usually 08.00 – 15.30
Subjects: Compulsory
Bring your skis
Norwegians in general like to think of themselves as sports lovers and specialists in outdoor activities. You will soon find out that they are totally right about this. In the summer you go “on tour” in the beautiful Norwegian landscape with hiking boots on your feet and your lunch in a backpack. In winter, it’s time to take out your skis.
There are lots of resorts for downhill skiing, but the most popular activity is cross-country skiing. You might have heard of cross-country icons such as Petter Northug and Marit Bjørgen. If not, you will become familiar with their faces during your time in Norway.
More than sports
Of course, Norwegian free time is not only about sports. If that’s not your thing, you will still have plenty of things to do. You can join a club or organisation involving music, theatre or maybe crafts. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about Norwegian traditions.
For the weekend, gather your friends and go to a club, concert or the cinema. These are all great activities to practice your language skills. In addition, many Norwegian families have a summer cottage, in Norwegian called hytte, where they like to spend their leisure time.
Trips in Scandinavia
Take the chance to see more of Scandinavia. We offer all our exchange students in the Nordic countries to join us on several exciting trips in Northern Europe. All trips cost extra. Your local contact person will give you more detailed information.
Exchange Student voices from Norway
I chose Norway for because of its school system and the greater opportunities compared to Germany. I’m also a big fan of nature, and I wasn’t disappointed — Norway truly has some of the most beautiful natural landscapes. My host family was really sweet and very open. We went on a lot of small trips in the neighborhood and a bit further away.
Especially in the beginning, I felt uncomfortable speaking Norwegian. However, everybody was super supportive and patient with me. This helped me to get out of my comfort zone and really try to speak Norwegian in public. In the end, I managed to speak fluently and after overcoming the language barrier, I made some good friends.
Welcome Camp
Your exchange begins with our fun Welcome Camp in Europe! The Welcome Camp gives you the best possible start to your exchange, and is packed with sightseeing, seminars, new friends and lots of fun.
Welcome Camp in Europe
At the Welcome Camp in Europe you’ll have the chance to share your hopes, worries and expectations for your upcoming exchange along with other STS students. You’ll participate in workshops and get more information about what to expect from your experience and how to get help and support should you need it. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and talk about the adventure you have ahead of you. Best of all, you’ll do all of this while partaking in fun activities and making new friends from around the world.
Food, accommodation and other info
During the Welcome Camp, you’ll stay on campus along with other STS students and a group of leaders. You’ll also have seminars and workshops on campus. Breakfast is included, as well as a welcome dinner and transportation in the city, but you’ll also have the chance to have some meals on your own.
What’s included:
- Accommodation in a host family
- School spot in a local high school
- Pre-departure orientation in your home country
- Meetings and material to prepare you and your parents
- Personal assistance and contact person in both home and host country
- Emergency support 24/7
- STS bag
- Full board in a host family
- STS Welcome Camp
- Free interview
- STS Diploma
Add-ons
Gain more control over your high school exchange experience with our add-ons.
Tell us about your wishes and increase your chances of making your dreams a reality.
Special request
From 300 €
Do you have a special request concerning your exchange? A certain town you want to stay in, a favorite subject you want to study, a sport you want to continue to practice or try out, or something completely different. You name it, we will try to arrange it! The sky is the limit.
If we can fulfill your request, you pay an additional fee. If not, there is no charge.
Our destinations
Take our short quiz and discover which high school exchange destination fits your vibe.
USA
Discover life as a high school student in the USA. A whole new way of living – from yellow school buses and pep rallies to school pride, homecoming dances, and weekend road trips. You’ll immerse yourself in a culture you’ve only seen in movies, experience the American school spirit firsthand, and find out what everyday life is like as a U.S. teen.
Argentina
A high school year in Argentina will give you a wonderful mix of cultures and indigenous traditions. And your Spanish will get a powerful boost. This is a big, bold and beautiful country with many different landscapes and different climate zones – from subtropical in the north, over the vast green plains (Pampas) in the centre to subpolar and glazier zones in the far south.
Australia
Studying in Australia is more than just sunshine and surf. It’s about meeting new friends, trying Vegemite (yes, really), and learning what it’s like to go to school on the other side of the world. Whether you're in a coastal city or a small rural community, you’ll experience life like a true Aussie teen – full of adventure, culture, and personal growth.
Austria
You don’t have to be skier to love Austria. But if fresh powder and well prepared slopes is your thing then Austria will be your kind of heaven. There are mountains and lift systems everywhere and they are often close to the cities.
Canada
It isn’t hard to see why Canada is attracting an increasing number of international high school students for their year abroad. Canada isn’t just the second-largest country in the world, where the people are friendly and life is easy-going. It also has beautiful natural scenery, wide-open spaces, the great outdoors and plenty of wildlife.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a nature-lover's dream, with deep rain forests, perfect beaches, mountains, volcanoes, islands and spectacular wildlife. But the country's best asset is the people, who are warm, welcoming and share a unique way of seeing the world. Pura vida ('pure life') is both a greeting and the national philosophy. It encapsulates a friendly and worry-free lifestyle and an appreciation of people, nature and a good time.
China
Live and study in one of the world’s most dynamic countries, one that combines the cutting edge of technological development with a history that dates back millennia. The past, present and future seem to merge in China. Discover its unique culture and fascinating language from the inside on an unforgettable high school exchange.
Denmark
Take the chance to study in the lovely country Denmark! Despite the country's small size, there is a lot to discover here. Come with us to Denmark as an exchange student and experience the green landscapes, blue sea and beautiful old towns. Eat typical food such as smørrebrød and frikadeller, rent a bicycle in Copenhagen and treat yourself with some amazing Danish pastry at a cosy café!
Finland
Finland's stark Nordic scenery is home to fascinating wildlife, pristine forests, some 200,000 lakes and the world's happiest people, not to mention Europe's top educational system and an extremely high quality of life (and don't forget the saunas).
France
Around 85 million tourists from all over the world can’t be wrong – France is the place to visit. For decades the country has had the number 1 spot in the World Tourism Organisation’s yearly statistics. It’s no wonder France is a favorite. Shopping, fashion and sightseeing in Paris, the glamorous beach life on the Côte d’Azur, skiing in the French Alps and a beautiful countryside are some of the things that attracts foreigners. Also, it’s no doubt that France is number 1 when it comes to food. Will you try a delicacy such as escargots?
Germany
Germany is the largest country in the EU in terms of population. It’s also the European Union’s biggest economy, which you will notice by the high standards of living. This modern, cosmopolitan country is a centre for technology and innovation. It attracts people from all over the world with a varied cultural scene and a certain love for concerts and festivals.
Great Britain
Studying in the UK is more than afternoon tea and iconic landmarks – it’s a chance to experience life as a British teen and discover a world of new perspectives. From buzzing cities like London and Manchester to charming countryside villages, your exchange year in the UK combines academic challenges with unforgettable cultural moments.
Ireland
A high school exchange in Ireland means diving into a vibrant culture full of music, tradition, and friendly energy. You'll live like a local, attend an Irish secondary school, and become part of a community that is full of character. From green hills and coastal cliffs to school spirit and weekend céilís, life in Ireland is anything but ordinary.
Italy
Go on high school exchange in ItalyFree brochure Why study abroad in Italy? If you ask an Italian why you should come to Italy the answer will probably be because Italy has the best food, the most beautiful language, the greatest culture and world class soccer teams. Well, it’s hard to disagree. This country sure…
Japan
Welcome to a nation like no other! Japan is the world’s third largest economy, and a trendsetter in culture, fashion, and technology. Japanese culture is widely known for its traditional arts as well as its contemporary pop culture. It’s a country where old meets new in a totally unique way.
Netherlands
Most people are familiar with the tulip plantations, the windmills, the expertly built canal system (great for skating in winter time) and lively cities like Amsterdam, Haag and Rotterdam. We are of course talking about the Netherlands – a small but interesting country, with more to offer than just these traditional symbols.
New Zealand
Studying in New Zealand is more than just scenic landscapes and friendly locals – it’s about discovering a whole new way of learning and living.
Norway
Take the opportunity to study in one of the world’s most mesmerising countries. Norway is known worldwide for its exceptional nature and it’s the perfect destination for you who love skiing and snowboarding.
Spain
A high school exchange year in Spain means becoming part of a culture that’s lively, welcoming, and full of everyday moments. You’ll attend a local high school, live with a welcoming host family, and experience what daily life is like as a teenager in Spain. With nearly 500 million people around the world speaking Spanish, gaining confidence in the language will open up new opportunities – both now and in the future.
Sweden
Did you know that Sweden is a 1 574 kilometer long country with nearly 100 000 lakes? Pretty impressive. The country has great coastlines and lots of vast forests. But also charming cities, both big and small, from Malmö in the south to Kiruna in the north. Stockholm, the Swedish capital, is a lively city located in the most amazing archipelago. It is a beautiful country with great wildlife and plenty of wide open spaces. If you're lucky you'll see the King of Sweden, or at least the king of the forest, the famous moose. Come join us for a genuine experience!
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