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:
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Fall Year | Early August | Late June | $14,995 |
- Placement with a host family
- Enrollment in a local Norwegian high school
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a YFU Norway Area Representative while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Education is considered especially important in Norway, and many schools have strict attendance policies. 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. All classes will be taught in Norwegian, so students are encouraged to study up on their Norwegian before departure!
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.
All students applying for the 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.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place online, dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
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.
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 will also usually have the option of participating in a number of educational trips and excursions during their stay at an additional cost.
Snowcave Skiing Expedition: Students will have the opportunity to explore the amazing Norwegian nature and partake in the Norwegian tradition of Snøhuletur. During this three-day trip, students will be led by guides on a skiing and camping adventure. Students ski into the Norwegian backcountry to build snow caves, which, upon completion, will be slept in overnight.
A Trip to Northern Norway: During this optional trip, students will embark on a trip to the North of Norway and have the opportunity to participate in many exciting events. Students may have a chance to go to a reindeer farm, see huskies, go skiing, and possibly even see the Northern Lights! As the Norwegians say: Ut på tur – aldri sur or out in nature—never in a bad mood!
- 2025 Fall Departure: Students born January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2009
- Students who do not meet this age requirement or will graduate from high school before the start of their program will not be considered for admission.
Norwegian. Previous language study is not required; however, students must be motivated to learn Norwegian. While English is widely spoken in Norway, this is not an English program. YFU Norway can assist students in finding a local course at an additional cost.
Host families can be located all over the country in rural or suburban areas. Students are rarely placed in large urban centers.
