A Cultural Emersion in Peace-Orientated Norway Past Review

By (History, French, Pacific Lutheran University) for

Pacific Lutheran University: Hedmark - PLU Gateway Program in Norway

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile. It did not fit exactly well with my field of study and dispite some organization issues it was an overall wonderful cultural experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I thought the classes had very interesting and beneficial content but there was a level of disorganization that made it difficult to get all I could out of the classes. I did not like the Norwegian system of grading by basing the entire grade on one final test. I do not think that is an effective way to determine what has been learned. The classes would have been even better if they were better developed and organized. There should have also been lessons in Norwegian as well. Overall though it was a good educational experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I think the program could be better organized and developed more but I think the emersion into Norwegian culture through having Norwegian professors was very beneficial. I think the multiple excursions were very good and informative and a very good component to the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans