Learning Abroad Center
Two students cross-country ski in the Norwegian mountains, with a bright blue sky behind

The Nordic Lifestyle: Sport & Recreation in Norway

Europe
LAC Program
Embedded
Instructor-Led

Examine the role of sport and outdoor recreation in Norwegian culture and how they contribute to quality of life.

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Program Details

Location icon
Location
Oslo & Northern Norway
Term icon
Term
Spring Break
Housing icon
Housing
Hotel
Languages Taught In icon
Languages Taught In
English

Program Eligibility

Student Type icon}
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year icon
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA Requirement icon
GPA
2.5

About

Explore physical activity and the intersection of culture, environment, and movement in Norway, a global leader in winter recreation and sustainable urban design. Immerse yourself in the Norwegian concept of ‘Friluftsliv’ (outdoor life) by participating in or learning about activities such as skiing, Fjord dipping, snowshoeing, and dog sledding.

Students from all backgrounds and levels of athletic ability are welcome. This program is not about training for a gold medal; it’s about physical literacy—trying new activities in new environments and finding meaningful connections between Norwegian culture and your own life in Minnesota.

Housing & Meals

You will live in shared rooms with fellow program participants. Welcome and farewell meals, and some additional meals are included in the program fee. We will eat additional meals in the housing or at local restaurants.

Excursions

Excursions and activities in Norway may include:

  • Oslo Opera house
  • Cross-country skiing experience
  • Visit to Lillehammer and the Olympic Park
  • Visit to a Sami village
  • Conversations with local experts

Accessibility

If you have a disability and plan to study abroad, visit our Accessibility Abroad page to learn about considerations, answer questions, and request accommodations before you go abroad.

Flight

All program participants will take the coordinated group flight to and from the program site. The cost of the group flight is included in the program fee that will be posted to your student account. Do not book your own flight; you will receive information from the Learning Abroad Center about your seat on the group flight once your participation has been confirmed.

Learning Outcomes

  • Socialize as global professionals who understand that human interaction and culture are relevant to achieving professional goals
  • Discover and connect with the University of Minnesota campus and community
  • Think critically, analyze topics, and appreciate diverse perspectives through pre-departure coursework, studying abroad, and guided reflection
  • Function as an effective team member by utilizing personal strengths in a group setting
  • Develop an understanding of the importance of future international and intercultural learning
  • Understand the role of creativity, innovation, discovery, and expression across disciplines
  • Acquire skills for effective citizenship and lifelong learning

Faculty & Staff

This seminar is taught by Brandi Hoffman. Brandi is the Director of Undergraduate Studies + Physical Activity Program in the School of Kinesiology. She has also previously led programs to Panama and France.

Program Structure

Program Level
1000-level course
Courseload

One 3-credit course

Course Schedule

This is an on-campus class during spring semester. Abroad term takes place during Spring Break 2028.

The course meets: TBD
Abroad term: March 2028

Coursework

Receive Credit for: PE 1514

Fulfills: This course will count toward the Kinesiology, Sport Management, and the Physical Activity & Health Promotion majors, as well as minors in the School of Kinesiology.

Dates Details

Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:

TermProgram DatesFinal Application Deadline
Spring Break 2028March 2028TBD

Program dates are subject to change.

If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.

Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 20 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Some programs may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.

Information Sessions

Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our event webpage.

On Campus Dates

The course meets: Spring Semester 2028, days/times forthcoming

Orientation Dates & Locations

The Learning Abroad Center facilitates a pre-departure orientation in collaboration with your program leader(s) in addition to any additional orientation sessions scheduled by your program leader(s). It is your responsibility to know the information shared at these orientations.

Orientation consists of several sessions, all of which are created to support your preparation to go abroad:

  • Online Health & Safety Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory. 
  • LAC Seminar Pre-departure Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory. The discussion post is due before your LAC Program Orientation meeting.
  • LAC Program Orientation: Program details and important UofM information will be covered (finances, health & safety, policies, insurance, etc.). This will be scheduled in collaboration with your program leader(s). Details will be sent to you via email from the LAC and/or your program leader(s). This is a mandatory meeting. **For embedded programs, this will likely be one of your class dates prior to departure.**
  • Program Leader Orientation(s): Your program leader(s) will schedule 1–3 additional orientation sessions prior to departure. These will cover academic requirements and preparation, final travel and program logistics, cultural knowledge, and more. Details will be sent to you via email from your program leader(s). These are mandatory meetings. **For embedded programs, these will likely be included in your class dates prior to departure.**

The Learning Abroad Center also offers 2 optional orientations:

Fees

The Cost of Participation (program fee) includes educational costs, program activities, housing, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, some meals, international medical, security & evacuation insurance, local transportation, and program administration. Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. The estimated Cost of Participation for this program is forthcoming.

You must also budget for international airfare (with LAC guidance), visa (if applicable), passport and passport photos, meals not included in program fee, spending money, and miscellaneous living expenses. Additional estimated costs for this program are forthcoming.

The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.

If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.

If you are registered for less than 13 credits or if you are a non-UofM student or a UofM graduate student, you will be charged tuition for this course in addition to the program fee.

Billing & Payments

Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

Enrollment Note: This program is considered part of spring enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.

Flight & Deposit Advance

The Flight & Deposit Advance (formerly Bridging Loan) is a no-interest/no-fees program that allows you to defer payment of your flight and LAC program deposit until your financial aid is disbursed.

Cancellation Policy

Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.

Apply

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Complete

After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:

  • Application Essay

Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.

Next Steps

  1. After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
  2. Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
  3. If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
  4. Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
    • Passport Information
    • Emergency Contacts
    • Health Information Form
    • Online Health & Safety Orientation
    • Release & Waiver
  5. You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.
  6. Apply for a passport.

Register for On-Campus Course

Your participation on this program is secured by applying and confirming through the Learning Abroad Center application process.

You will also need to register for the on-campus course PE 1514.

Note: Registering for the course, but not confirming through the Learning Abroad Center, will not hold your spot in the program.

After You Apply

Before your program begins, review these resources.

Health & Safety

Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.

Power of Attorney

Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.

Student Identity

Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.

Travel Resources

Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.

Program Contact

For further information or questions about this program, send an email to

Jemma Lund at [email protected], or call at 612.625.8827.