Kristiansand, Norway
The Oregon State University College of Business offers a one-term exchange program at University of Agder.
Background
Norway is a land of dramatic contrasts. Home to fjords, high mountains, sandy beaches and an archipeloago, Norway not only offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, but is also an excellent place to study international business. With technologically-advanced communication, inexpensive electricity, extensive industrial sites, and a well-developed infrastructure, Norway provides fertile ground for growth of current industry and establishment of new business.
Kristiansand is one of Norway's largest cities and has enjoyed strong economic growth since World War II. It is located on the southern tip on the mainland and is nearer to the European continent than any other Norwegian city. High-speed ferries carry passengers to Denmark in approximately 4.5 hours. Kristiansand has a population of 67,000 and residents enjoy magnificent scenery and a pleasant climate. As Norway's leading holiday and leisure resort, Kristiansand offers recreational and cultural opportunities for every taste. The city is an environmentally friendly, comfortable, and safe environment in which to live.
Kristiansand is the main education center in Southern Norway. University of Agder was established in Kristiansand in 1969. With 6000 students, University of Agder is Norway's largest regional college and offers distinctive programs in Economics and Business Administration. Courses offered through the exchange program are designed specifically for business students studying business in a foreign environment.
Academic Program
The Agder academic program runs from late August to mid-December. Students who complete the study program will fill all requirements for an International Business Option. All courses are taught in English. An example of course titles and their OSU credit equivalent are as follows:
- BA 497 International Marketing (4)
- BA 445 international Financial Management (4)
- BA 446 International Management (4)
- BA 406 International Seminars (5)
Eligibility
OSU Business majors who have a 2.75 GPA in the College of Business retention courses and have attained senior or late junior status at the time of participation are eligible to apply. Pre-requisite courses include:
- BA 340, Finance
- BA 347, International Business
- BA 352, Organizational Behavior
- BA 390, Marketing
All applicants will be interviewed and acceptance will be based on academic preparation, personal motivation, and perceived adaptability.
Living Arrangements
Students will live in dorms located across the street from University of Agder. Each student will have a private living room/bedroom, and will share a kitchen and bathroom with an International student.
Cost
Students pay fall term tuition to OSU for the autumn semester at University of Agder. OSU Student fees are waived. There is a $50 non-refundable application fee submitted with application and a $250 non-refundable program fee payable after acceptance. Living expenses are generally a little higher than in Oregon. The main additional cost is airfare. A group rate will be offered for exchange participants. A round-trip group flight between Portland and Kristiansand will be available. Students may negotiate some flexibility on the arrival date. Costs will vary depending on the exchange rate for U.S. dollars at the time of the program and personal spending habits.
Financial Aid
Most financial aid that students are eligible to receive (Guaranteed Student Loans, Pell Grants, Veteran's benefits) is applicable to this exchange program. FINANCIAL AID IS NOT AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS UNTIL CLASSES BEGIN AT OSU, so students must budget accordingly. There are also study abroad scholarships available for those students with excellent academic records. Contact the Office of International Education (Snell Hall-444, 737-3006) for more information. College of Business Scholarships are also available.
Application
Applicants must submit the following to the College of Business:
- A completed application for admission to the Arthur Stonehill International Business Exchange Program (available in 214 Bexell Hall)
- Two reference forms
- Response to two essays
- A $50 application fee
The APPLICATION DEADLINE is January 15. If the 15th falls on a weekend, the deadline is the following Monday.
Interviews will take place during Winter Term, and will involve a short, informal presentation by the applicant on a pre-selected topic.
Students chosen for the exchange program will participate in a mandatory orientation class Spring Term prior to departure.
For more information contact Carol Leder at (541) 737-3716 or leder@bus.orst.edu.
