2014 - 2015
STUDY IN VOLDA
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VOLDA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE Box 500 NO-6101 Volda Norway Telephone: +47 70 07 50 00 www.hivolda.no/english Editorial staff: Information Office International Office Design: Kib & Morits www.kibogmorits.no
Photo: Gintare Šimtininkaite / Ismael López / Tomas Hajek / Carl Nesset / Mona Klausen / Hilda Nyfløt / Jose Eduardo Garcia Aldama / Vidar Nyhammer / Audun Berdal / Alina Agafitei / Audrey Dahmen / Ann Karene Rasmussen / Tone Solhaug / Kib & Morits Print: Printing AS Print run: 2000
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INTRODUCTION Knowledge for the future A tour of the campus Never a dull moment Volda and surroundings
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ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES 16 English language and literature 18 Norwegian literature 20 Arts and nature 22 Media studies 24 Animation 26 Music 28 Social and cultural studies 30 Norwegian language and civilization 32 34
One-year course in Norwegian Language How to apply?
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VOLDA IS THE PLACE YOU’LL NEVER FORGET … the place you will remember for a long time after you have finished your studies. The memories, the warm spring days, the biting cold winters, the feeling of fresh snow on your skin. Read on and enjoy a little journey to Volda…
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KNOWLEDGE FOR THE FUTURE Volda University College is located in a small rural town, but our perspective is international. Out of the 4000 students, more than 180 are international students.
Our four faculties offer a variety of courses in their subject areas: Humanities and Education, Social Sciences and History, Art and Physical Education and Media and Journalism. Our programmes in animation, broadcast journalism and documentary film production enjoy nationwide recognition. We also have long traditions in language, literature and educational studies. Volda University College is exploring the potential of globalization and learning across borders. We are working to make our courses more accessible, flexible and convenient for international applicants,
and for the increasing number of students enrolled in lifelong learning courses. We are a small institution with an engaged and enthusiastic staff and a compact campus situated in surroundings of outstanding natural beauty. Welcome to Volda University College.
Per Halse, Rector
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A TOUR OF THE CAMPUS Volda University College is very proud of providing the best possible environment for both students and staff.
LONG TRADITIONS The university college was originally founded 150 years ago, as the first teacher training college in rural Norway. Today, it offers six Master’s programmes, more than 30 undergraduate programmes and about 450 courses. The study offers are varied and include among others: media and communication, general and pre-school teacher training education, social sciences, child care, social planning and governance, as well as literature, linguistics, maths and science, history, arts and crafts, outdoor life and physical education, music and drama. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Volda University College puts a lot of emphasis on research and development. The latter provides a solid foundation for the education offered in Volda. Strategic areas include media and journalism, cultural encounters, professional practices, educational research, welfare studies and applied arts. The nature of the research varies from individual programmes to applied development projects, conducted in close cooperation with end users. MODERN FACILITIES The IT equipment is practical and easily available in
any of the numerous computer rooms on campus. There is a wireless network open to all our students. The library is modern and offers access to books and periodicals from around the world. All around the campus there are fully equipped special rooms such as radio and TV studios, drama rooms, group and workshop rooms, animation studio etc. COMPACT CAMPUS All the buildings are within five minutes’ walking distance of each other, as well as very close to the student accommodation. The sports hall is across the street from the university college buildings and gives students the opportunity of using sports facilities (from swimming pool to fitness and bodybuilding studio, to indoor sports hall). INTERNATIONAL VUC collaborates with around 140 international universities and research institutes in student exchange, research, staff exchange and more. All our students have the option of taking part of their degree at universities abroad, as well as integrating in an international campus, with over 100 incoming students studying in Volda at any given time.
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NEVER A DULL MOMENT Volda University College is known for its lively academic and social environment. After a long day in the reading rooms, it is always amazing to hike in the mountains, swim in the fjord or simply enjoy the wonders of nature. STIV The Student Parliament is the highest official student body at Volda University College. It offers support and is working continuously towards improving student life in Volda. PANGAIA A unique office, Pangaia is the perfect place where you can drop in to relax, make friends, sign up for activities, events and trips, or play some games. THE INTERNATIONAL CLUB This a club closely connected to Pangaia. The main function of the club is to organize international nights, karaoke events, day tours and hiking in the area, movie nights etc. STUDENT HOUSE ROKKEN It is formally known as the gathering place for all the students on campus. Apart from the cafeteria, which serves food at student prices, the concert hall hosts a series of social events, from concerts, open mic evenings, live sport broadcasting and various cultural programmes.
PEIKESTOKKEN The student magazine keeps the community informed of everything that happens in Volda and the surroundings. All students on campus, regardless of their background, are invited to be part of the editorial team. STUDENT-TV The broadcasting is made by students for students. Whether you are interested in writing the script, being a news anchor, playing roles in fiction movies or making news reports, being the official photographer or working with the layout and the graphics, you are welcome to become part of the crew. VOLDA STUDENT RADIO The students’ own radio channel transmits every evening from 19:00. Stories, reports and news are made by students with the number one goal of transforming the little radio station into the single most attractive student radio in Norway.
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NATURA One of the student organizations on campus, Natura is responsible for organizing mountain hiking tours, surfing and cabin trips, as well as various other outdoor life activities.
year, in August. It is marked by many outdoor activities, competitions, games and introductory meetings. For the international students arriving in Volda for the spring semester, a smaller welcome program is organized in January.
VSI Students’ sports association (VSI) invites its members to train in hall games, such as handball, indoor football, indoor hockey, volleyball and badminton. Their members also have access to the swimming pool and body building and fitness facilities.
INTERNATIONAL WEEK The international office organizes an International Day every February with guests from all over the world. Workshops, seminars and guest lectures are held all week.
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The only symphony orchestra in the country connected to a university college has a broad repertoire of popular music, symphonic music as well as church music. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CHOIR Are you interested in music? Do you like to sing? You are warmly invited to join the college choir. KRIK Offers an active environment, with a strong focus on Christian values and a love of physical activities. VOKS Volda Christian Student Organization wishes to be including and an actor in the integration process in student life in Volda. BUDDY WEEK Every semester many new, eager students meet in Volda. Some are newcomers, others are back for their second, third or fourth year in Volda. They all have in common the wish to study in Volda. The main buddy week is organized at the beginning of the academic
DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL Norway’s oldest and biggest annual documentary film festival attracts many national and international participants and fans. Between fifty and sixty films are presented during the festival. Producers, students and the audience enjoy days of quality documentary cinema. ANIMATION VOLDA The university college has a nationally and internationally renowned animation department. It educates some of the most creative and skilled animators in Norway. The Animation Festival offers the opportunity to take part in the creative atmosphere in Volda with national and international participation. The program is spiced with workshops, world premieres, and distinguished guests from the world of animation. ISU International Student Union at Volda University College embraces diversity and welcomes all students, both International and Norwegian, to its activities. It is an independent, democratic, nonprofit, non-partisan organization run by and for international students and interested Norwegians.
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VOLDA AND SURROUNDINGS Situated on the western coast of Norway, Volda is surrounded by alpine peaks, fjords and sea. With a population of over 8000 inhabitants and a student body of approximately 4000 students (with about 2000 campus students) Volda is a charming town in the county of Møre og Romsdal. Volda is famous for its strong cultural heritage and academic traditions. The center is a charming area, located right on the shores of the Volda Fjord. There are many old wooden buildings - both commercial and residential - but at the town’s heart is a beautiful stone church. THE SUNNMØRE ALPS A concept used for the alpine mountain areas in the vicinity of Volda, the Sunnmøre Alps stun nature lovers. Some of the peaks reach as high as 1700 metres straight up from the fjord, of which the most wellknown are Slogen, Kolåstinden, Hornindalsrokken, Skårasalen and Råna. The Sunnmøre Alps offer unique terrain for hiking, and are visited by large numbers of tourists both in summer and winter. GEIRANGER Geiranger is the jewel in the crown of the Norwegian fjords. It is so unique it has been included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. It is a fairy-tale
landscape with its majestic, snow-covered mountain tops, wild and beautiful waterfalls, lush green vegetation and the deep, blue fjord. (geiranger.no ) ÅLESUND Approximately 90 minutes away from Volda, you find the Art Nouveau city of Ålesund, named Norway’s most beautiful city. Mount Aksla, with the Fjellstua and Kniven viewpoints, is one of Ålesund’ s biggest attractions. The views of the town, the lovely islands and the majestic Sunnmøre Alps further inland are simply fantastic. GETTING HERE Volda is 50 minutes away from Oslo airport, if you take the plane to the local airport, Hovden. There are several daily flights to and from Oslo and Bergen and buying a youth ticket is the most affordable option. Also, flights from major cities in Norway to Ålesund (Vigra) are available daily, but keep in mind the cost of the extra bus trip from Vigra airport to Volda (wideroe.no, sas.no, norwegian. no). A more traditional way of getting to Volda is by bus. The regular night bus from Oslo takes 10 hours to reach Volda, but you are guaranteed a seat on any departure. (nettbuss.no).
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Volda
Geiranger
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ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE – I´ve always been interested in English speaking countries, and literature is a unique testimony of these civilizations.
Etienne Cascales from France came to Volda to study English literature, and chose a course which provides an introduction to English literature and culture after 1900. – Defocusing from your native language and cultural aspects by studying foreign literature is always a great experience, says Etienne. LEARN FROM TEACHERS AND STUDENTS The majority of texts and topics in the course are taken from Britain and America, but other parts of the world are also represented. – The course is divided into thematic units which address common topics from literary, cultural, historical, political and social perspectives. Students will concentrate on analyzing literary texts and exploring historical, social, and political issues, according to professors Alf Tomas Tønnessen and Timothy Saunders.
Teaching takes the form of lectures, discussions, group work and individual study. – The teacher gives us his analysis of the books, some important historical background information, and after that the students have to discuss what we think about the books. I really like this way of teaching, we both learn from the teachers and our class mates, says Etienne. IDEAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT Etienne finds the learning environment at the university college ideal. – It’s probably one of the best in the world. Volda is a very quiet place. We’re not so many during class, so we get to know each other quite easily.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
Etienne from Jean Moulin – Lyon 3 University in France.
COURSES OFFERED LAST YEAR Grammar and Lexicology (15 ECTS) • Literature and Culture after 1900 (15 ECTS) • Phonetics and Varieties of English (15 ECTS) • Literature and Culture before 1900 (15 ECTS) • Modern American Conservatism in Politics and Literature (8 ECTS) • Literature and Film (15 ECTS) •
COURSES OFFERED NEXT YEAR see: www.hivolda.no/english
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NORWEGIAN LITERATURE – I came to Norway to learn more about Norwegian culture and I figured one of the best ways to do that was through literature.
American Kirsten Norderhaug is taking the course Reading Norway - Norwegian Literature in Translation. Through this course students will get to know more about central themes, authors and periods of Norwegian literature, and be able to place both works and authors in their respective historical period. Kirsten’s Norwegian heritage played a large part in her decision to study abroad in Norway. – Both my mom and dad have Norwegian ancestors so I’m about 90% Norwegian. By studying here I really wanted to experience the culture firsthand. I had heard of the Norwegian authors Ibsen and Hamsun before, but had never really read much of their work. It seemed very fitting to study Norwegian authors while in Norway. FROM THE VIKING AGE UNTIL TODAY The course offers an overview of Norwegian literature
in English translation from the Viking age up until today. – The course aims to put Norwegian literary works in the broader historical and cultural context of the development of European literature, and welcomes cross-cultural approaches, says professor of Scandinavian literature, Giuliano D’Amico. – We started with Egil’s Saga and have worked our way up to contemporary Norwegian authors. We’ve covered everything from folk tales to novels and everything in between, says Kirsten. PASSIONATE TEACHERS Kirsten appreciates the teacher’s dedication and the short distance between the students and the lecturer. – The teachers are passionate about their courses and are very willing to help students. They’re very accessible and approachable.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
Kirsten from Luther College in The United States.
COURSES OFFERED LAST YEAR Reading Norway (15 ECTS)
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COURSES OFFERED NEXT YEAR see: www.hivolda.no/english
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ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
ARTS AND NATURE – There is room for a playful and open-minded approach to design, says Andrea Geyer from Germany. She is taking a semester in Volda to study visual communication.
A central topic in this course is to work with twodimensional form using different tools, materials and techniques. It focuses on formal aesthetic knowledge, where form, color and signs are an important part of the course. – We learn about how visual grammar affects our perception and senses. It’s important to be aware of this, and to be able to design things intentionally Even though the course deals with the basics of visual communication you can make a lot out of the assignments and challenge yourself. THE COMMUNICATING ENVIRONMENT Students gain basic knowledge of targeted communication. They learn how to use visual language and how to apply this knowledge in their own work. – The subject makes you aware of how your environment permanently communicates with you
visually. And you learn how you can influence this, by setting appropriate colours, shapes and signs. This is what really interests me. The nature surrounding Volda inspires Andrea in her creative work. – I like to walk up the hill or sit by the lake when I want to come up with new ideas. The clear air and the quietness help me think freely and concentrate. STUDYING NATURE Volda is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and Norwegians feel a strong connection with nature. This is reflected in our courses, many of which are inter-disciplinary, focusing on nature experiences in combination with art, physical education, and/ or communication. Good examples of such courses are Nature First Tourism and Mediating and Communicating Tourist Destinations.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
Andrea from HTW Berlin in Germany.
COURSES OFFERED LAST YEAR Visual Communication (15 ECTS) • Photo, Art and Illustration (15 ECTS) • Nature First Experiences (15 ECTS) • From Script to Screen (15 ECTS) • Physical Education Activity Course (8 ECTS) • Mediating and Communicating Tourist Destinations (15 ECTS) •
COURSES OFFERED NEXT YEAR see: www.hivolda.no/english
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MEDIA STUDIES – The modern society we live in is strongly influenced by media. We use it in our everyday life and it helps us connect with people from different countries across the world, says Sophie Deschamps from France.
Tomas Hajek from The Czech Republic and Sophie are both studying media at Volda University College. EXPERIENCED TEACHERS In the course Strategic Design Sophie and Tomas learn to use design, visual arts, arts, humanistic and cultural thinking, psychology etc. to support achievement of strategic business goals. – The goal is to create a concept in order to solve a situation given by a company. We learn to make a concrete analysis to target our public, our mission and our competitors, says Sophie. – I am really satisfied with the professionalism of
all my teachers, and I also think that getting this knowledge from someone who has worked in the field is valuable. The personal approach and attitude of the teachers give me motivation for studying, says Tomas. ENGAGED STUDENT Volda has a variety of student organizations and activities, and Tomas keeps himself busy. – I decided to join Peikestokken - the student’s magazine, student TV and Rokken student house. I am just speechless about all the activities and opportunities that students have here.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
Sophie from University Lumière Lyon 2 in France and Tomas from Literary Academy in The Czech Republic.
COURSES OFFERED LAST YEAR Strategic Design (15 ECTS) • Editorial Design (15 ECTS) • Photo for Media (15 ECTS) • The Media and The Second Cold War 1975-1990 (15 ECTS) •
COURSES OFFERED NEXT YEAR see: www.hivolda.no/english
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ANIMATION – I love the atmosphere here. Everybody is helping each other. Sometimes it´s hard to realize you are at school actually, but you are still learning new stuff every day.
Czech animation student Gabriela Plackova came to Volda because other students who had been here recommended it, and she has no regrets. – The equipment and material here is amazing and students have everything they need for creative projects. I came from a school which works in a totally different way and I´m enjoying this experience very much. I have to say that teachers are very flexible and very nice, so nothing is really a problem here. A LOT OF WORK Gabriela has chosen to take a course where she learns the animation technique stop-motion. Dolls are moved in small increments between individually photographed frames, creating the illusion of movement when the series of frames is played in a continuous sequence. – Stop motion animation is really new to me, and
very different from computer animation. It looks so easy, but is really a lot of work. HER OWN ANIMATION PROJECT She is also taking a special course for Erasmus students, which involves making your own animation project. Her animation film is a story about searching for someone who would brighten up the days. – The hero lives in a foggy and dark town where nobody cares and nobody pays attention to others. The light bulbs in people´s bellies are shining really low and so is the hero´s. He feels frustrated and lonely but he can´t do anything to get people to communicate with him. One day he is punched in the face by an old photographer, and it changes his life forever.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
Gabriela from Tomas Bata University in The Czech Republic.
COURSES OFFERED LAST YEAR Basics of Animation (15 ECTS) • Stop-Motion and Puppet-Film (15 ECTS) • Animation Production (15 ECTS) • Analogue Cut-Out, Experimental Animation (15 ECTS) • Specializing/Animation Production (15 ECTS) •
COURSES OFFERED NEXT YEAR see: www.hivolda.no/english
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MUSIC – My favourite way to play music is through improvisation on piano or saxophone, so the course Intuitive Composition / Improvisation and Music Philosophy seemed like the perfect option!
John Carlon from England wanted to continue to work on his journalism studies, but also wanted to study something he would not be able to at home. – I have always been a musician but over the last few years I have not been able to study it as much as I would like. PHILOSOPHY AND IMPROVISATION With the guidance of professor in music, Magnar Åm, and through their own practical work and experimenting, the students use their creative skills and energies and learn methods to find a personal expression, a maximum flow of ideas, and ways in which to select and develop these. – Professor Åm is a composer of non-tonal music and he showed the class how to use his techniques in our composition work. He split the course into two main disciplines. Firstly the philosophy, which focused on resolving issues around our own existence,
perception of music, and what it means to live. I learnt much from his ideas about ways of perceiving the world, and the meditative techniques that he taught us. Additionally he took us through a process of building our improvisation and composition skills, so that over the course we constructed an exam composition. FACILITIES The course takes place in the music department, in the Kaarstad building. – The music facilities here are fantastic, particularly as access is available all hours, perfect for late night musical inspiration! There are plenty of pianos, practice rooms, and the computer room has a range of music software to use. I really appreciated the use of the music facilities, and it definitely helped me improve my skills as a musician.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
John Carlon from The University of Sheffield in The United Kingdom.
COURSES OFFERED LAST YEAR Intuitive Composition / Improvisation and Music Philosophy (15 ECTS)
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COURSES OFFERED NEXT YEAR see: www.hivolda.no/english
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SOCIAL AND CULTURAL STUDIES – I am learning about the European Union and how it works and about the economic development in EU member countries. I learn which of the countries are the richest, which economies are growing fastest, where people are happiest, and what the reasons for these differences between countries are.
Kristine Andrijanova from Latvia is taking the course Regional Development in the European Union, and she thinks that the lecturer puts a lot of effort into making the lectures interesting. – The professor is using a lot of visual material like presentations and videos, and sometimes we have a guest in our class to teach us something else or just to explain how things are done in their business. It never gets boring in class because I think the teacher has given a lot of thought on what to say. HELPFUL TEACHERS Kristine likes the informal study environment in Volda. – In my opinion the study environment is very good. I like how the teachers are interested in learning the names of the students and to get to know students a bit better. Everyone is always very open and happy to help or answer any questions.
A USEFUL COURSE – It is a goal of the course that the students gain knowledge and understanding of the motivation behind the creation of the European Union and how the most important institutions of the European Union work. The students also learn about some important EU policies, especially in the field of regional development, and we also discuss current topics like the economic crisis, says Professor Nathalie Homlong. Kristine chose the course because she thought it would be useful. – Latvia is a member of the EU, so I am gaining knowledge about my country and the cooperation within the European Union. However, in the future I want to be a graphic designer, but I think that any kind of education broadens the mind and gives extra knowledge.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
Kristine from Latvian Culture College in Latvia.
COURSES OFFERED LAST YEAR Introduction to the Contemporary Welfare State (15 ECTS) • Regional Development in the European Union (10 ECTS) • The European Union and Regional Development (15 ECTS) • Religion and Culture in Norway (15 ECTS) •
COURSES OFFERED NEXT YEAR see: www.hivolda.no/english
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ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
NORWEGIAN LANGUAGE AND CIVILIZATION – In Latvia we only have horizons, we don’t have to go up and down. At first it was so unusual to walk like that. I can even understand why I don’t see women wearing high heeled shoes here.
Mara Blome studies Norwegian Language, Civilization and Character - an Introduction (2 ECTS), and she points out that the landscape creates differences between the Norwegians and the Latvians. But she also finds similarities. – We are similar in polite behaviour and character. Norwegians are always helpful and smile a lot. The teaching in this course mainly focuses on seven topics, there among characteristics of Norwegian geography and climate, milestones in Norwegian history and phrases in Norwegian. The course aims to provide the students with a brief introduction to Norwegian society, the Norwegian language and national character. GOAL TO EXPLORE NORWAY Mara chose to take this course because she thought it
was a great opportunity to get to know life in Norway. – Ever since high school it has been one of my goals to explore Norwegian culture and nature. One of the reasons is that I want to get to know life here, people, climate, educational system, history and political situation. MASTER’S DEGREE After she has graduated from her Bachelor’s Degree in New Media Art at Liepaja University in Latvia, she wants to take her Master’s degree in Norway. – I will come back because I would like to explore more of the nature. I hope to get inspired and to inspire Norwegian people to cooperate and connect with Latvians so that we can share an artistic and creative future.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
Mara from Liepaja University in Latvia.
COURSES OFFERED LAST YEAR Norwegian Language, Civilization and Character - an Introduction (2 ECTS)
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COURSES OFFERED NEXT YEAR see: www.hivolda.no/english
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ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
ONE-YEAR COURSE IN NORWEGIAN LANGUAGE Jose Eduardo Garcia Aldama came from Cuba to study animation in Volda for one year. He enjoyed it so much that he wants to do his Bachelor’s degree here. This means he also has to learn Norwegian language and culture.
– I came to Volda as an exchange student to study animation, because there is no school for animation studies in Cuba. For me this was the only chance to study animation on an international level and I really appreciate the opportunity to do so. I applied to finish my Bachelor’s Degree here in Volda, but I need to learn Norwegian in order to move on with my animation studies. SKILLS NECESSARY FOR FURTHER STUDIES The study focuses on two subject areas: Norwegian language and Norwegian civilization. During the program these two areas are, whenever possible, treated as one unit. The main emphasis is on the Norwegian language. – This one-year study aims to give students the knowledge and skills necessary for studies at Norwegian colleges and universities. The emphasis
is on giving students good general proficiency in the Norwegian language. The study also aims to help students adapt to the Norwegian society, says professor Reidun Aambø. – It is really an intensive study, and it is difficult to learn a language in ten months. But step by step, «stein på stein», your mind starts to open and you start to understand a lot. But it is hard work, says Jose. STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD The main target group is students arriving in Norway as part of bi- and multilateral programmes. – This year we are 28 students from more than 20 different countries. The class is really interesting and the environment is friendly. Everyone tries to respect and understand the different cultures, says Jose.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
Pepe from The Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry in Cuba.
COURSES OFFERED LAST YEAR One-year Study in Norwegian Language and Civilization for International Students (60 ECTS)
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COURSES OFFERED NEXT YEAR see: www.hivolda.no/english
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ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
International students at the beautiful Geirangerfjord.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
HOW TO APPLY? Exchange students are admitted through the exchange programmes Erasmus, Nord-plus, LLP, EEA Scheme etc, and bilateral agreements between Volda University College and an international partner institution. Exchange students are selected by their home university.
Information about application procedures see: www.hivolda.no/english or e-mail: international@hivolda.no Application deadline: • 15 May: autumn semester • 15 November: spring semester
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