The aim of the study programme is to introduce students to Nordic skiing and outdoor life in the wintertime. By gaining experience in different types of terrain, students will be given an opportunity to develop their basic outdoor skills. Through experiential learning and theoretical lectures, they will gain practical and pedagogical knowledge needed in nature guiding, management and leadership roles. They will also learn to plan hikes according to ability with a focus on “no trace” hiking.

The study programme will also provide students with knowledge of the history and development of Norwegian “friluftsliv” (outdoor life) and how Norwegians use the outdoors today.

Content:

• Basic skills in skiing and hiking outdoors in the wintertime
• Insight into the management of Norwegian outdoor life
• Knowledge of the history and development of outdoor life
• Guiding and pedagogical challenges in the outdoors
• A foundation for reflecting on attitudes and experiences related to outdoor life, society, culture and nature

Students are expected to bring their own personal equipment, such as skis, boots, sleeping bags, backpacks etc.

Full academic year:

Students who wish to study for a full academic year, may combine this study programme with the autumn semester study programme Outdoor Life, Culture and Ecophilosophy.

Expenses:

The Norwegian authorities have estimated that living expenses for a foreign student living in Norway to be about NOK 8500 per month. This covers room and board, pocket money, books and other necessities. However, there may be extras such as travelling expenses and leisure activities, etc. Students will also incur extra costs when going on hikes and attending seminars at Telemark University College (for instance, this may include bus fares, overnight accommodation, etc.).