High school exchange program
in Norway

Live the life of a Norwegian teenager, gaining a second family and studying at a local high school for a semester or a year.

Discover our programs

Experience true life in the land of fjords

Student exchange program in Norway

Europe's northernmost country, Norway, is known to enjoy one of the world's highest standards of living. Thanks to a safe and stable environment, an advanced political system and excellent healthcare, education and welfare services, Norway's bustling urban centres are just as enjoyable as its remote, quaint villages.

In Norway, you will find unspoilt landscapes and unique natural wonders, making this a true paradise for the lovers of nature and the big outdoors. Its peaceful national parks, soaring mountains and majestic fjords are the ideal setting for all sorts of activities: cross-country, skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing, trekking... and have we mentioned the incredible phenomenon of the Midnight Sun, or the awe-inspiring Northern Lights? Get ready to be blown away!

Experience the Nordic majesty

Aurora borealis

The north of Norway is one of the best places in the world to witness the magic of the Northern Lights, a collision of atoms that releases flashes of coloured lights in the night sky. This creates a spectacular show you will never forget.

What’s high school like in Norway?

Mutual support

Norwegian students are always ready to help their classmates. Don't hesitate to ask them for input or assistance, and to do the same with anyone who seems to be in need of support.

Two ways of seeing the world

While Norwegian is the official language, locals are also fluent in English. You will experience new ways of studying English at school, and new ways of seeing the world through different lenses.

Having fun is important

Extra-curricular activities are a big part of Norwegian schooling, with various initiatives, sports, excursions and outdoor activities to choose from. There will be plenty of opportunities to get involved outside of the classroom!

Teaching autonomy

You may be surprised by how much freedom Norwegian students are afforded. In fact, autonomy is strongly valued in Norway and students are encouraged to take charge of their own learning and become active participants in their education.

Unlock the Nordic way of life on your exchange program

Your host family during your exchange year

Gain a second family – they can’t wait to welcome you into their lives! 

Here is why:

At first, Norwegians can come across as calm and shy individuals. Speaking to strangers, or greeting people on the street, is quite rare: it is simply the Norwegian way of being kind. You will soon realise they have their own unique way of being loving and hospitable.

Norwegian families highly value equality, irrespective of gender, age or social class. Respect for others and inclusion are also very important, which means you will be welcomed into their family 'as you are' and feel included right away.

As the saying goes "Norwegians are born with skis on their feet"! Norwegians love to get out and about, catch up with friends, spend time in the mountains or at the seaside, follow sport on TV and play sports, too. Get ready for lots of new experiences!

Your school in Norway

Find out more about your school experience

The Norwegian education system 

Subjects in Norway

Secondary schooling

Extra-curricular activities

The school calendar 

Grading system in Norway

Stories from students and parents who have been there

Here are the testimonials of families who have chosen WEP for their exchange experience.

Going with WEP is best

Since 1988, a wide choice of destinations and comprehensive assistance before, during and after your overseas program. WEP is the ideal partner for your adventure.

Reliable travel companions

We also get to choose who we travel with: our schools, host families and overseas partner organisations are carefully selected.

Safety first

We offer a custom-made insurance policy, specifically designed for our participants, and we have a solid network behind us.

We're there for you, always

Emergency assistance, overseas and from Australia, is available 7 days out of 7, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Guaranteed placements

Allowing all our participants to live their desired overseas experience is a mission, a challenge we're thrilled to accept.

FAQ

Your host family, local coordinator and your host organisation will provide you with support while you are overseas. WEP Australia will remain in contact with the host organisation and your parents to coordinate and support your experience. In case of an emergency, both you and your family will be able to call an emergency phone number that is answered 24/7.

You will be advised of your placement location, host family and host school as soon as feasible. This can range from a few months prior to departure, right up until departure, as a lot needs to happen behind the scenes before each student's placement process is complete and can be communicated to you with certainty. The placement process doesn't only include sourcing a suitable host family, but also finding availability at a local school, and completing all red tape (including, for example, lenghty criminal history checks in some countries). Prior to departure from Australia, all students will receive host family, host school and local coordinator details.

Independent travel is not permissible while on exchange. However, you will be able to travel with your host family, school, host organisation and other community groups such as sporting teams or scouts. Again, the foremost aim of the program is educational, and your priority for any holiday periods must be your host family, who will be investing a lot of time, energy and money into this experience - simply in return for your frienship and positive contribution to their household.

Generally speaking, overseas schools won't issue a diploma to exchange students who are only there for a short time and don't graduate at that school. You may however be provided with a honorary certificate, as well as a WEP certificate of completion, which however don't count towards credit or graduation in Australia.

Language experience is desirable, but not necessary, for most countries. However, some countries have mandatory language requirements. You'll find the specific requirements for each country listed on its page. Intensive language courses may, in some circumstances, meet language pre-requisites. WEP strongly recommends language preparation prior to departure as language knowledge is of enormous benefit in assisting you to quickly adapt to your new family, school and life.

Of course, there are English-speaking destinations available if you are not interested in learning another language.

No, it's the host families who choose the student they wish to invite into their home. Based on the documents you will submit as part of your WEP application, one lucky family will choose to open their home and hearts to you, which is why for all Exchange Classic programs, and many Flex programs as well, there is no avenue for students to choose a specific location.

It may be possible to live with an overseas family that you already know (excluding relatives of the student). However, the family will have to be screened and approved, prepared and supported by our partner organisation in the same manner as any other host family. School enrolment must also be available.

Got more questions?

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