Outdoor Education
KristiansandThis programme is for exchange students looking for a full semester of activities in the Norwegian mountains, forests, sea and coastline.
Facts about the program
- Mode of study
- Full-time
- Semester:
- Spring 2025
- Application opens:
- 01. June
- Application deadline:
- 15. October
- Student places:
- 24
About the programme
The Outdoor Education Program at the University of Agder is activity-based and gives you both practical and theoretical skills in outdoor education, or “friluftsliv” as we call it in Norway. After completing the programme you should be able to use the mountains, the forest and coastline as arenas for learning, development and experience. The program also aims to give students an insight into the traditions of Norwegian outdoor activities.
What will you learn?
During the programme you will:
- Learn how to recreate, live, and camp in mountainous areas, the forests, the sea, and coastline over multiple days
- Learn to master different and challenging environments in winter, spring, and summer conditions
- Make appropriate choices concerning clothing and equipment related to the environment and the activities
- Learn how to teach, lead, and guide in these areas and gain knowledge about planning, navigation, making risk assessments before and during an activity and basic winter first aid
- Execute several self-planned trips in winter and summer time in various activities
- Gain basic knowledge of rowing and fishing and a selection of flora and fauna which characterize the local archipelago/skerries area
- Learn how to evaluate the areas in a cultural-historical perspective
- Gain an understanding of how nature can be used as a resource for tourism and business development
- Gain an understanding of how being outdoors is part of Norwegian schools and kindergartens
- Gain experience with back-country skiing, trekking, canoeing, and sea-kayaking
- Qualify for the Norwegian certificate in sea-kayaking, canoeing and climbing (these are optional, a small fee will apply and require some practice outside of ordinary teaching)
Course structure
This exchange programme is made up of two mandatory courses, and is held in the Spring semester, from January to May:
- Basic Outdoor Activities Theory (FRI109, 10 ECTS)
- Outdoor Education 2 - Forest, Sea and Coastline (FRI111, 20 ECTS)
Learning environment
Joining the Outdoor Education Program at the University of Agder is like becoming part of a global village. You’ll study, explore, and grow alongside students from all corners of the world, turning every activity into a chance to learn from each other. Our classes are dynamic, taking place across the beautiful Norwegian landscape, from mountains to coastlines. A former student says “It’s an immersive experience where every day is a new adventure, filled with learning and laughter.”
Admissions
This exchange course is aimed at students with a sports or outdoor education background. However, other students may apply and will be offered places depending on availability.
Admission requirements
Please note that to participate in the Outdoor Education course, you must be physically and mentally fit and be able to swim. It is highly advisable to complete a basic first aid course before travelling to Norway. All courses are taught in English.
How to apply
Letter of Motivation for Outdoor Education
All students must submit a letter of motivation together with the application. Submit the letter by email to the Programme Director.
Answer the following questions, using approximately 400 words in total:
- What is your personal background in outdoor activities and/or sports?
- What is your educational background in outdoor activities and/or sports?
- How do you think or expect outdoor education can contribute to your degree and to you personally?
Practical information
Price
There is no course fee for attending the programme.
Transportation to and from courses and activities outside Kristiansand Municipality will be covered by UiA. Students are expected to cover the cost for transportation to and from courses and activities within the Municipality (bus, walking or cycling). We recommend that you purchase a bus card that will cover the whole region of Agder when you arrive.
Small fees will apply for students wanting to be certified within the Norwegian Climbing Association (approximately 300 NOK) and the Norwegian Paddle Association (approximately 200NOK). Both of the certifications are optional.
Equipment list
As outdoor adventurers you probably have most of the clothing and equipment required for the course. This equipment list will show you what you need. It is advisable to bring as much as possible with you at semester start, as gear here can be expensive, dependent on the currency value.
Outdoor Education - Equipment List
Our students will be able to use our equipment that is needed for excursions, such as tent, trangia, back-country skis and sea kayaks.
Syllabus
The following books are used in the theoretical and practical lessons in the program:
- Priest, S., & Gass, M. (2018). Effective leadership in adventure programming, 3E. Human Kinetics. ISBN: 9781492547860
- Long, S. (2020). Hillwalking. The official handbook of the Mountain Training walking schemes. UK Mountain Training Board. ISBN: 9780954151195
Books can be bought on campus or through internet stores such as Amazon.
Physical demands
Please note that you must be physically and mentally fit and be able to swim to participate in the program. It is further highly advisable to complete a basic first aid course before arrival.
Questions?
Academic and practical questions
Contact the program director
Thomas Birkedal Stenqvist
Application process questions
Contact the International Office at UiA
int-office@uia.no
