Understanding Norway

This course is primarily for international staff at the University of Agder, together with their partners. It may be of particular interest to those who have recently moved to Norway, but is also aimed at anyone – including Norwegians – who would like to look at the country from the outside. The course is free, and no registration is required.

The course aims to be practical, providing plenty of room for discussion and questions as well as information and a little humour. Any views will naturally be subjective, but the overall wish is to avoid stereotypes, generalisations and oversimplifications. Issues of particular relevance to those working at UiA will be emphasised.

Typical topics covered:

• Work and study etiquette
• Equality and gender
• Norwegian institutions
• The welfare system
• Work-life balance
• Meetings
• Education and childcare
• Socialising
• Teaching styles and expectations
• Rules of behaviour
• Some regional differences

Methods:

Brief presentations of key topics; short film clips and other audiovisual content; question-and-answer sessions; hands-on role play scenarios; group discussion.

Registration:

No registration is required. The course comprises “drop-in” sessions, which means that you are free to choose to attend as many or as few as you wish. Topics will be regularly posted on UiA Språktjenester’s Facebook page, as well as on PULS’s page and the intranet, Nye Innaskjærs.

The course is a collaboration between The Centre for Teaching and Learning (PULS) and the Division of Human Resources.