Study Abroad in Norway!

Written by Sarah Stephens, BBA IP Peer Advisor

Dana Huston-Chen enjoyed the sites, nature, and food in Oslo, Norway. Photo credits: Dana Huston-Chen

As a McCombs student, you have the unique opportunity to spend a semester or summer on exchange in Oslo, Norway, at BI Norwegian Business School. Oslo is a picturesque capital city located on the country’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord. With a population of approximately 640,000, Oslo is known for its stunning green nature and impressive museums. As the best business school in Norway, BI has a solid international reputation, ensuring that your exchange experience will be highly regarded worldwide. If you want a unique study abroad experience where you get to see 9th-century Viking ships, marvel at famous modern architecture, explore unique natural scenery, and progress in your degree plan, Norway is an ideal destination for you!

Explore the BI Norway exchange website here.

Why Should I Study Abroad at BI Norway?

BI Norway is a top-tier university that is recognized globally.

The school offers a variety of unique and engaging courses in topics such as operations management for the maritime shipping industry.

Located in a safe and beautiful area, the school offers plenty of opportunities to socialize, enjoy nature, and try new activities.

BI Norway holds significant recognition among employers, offering an unparalleled value proposition.

The peaceful Scandinavian/Nordic culture and way of life are highly appealing and different from the U.S., providing a unique cultural experience.

Dana Huston-Chen, a McCombs MIS major who studied abroad in Norway during the Spring of her sophomore year, speaks highly of her experience. She fondly recalls the scenery, pastries, and educational opportunities she encountered during her exchange:

“I enjoyed the outdoor activities and the peaceful ambiance of Norway, which provided a significant lifestyle shift from the United States. Oslo is also a very nice city so I liked exploring and becoming familiar with it from the various bakeries to museums.”

Dana enthusiastically encourages all students to consider BI Norway, remarking:

“I think going to Norway to study abroad is an adventurous choice. While I had personal reasons for choosing Norway, I would encourage anyone to step out of their comfort zone and embark on an exchange there. I recommend exploring the outdoors, going on hikes, visiting the fjords, and experiencing the Northern Lights.”

Additionally, Dana was able to travel outside of Oslo, visiting beautiful, culturally rich European cities like Zurich, Paris, Munich, Stockholm, and Copenhagen. Dana also explored local destinations in Norway, including Tromsø, Trondheim, and Bergen. Though Norway requires a bit more travel to reach mainland Europe, the trains, ferries, and budget airlines make it possible to discover other places. Within Oslo, Dana emphasizes the ease and convenience of the modern metro system and charming tram.

For promotional videos, please visit the following links:

Is Oslo Safe and Affordable?

Indeed, Oslo stands out as one of the most safe and charming cities in Europe, and its smaller size makes it a comfortable environment for exchange students. Incidents of serious crime are relatively low in Oslo as compared to other national capital cities. If you’re looking for a destination where you will feel at ease during your exchange, Oslo is a wonderful choice.

Norway is one of the more expensive study abroad destinations due to the relatively high cost of living . But Dana states that expenses are manageable if you do your research and keep track of your spending. While food may be more expensive in Norway, for example, housing is about 30% cheaper, according to this website. See estimated costs on the program webpage for more details.

How Will I Get the Classes That I Need?

BI Norway provides a plethora of business course options, including core business classes such as ACC 312, MKT 337, and MAN 336. BI also offers many elective course options in business subjects that can count towards your respective degree. Explore the My Credit Abroad database for BI’s course offerings and their equivalents at UT Austin. Should you encounter a course that is not listed, you can request an evaluation by McCombs. Dana reflects on her academic pursuits at BI:

“The classes were good – some were harder than others. I took an MIS elective, MAN 336, and ACC 312 courses. One notable difference was that the final grade was based entirely on a cumulative exam at the end of the semester which gives you flexibility to travel and study as it suits you.”

What If I Don’t Speak Norwegian?

Norwegian proficiency certainly isn’t mandatory, given English-taught classes. English is the second most widely spoken language in Norway, and many Norwegians speak it like natives. The lack of language barriers for American students in Norway makes it a desirable location.

What Does the Social Life Look Like?

Dana notes that it’s easy to make friends in Norway, thanks partly to Buddy Week organized at the beginning of the semester. This event, guided by local students, welcomes exchange students to BI and eases their transition into life in Norway. Through this orientation, Dana met one of her closest friends. Additionally, BI hosts numerous extracurricular activities such as sports, cultural events, and special interest groups, fostering ample opportunities for social interaction.

Where Would I Stay?

Various housing options abound in Oslo, including on-campus dormitories, Airbnbs, and apartments. With thorough research and proactive search efforts, securing accommodation should pose no significant challenge and may even cost less than in Austin.

Dana shares details about her housing arrangement, saying:

“I lived in student apartments called BSN, which were just 5 minutes away from the school. I was assigned this accommodation through the University of Texas, where I recommend registering for housing as early as possible.”

BI Norway emerges as a highly underrated study abroad destination, ripe for exploration. With its stunning nature, academic prospects, and rich history, Norway beckons as an enticing destination. For inquiries or interest in the program, kindly reach out to the McCombs International Programs Office.