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High school youth summit focused on public health, climate change, and equity

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Campus-based climate change program for grades 9–12

Norway

Nordic Cultures & Arctic Exploration

June 25 — July 12
July 12 — July 29

Norway

Nordic Cultures & Arctic Exploration

June 25 — July 12
July 12 — July 29

Venture to Norway this summer to experience its stunning fjords and soaring peaks, and immerse yourself in the country’s culture and traditions. Norwegians have a storied history of connecting with the natural world and their kinship with the Earth is infused into many aspects of daily life. Forge your own relationship with the region as you hike, kayak, and adventure through spectacular landscapes and experience age-old traditions that live on today. From fishing hamlets to bustling old-world cities, discover how the people of Norway, including the Indigenous Sámi people, are preserving their rich cultural legacy for future generations.

• Embrace friluftsliv, or “open-air life,” while hiking in Jotunheimen National Park
• Photograph Norway’s world-famous fjords while kayaking beneath towering cliffs
• Venture above the Arctic Circle to the tiny fishing hamlets of the Lofoten islands
• Step aboard restored Viking longships and listen to centuries-old Viking lore
“I learned so much about the culture, saw incredible landscapes, and made lifelong friendships. I enjoyed every activity we did and truly have not laughed or been more happy in my life.”
—Piper C., Bellingham High School, Bellingham, WA

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Departure — Travel Day

Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your leaders in New York, and fly together to Oslo, Norway. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Jotunheimen National Park — 4 days

Arrive in the Norwegian capital of Oslo and journey to a remote mountain lodge on Gjende Lake in the heart of Jotunheimen National Park—named “home of the Giants,” referencing both Norse mythology and the towering peaks. Take part in an in-depth group orientation to get to know your peers and leaders, then set out on daily hikes with your group to explore the Norwegian mountains, home to glaciers and turquoise lakes framed by steep peaks. Practice landscape photography and embrace friluftsliv, “open air life,” in this spectacular wilderness.

Oslo — 3 days

Return to Oslo and set out to explore the city by bike, stopping at the Nobel Peace Center and the incredible Vigeland sculpture park. Experience Nordic sauna culture at a floating sauna in Oslo harbor, then plunge into the refreshing waters of the Oslofjord. Glimpse the country’s seafaring legacy at the Akershus Fortress and the Bygdøy peninsula, getting an inside look at Viking longships. Then head to the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History to learn about daily life for Indigenous Sámi reindeer herders. Hike through Nordmarka forest, then visit an urban farm to see how locals are balancing green living with Oslo’s increasing population density.

Lofoten Islands — 5 days

Soar above the Arctic Circle to the magical Lofoten islands, where mountains rise straight from the sea and colorful villages dot rocky shorelines. Settle into a remote fishing hamlet and immerse yourself in the local culture. Discuss the benefits of traditional fishing methods with residents, and learn about the controversies surrounding fish factories. Hop into a kayak to explore the Norwegian Sea’s fascinating marine life; hike or bike along the shorelines in search of sea eagles and puffins; and use your camera to capture the swirling seas off the coast of Å, a village of stilted red houses. Listen to Viking lore under a midnight sun that never sets in the summer.

Bergen — 4 days

Fly to Bergen, the gateway to Norway’s famed fjord lands and one of the largest trading ports in northern Europe during the Middle Ages. Stay near the city’s old wharf district, Bryggen, and visit the fish market—a gathering spot for merchants since the 13th century. Explore the winding streets on a citywide scavenger hunt, and hike in the Seven Sisters mountain chain to photograph panoramas of the North Sea. Present independent projects and reflect on your adventures with new friends over a celebratory Norwegian meal.

Return — Travel Day

Fly from Bergen, Norway, to New York with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Departure — Travel Day

Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your leaders in New York, and fly together to Oslo, Norway. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Jotunheimen National Park — 4 days

Arrive in the Norwegian capital of Oslo and journey to a remote mountain lodge on Gjende Lake in the heart of Jotunheimen National Park—named “home of the Giants,” referencing both Norse mythology and the towering peaks. Take part in an in-depth group orientation to get to know your peers and leaders, then set out on daily hikes with your group to explore the Norwegian mountains, home to glaciers and turquoise lakes framed by steep peaks. Practice landscape photography and embrace friluftsliv, “open air life,” in this spectacular wilderness.

Oslo — 3 days

Return to Oslo and set out to explore the city by bike, stopping at the Nobel Peace Center and the incredible Vigeland sculpture park. Experience Nordic sauna culture at a floating sauna in Oslo harbor, then plunge into the refreshing waters of the Oslofjord. Glimpse the country’s seafaring legacy at the Akershus Fortress and the Bygdøy peninsula, getting an inside look at Viking longships. Then head to the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History to learn about daily life for Indigenous Sámi reindeer herders. Hike through Nordmarka forest, then visit an urban farm to see how locals are balancing green living with Oslo’s increasing population density.

Lofoten Islands — 5 days

Soar above the Arctic Circle to the magical Lofoten islands, where mountains rise straight from the sea and colorful villages dot rocky shorelines. Settle into a remote fishing hamlet and immerse yourself in the local culture. Discuss the benefits of traditional fishing methods with residents, and learn about the controversies surrounding fish factories. Hop into a kayak to explore the Norwegian Sea’s fascinating marine life; hike or bike along the shorelines in search of sea eagles and puffins; and use your camera to capture the swirling seas off the coast of Å, a village of stilted red houses. Listen to Viking lore under a midnight sun that never sets in the summer.

Bergen — 4 days

Fly to Bergen, the gateway to Norway’s famed fjord lands and one of the largest trading ports in northern Europe during the Middle Ages. Stay near the city’s old wharf district, Bryggen, and visit the fish market—a gathering spot for merchants since the 13th century. Explore the winding streets on a citywide scavenger hunt, and hike in the Seven Sisters mountain chain to photograph panoramas of the North Sea. Present independent projects and reflect on your adventures with new friends over a celebratory Norwegian meal.

Return — Travel Day

Fly from Bergen, Norway, to New York with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Featured

Leaders

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program. 

Britt Basel
Britt Basel
View Bio
CropXFARA NGXNORA Mitchell Sallis 2
Mitchell Sallis
View Bio
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Featured

Leaders

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program. 

Britt Basel
Britt Basel
View Bio
CropXFARA NGXNORA Mitchell Sallis 2
Mitchell Sallis
View Bio
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About the Destination

Norway is defined by its fjords, the jagged inlets of the sea where the rugged mountain plateau falls dramatically into the ocean. Access to nature and the idea of friluftsliv (living in the open air) are central to Norwegian culture. The Indigenous Sámi people, largely based in northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, are the oldest culture in Norway. Reindeer herding, a strong part of Sámi culture and ancestry, is a practice legally protected as an exclusive Sámi livelihood in Norway. While Oslo is by far the largest city, rural communities and ways of life are valued and supported.

Language

Norway is home to two official languages: Norwegian and Sámi. English is widely spoken in Norway.

Climate

Summer in Norway is typically warm and clear, with daytime temperatures in the cities in the 60s and 70s°F/15-25° C. The mountains and coast see lower temperatures and can have fast-changing weather, and rain is always a possibility.

Cuisine

Norway has one of the longest coastlines in the world, so it’s no surprise that seafood is a big part of the cuisine here; however, the food scene goes much further, with excellent restaurants in the cities, and hearty hiking food at mountain huts. Local specialties include lefse (a delicious sweet flatbread), pickled herring, and lapskaus (beef stew). Prepare to learn the art of the smørrebrød, the open-faced sandwich, the key component of any Scandinavian lunchtime.

About the Destination

Norway is defined by its fjords, the jagged inlets of the sea where the rugged mountain plateau falls dramatically into the ocean. Access to nature and the idea of friluftsliv (living in the open air) are central to Norwegian culture. The Indigenous Sámi people, largely based in northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, are the oldest culture in Norway. Reindeer herding, a strong part of Sámi culture and ancestry, is a practice legally protected as an exclusive Sámi livelihood in Norway. While Oslo is by far the largest city, rural communities and ways of life are valued and supported.

Language

Norway is home to two official languages: Norwegian and Sámi. English is widely spoken in Norway.

Climate

Summer in Norway is typically warm and clear, with daytime temperatures in the cities in the 60s and 70s°F/15-25° C. The mountains and coast see lower temperatures and can have fast-changing weather, and rain is always a possibility.

Cuisine

Norway has one of the longest coastlines in the world, so it’s no surprise that seafood is a big part of the cuisine here; however, the food scene goes much further, with excellent restaurants in the cities, and hearty hiking food at mountain huts. Local specialties include lefse (a delicious sweet flatbread), pickled herring, and lapskaus (beef stew). Prepare to learn the art of the smørrebrød, the open-faced sandwich, the key component of any Scandinavian lunchtime.

What to Expect

Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:

Independent Project

Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—become an expert on Norwegian folk music, prepare a photo album of your top landscape shots, or share a legend from Norse mythology with the group.

Physical Activity

This is an outdoor-focused, active summer travel program. We are outside much of each day. It is important that you have a desire to be active, and that you are interested in trying all activities, including hiking and kayaking.

Accommodations

We stay in hotels, mountain huts, and converted fisherman's cabins called rorbu. Students can expect to be in doubles of triples at all stops besides the mountain hut, which is dorm-style.

Meals

We eat breakfast and many lunches at our accommodations, with matpakke (packed lunches) being a common and delicious lunch option. Dinners are a mix of eating out at restaurants and going picnic-style.

What to Expect

Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:

Independent Project

Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—become an expert on Norwegian folk music, prepare a photo album of your top landscape shots, or share a legend from Norse mythology with the group.

Physical Activity

This is an outdoor-focused, active summer travel program. We are outside much of each day. It is important that you have a desire to be active, and that you are interested in trying all activities, including hiking and kayaking.

Accommodations

We stay in hotels, mountain huts, and converted fisherman's cabins called rorbu. Students can expect to be in doubles of triples at all stops besides the mountain hut, which is dorm-style.

Meals

We eat breakfast and many lunches at our accommodations, with matpakke (packed lunches) being a common and delicious lunch option. Dinners are a mix of eating out at restaurants and going picnic-style.

A Day in the Life: Oslo

Due to the traveling nature of this student program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Oslo.
8:00am
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
10:00am
Walk past the royal palace to the harborfront
11:00am
Complete a scavenger hunt of local sights and sounds
12:30pm
Lay out a picnic lunch on the roof of the Opera House, overlooking the harbor
1:30pm
Ride the city’s electric tram to the Oslomarka forest for a guided walk
5:00pm
Spend time journaling, downloading images from the day, and working on projects
6:30pm
Sit down for dinner at a traditional restaurant
8:00pm
Swim and soak at a floating sauna in the Oslofjord
10:00pm
Group meeting to discuss the day and upcoming schedule

A Day in the Life:
Oslo

Due to the traveling nature of this student program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Oslo.
8:00am
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
10:00am
Walk past the royal palace to the harborfront
11:00am
Complete a scavenger hunt of local sights and sounds
12:30pm
Lay out a picnic lunch on the roof of the Opera House, overlooking the harbor
1:30pm
Ride the city’s electric tram to the Oslomarka forest for a guided walk
5:00pm
Spend time journaling, downloading images from the day, and working on projects
6:30pm
Sit down for dinner at a traditional restaurant
8:00pm
Swim and soak at a floating sauna in the Oslofjord
10:00pm
Group meeting to discuss the day and upcoming schedule
“This trip was LIFE CHANGING. I’ve learned so much and made so many memories!”
—Jack B., Carmel High School, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
smorb_leader-group_juliana_gutierrez_gregorio_rojas-scaled-e1668706440727

Program Directed by

Juliana Gutierrez & Gregorio Rojas

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

smorb_leader-group_juliana_gutierrez_gregorio_rojas-scaled-e1668706440727

Program Directed by

Juliana Gutierrez & Gregorio Rojas

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

Enroll in two programs & save $1,000!

$800 tuition discount + no application fee