Outdoor Leadership, Culture and Ecophilosophy Exchange programme
If you want to learn about and practice Norwegian outdoor life (or “friluftsliv”) this programme is meant for you. The main focus will be on hiking, canoeing and sailing. The study includes both day excursions and extended overnight trips on waterways, in the mountains and forests and at the coastline. You will also get a thorough introduction to the history and development of Norwegian outdoor life and have the opportunity to develop your own relationship with nature.
Study facts
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Campus: Bø -
Study level: Exchange programmes, bachelor level -
Progression of study: Full time -
Start up: Autumn 2026 -
Teaching model: Campus -
Semesters: 1 and 2 -
Teaching Language: English
Why study Outdoor Leadership, Culture and Ecophilosophy?
Through excursions into nature during the fall combined with theoretical lectures students will gain practical and theoretical knowledge needed in nature guiding, nature management and outdoor leadership. Students will go on extended excursions along waterways, forests and mountains and at the coastline.
What you will learn
The study programme consists of various courses making up a total of 30 ECTS each semester. During the course students will learn about the history and cultural tradition of Norwegian outdoor life and outdoor leadership. During the semester students will spend approximately 30 teaching days in nature with different activities in focus. The main topics are canoeing on lakes and rivers, hiking and orienteering, the use of old sailboats, cultural excursions and developing our understanding of the relationship between human, nature and culture. The study combines theory and practice through the whole programme. The practical teaching method is a mix of instruction and experiential learning. This will give the student theoretical knowledge as well as practical experience required for trip planning in accordance to the students ability and safety in different nature environments. After the semester students will have a better understanding of their own relation to nature and have competence to lead smaller groups on overnight trips into nature in the warm period of the year.
Why study at USN
University of Southeast Norway located with spectacular nature all around. The student environment is excellent and the small size of USN allows for a close contact between students and professors.
Further study opportunities
Students who would like to do a full year study can combine this one semester study programme with “Nordic Backcountry Skiing and Outdoor Life” which are available during the spring semester.