Familiarise yourself with potential host countries before applying for exchange.
When planning an exchange, there are several factors you need to consider that may be relevant to you and your individual situation. Here are some key points you should look at before applying for exchange through the University of Stavanger (UiS).
Personal considerations
There may be personal considerations you should take into account when looking at possible countries for an exchange. These might relate to minority background, ethnicity and religion, gender, sexual orientation and identity, language and culture, climate, safety, disability, healthcare, medications, and similar factors.
It's important to research the countries you are interested in beforehand and assess whether there are factors relevant to your individual situation. This way, you can make informed decisions and be better prepared for your exchange.
Here are some external links that may be useful:
- Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Travel information for various countries
- Equaldex: Index of LGBTQ+ rights in different countries
Personal finances
It is crucial to understand the cost of living in the countries you are considering. Please remember that there can be significant variations between different cities within the same country, and you should investigate typical living costs for students, especially focusing on housing, groceries, transport, activities, and similar expenses. These are costs you will incur in addition to travel expenses and any potential tuition fees at the host institution.
Read more about finances during your exchange.
Academic freedom, activism, and security
As a student from Norway, it can be a significant transition to study in a country where there might not be as much academic freedom. This could mean that certain topics or viewpoints are not accepted or open for discussion. You can explore various countries through the Academic Freedom Index.
If you experience direct or indirect pressure on your academic freedom of expression or recruitment attempts related to intelligence activities, you should report this through UiS's notification portal Let us know. Here you can report things that have happened in your classes, during placements, or in your free time as long as it affects your learning environment.
You should also be aware that in several countries, as an exchange student, you may not be allowed to participate in political demonstrations or similar activities. This can result in visa cancellation and deportation, and it's important that you are familiar with the laws regarding this.
Visa
You must check whether you need a visa. This usually depends on your citizenship. Find out what type of visa you need and what affects this (e.g., studies or placement, and the duration of your stay). Remember to check your passport's expiry date and any validity requirements after returning home.
Contact the relevant embassy or consulate for questions about the visa and the application process. If you have already been nominated to a host institution, you can also contact them for any documents needed for the visa application.
Vaccines
Stay updated on which vaccinations are required or recommended for the country you are traveling to. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has useful information on infection prevention advice for travel. Start vaccinations well in advance of departure for the best possible protection.
If you are going on a placement, there may be specific vaccine requirements. Please contact your faculty/department and the host institution for information on any vaccine requirements for the placement period.
Always check the documentation requirements in advance if you are traveling with medication.
