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Norway: Education, Weather & Stay in Norway |
Introduction
The Kingdom of Norway is a part of the Nordic Group of Countries and is located on the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The country shares its borders with Sweden, Finland and Russia. The Arctic Island territories of Svalbard and Jan Mayen are also a part of the Kingdom of Norway. The Norwegian landscape is fairly uneven and mountainous. The country has a vast coastline of about 83,000 kilometers. The northern part of the country, which is close to the Arctic Circle, is also called the Land of the Midnight Sun. Norway is a Constitutional Monarchy with Parliamentary form of government. One of the most striking features of the country is that it ranks first in the Human Development Index and a per capita GDP that is second in the world. Norway has a mixed economy i.e. there is both free market activity as well as government intervention.
Archaeological findings have suggested that there was human settlement in the country about 12000 years ago. They probably came from southern parts, that is northern Germany and traveled further before settling along the coastline.
Climatic Conditions in Norway
The Gulf Stream has influenced the country’s climate to a great extent. Although the country has a northerly position, it has a mild climate. Along the coat, the climate is fairly temperate. The inland climate is more severe. Sub arctic conditions are found towards the north of the country. The important agricultural areas receive an annual rainfall between 500 and 1000 mm. Rainfall mostly happens in July and August.
Climatic conditions in Norway differ widely from the rest of Scandinavia. High mountain ranges protect the inland eastern areas from precipitation. Some of these areas have an annual rainfall of 300 mm.
Education Scenario in Norway
Both public and private institutions in the country provide higher education. Higher education starts after three years of secondary education. The government in the country has initiated a major national education reform, with the objective of improving the education system in the country. The aim is also to strengthen the basic competencies of students in the country. Higher education in the country is immediately after the secondary school and can be broadly classified into Universities, University Colleges, and private schools. The universities have their main focus on theoretical subjects (arts, humanities, natural science, music etc). The universities provide bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctoral degrees. There are a number of professional courses as well like law, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and psychology. However, these courses are run separately and have little to do with the universities.
The university colleges present in the country provide bachelor’s degrees besides, engineering degrees and professional education like teaching and nursing. Private Institutions present in the country have specialization in subjects like business economics, marketing, and MBA.
Public education in the country up to the university level is free as there are no tuition fees charged.
The educational policy in the country follows the principle of equal rights. The emphasis is on education to all members of the society irrespective of their social and cultural backgrounds. In fact, the educational institutions in the country are required to promote social mobility and facilitate wealth creation and welfare of all.
Staying options in Norway
Most students who visit the country for higher studies find it very expensive. However, accommodation like halls of residences, apartments, and independent accommodation are available on a sharing basis that brings down the living expenses substantially. Students can share the halls of residence facilities with international students or Norwegian students. Hostels are also good accommodation alternative as they are safe, affordable, and comfortable. Flat share accommodations are also available for students.
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