ROOTS
A unique program tailored for North-American students who want to explore their Norwegian roots.
Experience Norway’s stunning landscapes through travel and outdoor adventures—from the fjords of Lofoten to the forests of Telemark. You’ll hike, boat, camp, and explore snow-covered trails while learning about sustainability and the deep connection Norwegians have with nature.
In this program, you’ll get help uncovering your personal history. You’ll learn how to use digital archives, church records, and genealogy databases, and receive guidance on how to find out where in Norway your family came from. You might even get to visit the village your ancestors lived in—and meet relatives you didn’t know you had.
You’ll learn Norwegian, with a focus on practical communication and cultural understanding. The goal is for you to understand and express yourself in Norwegian by the end of the year.
Over the course of a year, you’ll have the opportunity to live and learn in Norway, together with eighty other Norwegian students at the school.
Gain insight into Norway’s rich history—from the Viking Age to modern society. Special focus is placed on the emigration period, when millions of Norwegians moved to America. Learn how political and cultural developments shaped the nation—and how your own heritage fits into this story.
This journey offers a meaningful connection to Norway’s land, people, and your personal roots.
Our school is located in Stavern. Stavern town is known for its friendly atmosphere, numerous art galleries and a beautiful coastline. Stavern is small enough to be charming, and big enough to host several restaurants and facilities for Golf, Tennis, Gymnastics, Discgolf, Climbing, Concerts. Our school have all the gear needed for kayaking, surfing and diving. Our class will be based on all of these possibilities.
At our very own campus you will find a gym, a sports hall, arts and crafts rooms, social rooms and a modern kitchen – all of the above available for our student in their free time.
Subject plan
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Discover your roots through searching in different databases in Norway
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Genealogy database
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Norwegian culture and history
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Norwegian Handcrafts
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Norwegian activities: skiing, kayaking, hiking etc
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We can also give help in the Norwegian language
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Several day trips to different cities
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Several electives through the year
At our very own campus you will find a gym, a sports hall, arts and crafts rooms, social rooms and a modern kitchen – all of the above available for our student in their free time.
Studytrip
Tromsø, Alta & Lofoten
We are heading north to explore Norway’s Arctic wonders. In Tromsø we will experience the vibrant city life under the northern lights. In Alta, we will dive into Sami culture and history, and witness the raw beauty of the Finnmark plateau. Then, journey to Lofoten – a breathtaking archipelago known for its dramatic peaks, fishing villages, and crystal-clear waters. This trip combines nature, culture, and adventure in a way that truly touches the soul.
The French Riviera
The whole school travels together to the French Riviera by bus! During the course of a week we get to experience Nice and Cannes with exciting stories and culture. We explore the old town of Nice, visit markets and stroll along the harbors among luxury yachts. There will be swimming, photo walks, street art and coastal paths. A social and memorable trip with community, experiences and the magic of the Mediterranean.
Nice is known for its beautiful seafront promenade, the charming streets of the old town and the lively market on Cours Saleya. Here you can enjoy local food and visit art museums.
Cannes is known for the film festival, luxury shops and sandy beaches. Here you can stroll along the Croisette, visit the old town of Le Suquet or take a boat trip to the Îles de Lérins.
(if visa is needed for the trip to France, this is a cost you must pay your self)
Genreal information
Cost and student visa
The school year cost NOK 154 600.
Stavern Folk High School is a boarding school, and all cost concerning housing and food during the school year is included in the payment. The amount covers stay in a double room.
You will have to pay for the school year in whole before you apply for the student visa.
Citizens of USA, Canada and Mexico must apply for a student visa through UDI - The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration. More information will be given through the application process.
You must arrange all necessary papers and permits for your stay in Norway yourself.
If schooling is interrupted after the school starts, you must pay subsistence allowance for 6 weeks beyond the time you have been a student. This rule applies to all Folk High Schools in Norway.
Rooms and facilities
In addition to your program teaching, the school has many specialized classrooms, and several of these are also available to students during their free time. In addition, much of the teaching takes place outdoors, where we have spectacular training conditions.
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Student Kitchen
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Gymnasium
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Climbing Wall
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Gym
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Woodworking Workshop
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Combat Areas
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Auditorium
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Beach Volleyball
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Gaming Room
Electives
We are especially proud of our elective course system.
Here, you have a wide range of choices and can combine both small and large subjects in addition to your main study program. The electives range from half-day sessions to full-day sessions, giving you the opportunity to delve deeper into several subjects throughout the school year.
In the autumn, we also have an elective course week, where students can either go on a trip abroad or take an elective course at the school.