Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE- A new student exchange in Norway will offer students in the University of Wisconsin-Platteville College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture the opportunity to expand their academic horizons while experiencing new cultures.

David Kopsell, assistant professor of ornamental horticulture and crop science; Sue Price, professor of animal science; Kris Wright, assistant professor of biology; and Susan Hansen, professor of business, traveled to the Norwegian University of Life Sciences in As, Norway, in mid June. There they met with faculty and students to learn about the university and set up the new one-on-one exchange program.

The University of Norwegian Life Sciences began in 1859 as the only Norwegian agricultural post-graduate college and still retains much of its original architecture. Set in a rural area with a population of approximately 2,600 students, the campus is similar to UWP in atmosphere and size, according to Kopsell. Because it is strong in research, students will have the benefit of being exposed to in-depth lab activities and seeing technological advancements in the life sciences. Business students have the opportunity to examine business issues in another culture, Hansen noted. Students will also enjoy the benefit of one third of the classes at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences being taught in English.

"The Norwegian University of Life Sciences offers a huge academic opportunity in basic science and cutting edge research," Kopsell said.

The courses and programs complement UWP's academics. A key advantage of the new exchange is that students from both universities will be able to take classes that their university may not offer. For example, ornamental horticulture students from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences who are strong in landscape planning and design can come to UWP and expand their knowledge of landscape management while UWP students who have strong management skills can gain design skills. Students from UWP can also explore subject matter that may complement their major such as aquaculture, agroecology, or ethology, the study of animal behavior.

In addition to the rich academic opportunities, students will experience a new cultures as they interact with Norwegian students and other international students. Approximately 10 percent of the student population at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences are from foreign countries. Students will live on campus in a six-bedroom suite with a living room, kitchen and bathroom that they will share with Norwegian and other international students. The Norwegian University of Life Sciences also holds an orientation for international students where they get to know other students, the campus and how to get around the area. For recreation, students can participate in many student organizations, enjoy local festivals, and visit museums and landmarks such as the Nobel Peace Prize Museum and the Viking Museum in Oslo, about 45 minutes away by train. The program is scheduled to start in the spring 2008 semester.

In addition to exchanges during the school year, students may also enjoy summer abroad opportunities in Norway. Brittany Schultz, a senior at UWP majoring in zoology, was the first UWP student to study abroad in Norway over the summer as part of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences' summer university. She spent three weeks there studying biology. Schultz and her class spent one of those weeks in a cabin studying brown trout and lake vegetation. The rest of the time was spent in lecture. According to Schultz, the professors are involved and up to date because they are required to do research. Schultz said she also enjoyed the small size and beauty of the campus.

"The similarities between UNB and UWP make it a comfortable fit, while the diverse international program at UNB gives students the opportunity to interact with other cultures," Wright commented.

Kopsell stated, "If students love UWP, they'll love Norway."

Anyone wanting more information about the Norway exchange program may contact Kopsell at (608) 342-1363 or kopselld@uwplatt.edu, Wright at (608) 342-1689, or wrightk@uwplatt.edu, or Hansen at (608) 342-1436 or hansens@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: David Kopsell, assistant professor of ornamental horticulture and crop science, (608) 342-1363, kopselld@uwplatt.edu Kris Wright, assistant professor of biology, (608) 342-1689,wrightk@uwplatt.edu Susan Hansen, professor of business, (608) 342-1436 or hansens@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu