Undergraduate Programs

Study Abroad

Chicago to Jönköping: North Park University’s Oldest Exchange Program

North Park has a strong commitment to study abroad programs in Scandinavia. The Group Exchange Program with Södra Vätterbygdens Folkhögskola (SVF) in Jönköping, Sweden, is North Park’s oldest exchange program, running continuously for over 40 years. Each fall semester, approximately 15 North Park students study at SVF together with a cohort of 15 Swedish students. In the spring semester, all 30 students return to Chicago to continue studies at North Park University (students do not follow a set curriculum during the spring semester and are free to enroll in any courses).

This program is ideal for sophomore and transfer students, or those wishing to complete various General Education courses abroad. During the fall semester, North Park students will take the following four courses at SVF:

  • Swedish Language (SWED 1010/1020/2010/2020/3150): students do not need to have any experience or background in Swedish language in order to participate in this study abroad program. You will be placed in a beginning or more advanced course depending on your level. This course counts as the GE Language requirement, and also towards the Scandinavian Studies major/minor.
  • Scandinavian History and Culture (SCAN 2130): this course counts as the GE Culture & Society requirement, and also towards the Scandinavian Studies major/minor.
  • World Religions (BTS 2700): this course counts as the GE Christian Life & Thought requirement.
  • Urban Cities (CORE 3000): this course includes trip within Sweden and to nearby European countries. Counts towards the GE Keystone Seminar requirement.

Program costs (for 2018 Fall semester): students pay North Park University tuition, housing and food (double room and 15 meal-plan). Additionally costs include: a $1500 Swedish Studies Fee that covers excursions around Sweden/Europe, a plane ticket (approximately $750-1000 round trip), and about $500 for visa fees and insurance coverage. All NPU, State & Federal Financial aid apply.

NPU Semester Exchanges

North Park students can also take advantage of other academic programs in Scandinavia with which the University has structured exchange programs, including:

Aarhus, Denmark: Aarhus University Courses are available in English for a variety of majors/minors. *Note: this program is only offered during the Spring semester.

Tampere, Finland: University of Tampere Courses are available in English for a variety of majors/minors. *Note: students are required to travel to Washington, D.C. and obtain a student visa for this program.

Bergen, Norway: University of Bergen Courses are available in English for a variety of majors/minors.

Jönköping, Sweden: Jönköping International Business School All courses taught in English. *Note: this program only offers courses for majors/minors in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management.

Jönköping, Sweden: Jönköping University School of Communication and Education All courses taught in English. *Note: this program is best for Communication Studies majors/minors and Conflict Transformation Studies majors/minors.

International Student Exchange Programs

North Park is a member of the International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP) consortium, a worldwide network for international education, consisting of more than 300 member colleges and universities in the United States and more than 50 other countries. Students interested in Scandinavian language and culture study may benefit from semester- or year-long programs in Denmark, Finland, or Sweden.

For more information about any of the above programs, please contact the Office of International Affairs by email, phone (773-244-5553), or visit us in the Center for Student Engagement (Johnson Center, 1st Floor).