Snapshot
Dates
| Term | Application Deadline | Confirmation Deadline | Program Start | Program End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May Session 2027 | February 1, 2027 | February 14, 2027 | Tentative - May 10, 2027 | Tentative - May 30, 2027 |
About the Program
Program Overview
Study abroad in Scandinavia as we explore some of the world's most sustainable countries: Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. On this three-week immersion in Scandinavia, we will explore the sustainable cities of Stockholm, Copenhagen, Bergen, and Oslo. Stockholm is one of Europe’s most environmentally friendly cities and an international role model of global environmental and climate action. Copenhagen is one of the world's most sustainable and energy-efficient cities. Bergen is becoming a hub of sustainable businesses, tourism, and consumption practices, and Oslo strives to be among the world's greenest cities and a frontrunner in sustainable development. Additionally, explore Norway's iconic fjords on a day trip between Bergen and Oslo.
During your time in Scandinavia, you will gain an appreciation of each city’s sustainability initiatives, culture, people, and business practices. Compare and contrast Scandinavia's sustainability initiatives with those of the United States. Explore how consumers live, what they buy, what they eat, and what they do for fun. Learn and understand the sustainable business practices of local business owners as well as how business and city leaders market sustainability to their citizens. In addition, we will visit the cultural sites of each city, including palaces and museums, and enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking in Norway's fjords! In each city, we will take a local sustainability tour to understand how each city is sustainable.
Finally, we will visit a local university in each country to learn about how university students are learning about sustainability and what they are taught in the classroom. As we in America ask, “Why would I be sustainable?,” come to Scandinavia, where people ask, “Why wouldn’t I be sustainable?” See you there!
Program Highlights
- Immerse yourself in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark as you experience Scandinavia's cultures, cities, and sustainable lifestyles!
- Compare and contrast the sustainability of some of the most sustainable countries with the United States
- Become a consumer of Scandinavia, exploring how consumers compare and contrast to Americans
- Engage with local, sustainable businesses, universities, and city leaders, as you learn about how Scandinavians live and work in a sustainable city
- Increase your appreciation of the sustainable impact of cultural, geographical, and societal diversity of Scandinavia
- Tour some of the cultural highlights in Stockholm, Oslo, Bergen, and Copenhagen:
- Stockholm: Old Town, Stockholm Cathedral, Vasa Museum, Nobel Prize Museum, and Drottningholm Palace
- Oslo: Cultural icons of the Viking Ship Museum, Royal Palace, Vigeland Museum, and Fram Museum
- Bergen: Kayak the breathtaking fjords, explore the iconic wooden houses, and eat their local food, reindeer
- Copenhagen: Tivoli Gardens, Christianborg Palace, Nyhavn, and The Little Mermaid
Academics
Prerequisites
- Minimum 2.6 GPA
- Students may participate in study abroad anytime after freshman year (or completing 24 college credits post-completion of high school). Note: students may apply to a program during freshman year but must have completed freshman year in good standing to participate in the program.
- LSBE candidate or minimum of 60 credits from other colleges with instructor consent
Sustainability in Scandinavia (ILSA 4241/5241), 3 credits
This course provides an overview of sustainable business practices, consumer decision-making, and cultural immersion in the Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. This course is intended for students who want to be immersed in daily life, cultural traditions, and the sustainable lifestyles of people who call Scandinavia home. Through visiting local, sustainable businesses, universities, and cultural sites, students will explore how Scandinavian business, culture, and society differ from those in the United States. Students will understand how businesses and cities market sustainability to their citizens. Throughout their study abroad experience, students will extensively document their travels to complete a presentation debrief at the end of their study abroad experience. Upon arrival home, students will submit a reflection and recommendation project comparing and contrasting the sustainability of Scandinavia vs. the United States.
This course is approved to count for:
- Upper-division elective for all LSBE students
- Liberal Education: Sustainability Category
- Liberal Education: Global Perspectives Category
Cost Information
Use this cost estimate to help calculate expenses and budget for your study abroad program. This includes all program fees billed to your UMD student account and necessary out-of-pocket expenses. Please note that cost estimates and fees may change depending on international economic factors. We will post final fees once enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined in order to provide the most accurate pricing. We strive to post final fees by October 1 for Winter and Spring programs, March 1 for May/Summer programs, and May 1 for Fall and Academic Year programs. This cost does not include the $50 application fee.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Scholarships are available!
- Financial aid applies! Share the cost estimate with One Stop Student Services to understand how your financial aid can contribute to your study abroad program.
- Note: Credits taken on study abroad programs cannot be used toward the Bulldog Bundle.
Travel Documents
Get a passport right on campus! Processing times vary, but it can take several weeks to a few months to receive one. If you already have a passport, make sure its expiration date goes at least 6 months beyond the end date of your program so it's valid the entire time you're abroad.
Contact
Program Instructors
Matthew Lunde, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the Labovitz School of Business & Economics. As an avid traveler of over 80 countries on 18 international trips, including participating in two study abroad programs as a student, Dr. Lunde has traveled to the countries of Scandinavia numerous times. He researches sustainability, sustainable marketing, and green consumption and has taught numerous sustainability classes. He holds multiple degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. levels, all related to sustainable business practices, green marketing, and sustainable architecture
UMD Labovitz School of Business & Economics
Dept. of Marketing
LSBE 335C
218-726-7272
[email protected]
Study Abroad Instructor-Led Program Coordinator
Apply
Before you click on the "Start my application" button below, make sure you know how to identify the correct program by searching for the:
- Program Name: UMD - Instructor-Led: Sustainability in Scandinavia - May Session;
and the - Term (e.g. May Session 2027)
A $50 non-refundable application fee will be billed to your One Stop account upon submission of an application.
After you apply
- After approximately 20 minutes, you will see checklist items for you to complete.
- All application checklist items need to be submitted by the application deadline which is noted near the top of the page.
- Your UMD Program Contact will review your application materials.
- You must complete the Confirmation of Participation form to confirm your participation.
- Once we receive your confirmation, your UMD account will be billed a confirmation deposit.
If you decide you cannot participate, you must log in to the online application system and submit the "Cancellation Request form."
Program health and safety information
is available at GO SAFE.
