Russian Students in Norway – Facts and Figures

Abstract

The number of Russian students in Norway has increased substantially since the turn of the millennium. This chapter addresses different aspects of being a Russian student in Norway; motivation for studying abroad, assessment of educational quality, challenges related to studying in Norway, and future career plans. The factors students rate as most influential regarding choice of Norway as a study destination are absence of tuition fees, improving career possibilities in Norway, a peaceful and safe society, technologically advanced society, and English-taught programmes. This illustrate that academic as well as non-academic and more pragmatic reasons are important. Exchange students strongly emphasise the importance of institutional exchange agreements, which illustrates that decisions on where to study depends upon the opportunity structure. Russian students have a more positive assessment of the teaching, feedback and learning environment than other international students, however, getting to know Norwegians and dealing with the high cost of living is more difficult than expected. Interaction with Norwegians is limited, but this is also a challenge for students of other nationalities. The majority of Russian students are interested in remaining in Norway upon graduation. Russian exchange students are clearly more interested in this than other international students.