Norway has a long tradition of using the outdoors and nature as part of the curriculum in kindergarten and primary school, and there is a continuous focus on maintaining and developing this tradition. International Week in Stavanger offers an introduction to this approach to incoming one-week guest students from the Comenius network.
Structure and preliminary programme April 13th - 17th 2026
Comenius International Week will offer a brief introduction to the educational system in Norway, you will participate in outdoor teaching activities and visit various sites that practice outdoor education. Most of the programme is outdoors. Clothing and shoes suitable for the season and local climate is necessary. The working language is English.
Programme
Monday
09.15-10.00
Campus Ullandhaug; (location to be confirmed)
Welcome greeting from Head of Early Childhood Education Department, Anita Berge.
Introduction to the week's programme by International Coordinator; Mariella Annika Asikanius.
Practical information and presentation of your options for kindergarten visits on Thursday by Student Coordinator; Madli Dagestad.
10.15-14.00
(location to be confirmed)
Workshop on Outdoor Education and Risky play.
17.00-20.00
Campus Ullandhaug
International evening.
Dinner and entertainment.
Tuesday
09.00-14.00
Fieldtrip.
More information will be provided in the welcome letter.
Wednesday
08.30-14.00
Campus Ullandhaug. Meeting point; in front of Hagbart Line house/HL
Outdoor education activities. An introduction to practical aspects of outdoor education. This takes place in Sørmarka (next to Botanical Garden). Be sure to dress for outdoor activities.
Thursday
Choose between two options:
- Kindergarten visit – for one-week guests only (Register with student coordinator, and check time and place for appointment).
- Workshop, campus, 09.00-14.00. workshop related to Natural sciences and outdoor education. This is a combination of in/outdoor activities, dress for outdoor activities.
Friday
08.15-11.30
Campus Ullandhaug (location to be confirmed)
Discussions and reflections related to Implementation of outdoor education.
Lunch is included.
12.00-14.00
Iron Age Farm (outdoor museum)/Jernaldergården
We end the week's programme with a visit to Jernaldergården, an outdoor museum built on the ruins of an original settlement from the Iron age (5 minutes’ walk from Campus Ullandhaug, University of Stavanger). Students will be divided in groups and alternate between receiving participant certificates and taking part in guided tours. International Week is adjourned at approx. 14.00 hrs.
General information regarding the week
Food will be served on some occasions:
- Monday evening; dinner is included
- Tuesday; lunch is included
- Friday; lunch is included
We regret that we do not have the resources to provide for special needs; however, you will find several canteens on campus with a selection of choices.
Read up on Norway!
Comparative Educational Studies is a spring semester course offered to international students. The target group is kindergarten and primary school teachers. The main focus is working with children 1-10 years old. The course consists of several modules and also Comenius International Week, as well as internships in school or kindergarten.
Contact information
Institutt for barnehagelærerutdanning
Fakultetsadministrasjonen UH
Administrasjon IBU