Center for International and Cultural Education

Exchange Model:
Note that this is an exchange program. In the exchange model, participating Gustavus students enroll directly in courses offered by a partner college or university located abroad or elsewhere in the US. In these programs, there is less direct support for participating students when compared to programs run by Gustavus or by partner organizations with US staff members and offices. The model requires some extra effort on the student's part, to navigate an unfamiliar institution and its systems, but the rewards are demonstrably greater (research shows this), as students who complete such programs experience the most immersive form of study away.


Mora folkhögskola

Mora People's College is situated on the shores of the beautiful Lake Siljan, where the deeply rooted culture and traditions of Dalarna create a stimulating atmosphere for learning. The surrounding wooded, hilly landscape provides numerous opportunities for various outdoor activities.

Learning and discussing with people of all ages and backgrounds encourages personal development in each student, as well as increases awareness and security to meet the world's fast changes. The school's policy emphasizes personal responsibility for the environment and for society as a whole.

The campus houses 45 students and offers an alcohol-free environment. The school is wheelchair-friendly with the exception of certain studios for arts and the textile courses. Mora People's College is headed by the regional government in Dalarna.

Two years of college level Swedish language study is required. Please see the Mora Website for complete details:  http://web.mora.fhsk.se/english.asp

Disciplines offered include: Arts, crafts, woodworking, textiles, media studies, psychology, history, philosophy, skiing, English, Swedish, religion.

Mora Folkhögskola Exchange Program with Gustavus

 

The Town and School

Mora is a town of about 20,000 people. Located in a relatively rural area in the middle of Sweden, it is well connected by train to larger cities and airports. Mora has long been an important area to Sweden, and it was here in 1520 that King Gustav Vasa convinced men to fight the Danes. Mora is also the finish line for the world-famous "Vasa" ski race (Vasaloppet) which commemorates this event.

Each Swedish folk school has its own particular strengths. Mora is at the center of a rich folk culture in music and the arts, including folk fiddling, loom weaving, birch bark weaving, ceramics, painting, carpentry, and even blacksmithing. The rich outdoor life around Mora offers study of ecology and conservation.

Though there are students from countries as diverse as Poland, Japan, Iraq, and Togo, most of the student body is Swedish. Students range in age from 18 to 60, though half are typical university age. The small student community (about 150 students) shares responsibility for decisions regarding curricular and social activities. Two major vacation periods of ten days each during the semester provide time for further travel around Europe.

There are two area orchestras as well as choirs which welcome visitors with skills to contribute. They also provide an opportunity for improving language skills and learning about Swedish culture.

Academics

Full-time enrollment at Mora requires 27 minimum hours, which is roughly equivalent to 4 Gustavus credits, and will transfer as such. The Mora Folkhögskola May Term fulfills a Gustavus January Interim requirement.

Students are encouraged to combine classroom work with an activity in one of the handcraft programs. Academic courses offered include Swedish, science, math, English, environmental studies, and history.

All course work at Mora is done in Swedish and at least three semesters of Swedish are required before enrolling in the program. Higher-level Swedish language classes are offered to continue the formal study of the language.

Accommodation

Students are housed on campus in one of two accommodation options: single room with a bathroom shared by seven people on one floor, or a single room with a bathroom shared by one other person.

Each house has a kitchen, living area, and a cost-free laundry room.

Students receive meals in a common dining room during the week, and weekends are self-catering.
Application & Deadline

The Gustavus Adolphus College Application deadline is March 1st for the following academic year. Students may apply for fall or spring semester or the academic year. Application fee is $70. Students must first apply for Gustavus approval through StudioAbroad. After approval, students will work closely with the CICE Study Abroad Advisor on their Mora application.

Costs

The Gustavus program with Mora Folkhögskola is a tuition exchange; students pay tuition to Gustavus for the semester in Sweden, and receive tuition at Mora. Housing and food costs are paid in Sweden by the student. Students are responsible for their own transportation, visa costs and other personal expenses. Generally all financial aid applies, except student employment and certain scholarships that require participation on campus. A $250 deposit is due upon acceptance into the program.

Dates

Semester dates at Mora Folkhögskola correspond roughly to semester dates at Gustavus. Spring term begins in January, but students fulfill a January Interim requirement by taking a Mora May Term course.