Gustavus Exchange with Linnaeus University
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.
Special Note:
No prior Swedish language study is required, but students with sufficient language skills may take University courses taught in Swedish.
Linnaeus University has two campuses, one in Växjö and one in Kalmar University. Gustavus students will have the option of studying at either campus of Linnaeus University. Each campus has an International Relations Office that provides a basic orientation for arriving international students.
The University and the Cities
Linnaeus University is a modern, international university in the Småland region of Sweden. The University serves 34,000 students, making it one of the larger universities in Sweden. Students will have the option of studying in either Kalmar or Växjö.
Linnaeus University is well known for its international profile. The faculty and student body represent over 30 countries throughout the world, and the University itself participates in a number of exchanges. These exchanges have also resulted in a well-developed support system for international students. Approximately 1000 international students study a Linnaeus each year as part of the exchange program.
Växjö is a modern city, which attracts high-tech industries and has a well-developed infrastructure. Traditional crafts still operate successfully in the city, including a world-renowned crystal industry. The campus is a great mix of the old and new. It boasts its own castle, Teleborgs Castle, but many of the buildings are newly renovated. The campus also has cafes, pubs, and a discotheque. There are nearly 40 student organizations, and the Student Union is always organizing activities for students.
Kalmar is situated on the beautiful southeast coast of Sweden. Despite Kalmar being a modern city with about 60,000 inhabitants, the city has managed to keep its old charm. Old buildings have been preserved and the new ones have been adapted to fit into the old environment. The University is no exception. It is situated in old buildings of great social and historical interest as well as in modern, specially adapted buildings, blending the old and the modern, just like the city of Kalmar.
Academics
All academic departments at Linnaeus offer courses in English. No previous study in Swedish is required though with the proper language background, a Gustavus student is welcome to take courses in Swedish. A full-time semester is a 30 point course load. Linnaeus offers 30-point programs or the student may combine courses to total 30 points. Linnaeus is on a "block" type schedule, in which students take one class at a time, and the exams (in some 30-point course modules) are combined at the end of the semester for a cumulative program grade rather than several different grades.
A Swedish language course is required while studying at Linnaeus. A 30-point credit load is equivalent to a four course credit load at Gustavus. The University requires two years of college courses before admission; therefore study at Linnaeus is only for Gustavus juniors and seniors.
Accommodation
At Linnaeus students are offered accommodation in apartments shared by two students, private dorm rooms, or private apartments. Housing is situated throughout the cities since college student housing in Sweden is operated by a givernment unit, and not by the universities themselves. Thus, some students may have to commute to campus buildings by bus, bike, or other means. In fact, there isn't quite a single "campus" as we are used to in the US, since university buildings are spread throughout each of the cities. Shared apartments available to exchange students are studio (one-room) apartments shared by two students. All apartments are located in the newest residence buildings and include a private kitchenette and bathroom. Residence hall rooms cannot be shared with another student, though some are singles. Please note that you are not able to reserve housing in a specific area on your application. Student housing is competitive and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Many exchange students are typically housed further from "campus."
Cost
The Gustavus program with Linnaeus is a tuition exchange; students pay tuition to Gustavus for the semester in Sweden, and receive tuition at Linnaeus. Room and board costs are paid in Sweden by the student (with board paid directly to the student welfare agency that schedules housing). Students are responsible for their own transportation, visa costs, and personal expenses. A $500 deposit is due upon acceptance into the program; this deposit is credited to the final tuition billing for the first semester at Linnaeus.
Dates
Fall semester at Linnaeus runs from the end of August to mid-January. Spring semester begins in mid-January and runs through early June.
Växjö Cathedral