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University of Gothenburg
| Area: | Global Exchange |
| Location: | Gothenburg |
| Country: | Sweden |
| Term: | Spring, Fall, Academic Year |
USC's exchange program at the University of Gothenburg is designed to help American students gain first hand knowledge of Swedish culture. The program is located in Göteborg (Gothenburg), Sweden's second largest city. Located in the heart of Scandinavia, around 3 hours by train from Copenhagen (Denmark), Oslo (Norway) and Stockholm (the capital city of Sweden), Göteborg rests on the west coast of Sweden with Scandinavia’s largest port. The area is well known for its engineering skills and entrepreneurial spirit. The University of Gothenburg builds important collaborations with companies with headquarters in Gothenburg, such as Volvo, SKF and AstraZeneca, as well as many of the country’s most renowned organizations in the cultural sphere.
Students will attend the University of Gothenburg which has a student population of 54,000. Known for its strong Economics, Marine Biology and Computer Science programs working closely with industry to address broad, global challenges such as sustainability, innovation and equality. Every year, around 1100 students from all over the world choose the University of Gothenburg for their exchange. Students attend classes with Swedish and other exchange students from around the world.
Göteborg has been appointed the most sustainable city in the world for six years in a row by the Global Destination Sustainability Index. In light of this, the Summer School for Sustainability was formed, which provides students with a chance to deepen their understanding of global challenges and Agenda 2030.
Students looking for a place where they are encouraged to speak their mind, take an active part in their learning, and study in a great student-friendly city close to the enchanting Swedish nature, should consider an exchange at the University of Gothenburg
Cost: USC resident tuition rates + in-country costs
Requirements: 3.5 GPA
Students on exchange pay in-state tuition directly to USC and do not pay tuition to Gothenburg. All housing, food, and personal expenses are paid by the student in Gothenburg. As a smaller city in Sweden, students will find Gothenburg is more affordable than Stockholm. Students should plan to budget SEK 10,000–14,000 a month including housing costs. The actual cost can differ depending on the student’s lifestyle. To get an idea of life on site, you will find on the numbeo website indications on the cost of living in Sweden compared to other countries in the world.
Full-time study at Gothenburg equals two courses per quarter (four courses per semester). Students may take a fifth course if it is one of the language courses, Swedish I or Swedish II.
To see courses USC students have taken at this university, please reference the Registrar's Course Equivalency Table.
Students have the opportunity to meet local students using the Student Buddies program. There is also plenty of room for individual travel as well as excursions organized through the program. Gothenburg's great location makes travel to places like Stockholm, Oslo, and Copenhagen very easy. Golf, skiing, backpacking and canoeing are ideal pastimes in this lush green country. On top of this, Gothenburg offers campus restaurants and student unions and associations (clubs) for everyone to enjoy.
Per university policy, all USC students will be charged for emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance of for their time abroad. Students will be enrolled in this insurance by the education abroad office prior to their departure. Contact the Education Abroad Office for more details.
Students may arrange housing through with the help of their host university or seek accommodation on their own. The university rents apartments and rooms from the city and private housing companies for its students. Rent usually includes electricity, heating, and water and ranges from 1,800 to 3,000 SEK per month. Housing costs are paid in Gothenburg and vary based on location, size, furniture, etc. University housing is not guaranteed and students may be required to secure temporary housing until their student accommodation is available.
Gothenburg's academic calendar is different than USC's; the fall semester goes from late August to mid January. The spring semester extends from mid January to early June.
During the first week of every semester, Gothenburg organizes a welcome week for the international students, which is obligatory. This week contains a number of activities such as an introduction to the Swedish language and culture, study visits, presentations of the student unions, and other important organizations at the school.
Students that a Students that attend Gothenburg for a semester or for an academic year are required to obtain a Swedish visa prior to departure. This process can typically be done online, however, students must be aware that the Embassy/Consulate may change it policies unexpectedly. Students are highly encouraged and expected to keep an eye on any potential updates.