| Type of Program: | Intensive Course Abroad |
|---|
This International Course Abroad (ICA) examines research, policies, and practices related to the criminal justice systems of Norway. The emphasis will be on the adult correctional system, the legal process, and the modern welfare state. By visiting correctional facilities and other sites, and speaking directly, with practitioners and researchers, participants will experience firsthand an alternative practical and theoretical framework for criminal justice, as well as the cultural context necessary to support such a system.
This ICA focuses on the social, political, and economic circumstances that have enabled the Scandinavian nations to develop a distinctive penal system often lauded as “exceptional.” Students will be assigned a set of readings, including academic research articles and a book, to provide them with a baseline understanding of how these systems have developed over time and how they currently function. The academic materials will be augmented by a study abroad experience that will focus on visits to prisons and various justice agencies, as well as museums, cultural institutions, and other sites relevant to the substantive materials.
During the abroad portion of the ICA, students will attend periodic lectures before embarking on daily experiential learning activities. A secondary course goal is to provide students with an immersive experience in Scandinavian culture to provide the necessary contextualization for the justice systems being examined.
See this program in action in our program highlights and program overview videos!
Read Drexel Now and the Norwegian American journal articles showcasing this program.
Upon completion of this course, students will:
• Be able to describe the modern Swedish, Norwegian criminal justice systems
• Understand the historical and cultural factors that have shaped these justice systems
• Distinguish and apply social and criminological theories and purposes within these systems
• Be able to compare and contrast these systems to the American/ domestic approach to crime
• Become familiar with emerging issues justice-involved populations in Scandinavia
• Appreciate Scandinavian culture
Student Testimonial: I want to share with you my final thesis book for my prison project... This was overall such a fulfilling project, and something that I am truly passionate about. I will forever be grateful for my experience studying abroad -- so much of what I saw informed my design process and helped me to curate design solutions for all people who experience the carceral setting.
Credit/Registration: Students accepted to this program will be automatically registered for CJS 380 Scandinavian Perspectives on Justice 3 credits for spring term. Students must leave room for the 3 credits in their credit load.
Pre-Travel Requirements: There will be one mandatory, preparatory class meetings during the winter term.
Instructors:
Arrival Date: March 14, 2027
Departure Date: March 20, 2027
Tentative Overview
| Day | Date | Tentative Schedule |
| Saturday | 3/13/27 | Depart the US |
| Sunday | 3/14/27 | Arrive in Norway! Orientation City tour |
| Monday | 3/15/27 | Lectures at the University of Oslo: Fundamentals of Norwegian culture, context, and criminal justice Cultural Experiences (inc. museums and other social activities) |
| Tuesday | 3/16/27 | Site visit (Oslo Courthouse) focusing on the judicial process and the structure and function of the justice system Cultural Experiences (inc. museums and other social activities) |
| Wednesday | 3/17/2027 | Site visit to the Norwegian Correctional Service (KDI/ KRUS) focusing on the history of the modern Norwegian prison system, prison officer recruitment, education, and roles Group dinner |
| Thursday | 3/18/2027 | Site Visit to a high-security Prison, focusing on humanity and dignity for people in prison and the role of correctional officers |
| Friday | 3/19/2027 | Site Visit focusing on reentry in Oslo (Network after Incarceration) Service Project and closing event |
| Saturday | 3/20/2027 | Depart for US |
Due November 16th, 2026 $500 Advance Payment
Due January 15th, 2027 $850 Final Payment
All payments are non-refundable unless declined admission or program cancels for unforeseen reasons.
Included in Program Fee:
Not Included in Program Fee (estimates):
| Term | Year | App Deadline | Decision Date | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 2027 | 11/16/2026 | 11/30/2026 | 03/14/2027 | 03/20/2027 |