Nordic Students

Pacific Lutheran University is highly recognized in the Northwest as well as in the Nordic countries. We are proud of the fact that Nordic students who graduate from PLU are able to find excellent jobs in their home country.

Bachelors degrees are offered in many areas including Business, Computer Science, Economics and Physical Education. There are also various opportunities in the language department where you can study Chinese, German, French, Spanish, and Norwegian among several others.

If you have completed the Videregående School or Gymnas with good results, you are able to enter PLU and complete a Bachelors degree in three years. PLU has years of experience with the educational systems in the Nordic countries. This background helps us to grant you credit for previous university courses, and to place you in courses that you are prepared to take. As soon as you come to PLU, you are assigned an advisor in your field of study. This person will help you set up a program that corresponds with your career plans and interests.

Certain classes are required for your major, but for most students there is room to include some special interest classes from other areas. It is also possible to complete enough classes to earn a minor or a second major. Minors are a great way to gain knowledge in a field which supplements your major. Minors require you to complete about half of the requirements for a major. All Nordic students are also required to take a course in writing, religion and philosophy. PLU also provides many opportunities to take "fun" subjects such as scuba diving, golfing, piano or drawing. Choices are varied and readily available.

Work Opportunities
PLU offers you the opportunity to gain work experience while you are attending school. Many of our programs encourage you to participate in the university's internship program. With the help from PLU's Career Development Center, you can find a part- time job that is relevant to your field. By working and doing an academic project you can gain credits toward your degree. This is a great way to gain experience and at the same time make some contacts for your future career.

After you have completed your degree, you are also eligible to participate in a program called Practical Training. This gives you a 12 month working permit in the United States. When your permit expires, providing that immigration requirements are met, an extension for three or more years is usually granted.

Internships and Practical Training opportunities are excellent ways to gain a very broad cultural understanding and valuable work experience.

Application Procedure
Start your application process early. There are many things involved in applying to a foreign school. Make sure that you pay attention to all details, and respond to all forms sent to you.

What to do:

• Take the TOEFL. This is a test to evaluate your English skills. It is usually administered four times per year. PLU requires a minimum score of 550 (paper test format), or 213 on the computerized TOEFL. The test should be taken as early as possible because you will have to wait four to six weeks for the results. Make sure that you ask the test agency to send your scores directly to PLU.
• Complete the application and personal essay.
• Send one letter of recommendation from a school official or an individual who is in a position to evaluate your ability to succeed in a United States university program.
• Send us transcripts from all schools you have attended, starting with upper secondary (Videregående School or Gymnas), and the school you are currently attending. Even if you have not completed your course of study, we need a transcript that lists the courses and grades you have earned. Have your school send the transcripts to us, or make sure that the copy you are sending is certified as an original copy.
• The application fee is $35. Ask your bank to prepare a check in U.S. funds payable to Pacific Lutheran University.
• Complete and send the financial certification form that is provided. In many cases this involves getting a financial guarantee from your financial aid source. It is necessary for us to have this before we can issue an I-20 form. You will need the I-20 before you can get a student visa from the U.S. embassy in your home country.