“I was constantly in awe”: Inside the transformative Oslo study away program at PLU

When Delaney McFarland ’28 thinks back on her semester in Norway, one feeling stands out above the rest. “Norway is an amazing country in many ways…but more beautiful are the people and institutions that protect the strong values embedded in the culture.”

For Delaney, a double major in political science and global studies (with a concentration in international affairs), Oslo became the ideal place to stretch academically, globally, and personally. The Oslo Study Away Program, offered each fall, immerses PLU students in peace and conflict studies, international relations, and cross-cultural understanding at Oslo New University College, while placing them at the heart of one of the world’s most globally engaged capitals.

The values and ethos of Norway

Delaney’s semester quickly showed her how deeply Norway’s cultural values shape everyday life.

“I had the opportunity to witness firsthand how important ethics, peace, and doing what is right are to the people of Norway. I came to understand that their values are central to how they do and see everything. I was constantly in awe of the culture.”

For Ami Shah, associate professor and chair of PLU’s Global & Cultural Studies department, this reaction is common and part of what makes Oslo so special. “The program at Oslo New University College stands out to me for its deep care of students, world-class professors, and the opportunity to live in the middle of a European city, with all that entails. Our students get to mingle not just with Norwegian students but also with students from other universities in the city who are from all over the world. It is a really unique opportunity.”

Learning from global leaders in peace and ethics

A defining highlight for many students is the chance to learn from internationally renowned scholar Henrik Syse, a philosopher and former member of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee.

Delaney shares, “He showed me an entirely new way to view war and gave me so many things to consider.” Learning often continued long after class. “He hosted movie nights in which groups of us would discuss ethical dilemmas. I always walked away with thoughts and problems swirling through my head — an exhilarating thing if you are someone like me who likes to puzzle about deep-seated issues.”

Shah hears these stories every year. “Many students return raving about Professor Syse and how he asks deep questions, but also how he truly values them as individual students.”

“Beautiful chaos”: Growing through independence and exploration

For Delaney, the semester was also an exercise in self-discovery. “The biggest thing that I learned was that I can be brave and take risks knowing that I am completely capable of handling whatever comes my way.”

Thinking about growth, a particular travel experience with seven international students comes to mind, in which she recounts, “So many things went wrong, and yet all we could do was smile. It was a perfect storm of beautiful chaos.” The adventure led them to the Lofoten Islands, 16 hours of boat travel through the fjords, hiking, and exploring across northern Norway. “We got to chase the Northern Lights and witness the spectacular phenomenon.”

Delaney reflects on the life insights she gained abroad, “I was able to make friends with people from all different backgrounds and from all over the world, and I was able to navigate in places where I did not speak the language. The reality is that most people want to help you and be there if you only just ask. Things are only as unfamiliar as you make them out to be.”

Shah sees firsthand how the program can be transformative for students on academic and personal levels. “Students return more independent in all ways — more independently motivated, independent workers, and overall more independent young adults.”

Advice for future Lutes

Delaney’s message to anyone considering studying away is simple: “Do it, just jump! It may be scary, but there is nothing like the education you get from going abroad, most of which doesn’t happen in the classroom. It is an experience like no other, but it is not one that you will ever regret.”