Many expats who have moved here are curious about the Norwegian language lessons offered. Here is an account of my experience with Folkeuniversitetet. I took the Bergenstest preparation course with them.
Phone: 51939370
General Manager (Daglig leder): Karl Otto Flokenes, tlf. 51939374.
Language Department Manager (Avd. leder språk): Margareth Sætre, tlf. 51939373
Secretary (Sekretær): Helen M. Meyerhoff, tlf. 51939375
Opening hours (Åpningstider):
Monday and Tuesday: 09.00 – 15.30
Wednesday and Thursday: 09.00 – 18.00
Friday: 09.00 – 15.00
First Impression
All of their information (types of courses, timings, dates, costs) can be found on their website, in addition, you can opt to get more information or sign up for courses on the site. Their website is very user-friendly and convenient.
If you had to email them with any specific questions, they were very prompt with their replies.
Course and Its Progression
The course I attended was pretty intensive and the general impression I have received about Folkeuniversitetet is that its students are usually eager to learn because they have paid for the course and they really want to get ahead in their Norwegian language skills (as opposed to Johanes where some students are there just because they have to be and/or the course is totally free for them).
Timings of Classes
Folkeuniversitetet has 3 timings for their classes depending on where you decide to take your classes: 08.15 – 11.30, 12.00 – 15.15 and 17.30 – 20.45.
Classes are usually twice a week.
Books Used
As far as I know, Ny i Norge is used for the beginner classes.
Intermediate classes: Nøkler til Norge and maybe Stein På Stein
Advanced classes: Her På Berget
The school will give you a list of course materials to obtain before the course starts. However, I found that not all books I bought were used in class (or rather, only about 5% of the book was used) therefore I thought it was a waste of money to buy certain books. I would recommend that you obtain the main textbook and workbook and borrow the other books on the list til you find out if you would like to purchase them or not.
Books can be bought at Norli or Ark Berge or borrowed from the library. There are websites where you can do online Norwegian exercises as well:
På Vei, Stein På Stein, Her På Berget and Norwegian Grammer.
Cost
The beginner (Levels 1 and 2) and intermediate courses (Levels 3 and 4) costs 4100 NOK for each course + materials. The course usually runs over 8 weeks.
Hope this information helps. See article on my experience with Johanes Læringssenter. Do feel free to share your experiences as well!
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About Cynthia Myrnes
Cynthia is a Singaporean who has been living in Stavanger since Feb 2008 with her Norwegian husband. She works as a physiotherapist here and also owns her own petsitting service, Stavanger Petsitter, for the residents of Stavanger. In addition, she manages the Stavanger International Moms group. She loves hanging out with friends, spending time with animals, travelling and watersports such as scuba diving and wake boarding. Most of all, she is enjoying the experience of being a first time mom!
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1 comment
Sadie
Nov 26, 2010
I’ve just completed levels 1&2 and 3&4 at the Folkeuniversitetet and have really enjoyed it. Its given me a good basic grounding in grammar and given me a bit of confidence to start speaking simple stuff in stores and cafes. I agree about the books – I only used the Ny i Norge text book, work book, plus the word list. Practisk Norsk 2 (which cost about 380NOK) I have barely opened! However, more conscientious types in my group have most probably done all their homework and used it a lot!
I would recommend these first 2 classes if you’re looking to learn some basic Norwegian. Its really helped me!