Dates
May 26 - June 10, 2027Subjects
Geography, Urban Studies, Sustainability, Political ScienceDeadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The KIIS Scandinavia program offers students a two-week exploration of two countries on the Baltic Sea (Sweden and Finland) that has been at the forefront of international affairs and trade since the medieval period. The two-week program begins in Stockholm, Sweden, where students will spend a week exploring a city that grew from a small medieval center that still exists to a modern European capital. Students will also have the opportunity to travel on their own for a 36-hour free time period via train to Copenhagen, Denmark; Oslo, Norway; or travel to Gothenburg or Sundsvall to see Sweden from a different perspective. The program group then moves to Helsinki, Finland, via overnight ferry where students will explore historic sites such as the Suomenlinna island fortress, the Market Square, the National Museum, and be able to take in a sauna, if they choose. The climate in both cities is wonderful in late May – early June for students looking to escape the heat back home, with high temperatures averaging in the mid to upper 60s and average lows ranging from the high 40s to low 50s.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
Program Director
In addition to being a political science professor, I have been involved in study abroad since my first year at Morehead State in 2021. Directing study abroad programs allows me to enjoy new experiences with students and see them adapt and experience something different. I also love teaching students how politics works around the world and how it translates into a variety of public policies. I also recently taught on the KIIS Greece Winter program.Dr. Jason Adkins
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Courses
Courses are taught in English and are 3 credit hours. You may enroll in 1 course.
Finland and Sweden well-known for being considered two of the “Happiest Countries in the World” according to the World Population Review. Those rankings and perception of happiness derive the perception of these countries having better work-life balances and social welfare benefits than what can be found in the U.S and elsewhere. This course will attempt to get at that heart of the welfare state and the results it generates, and whether that explains whether t
This course will explore the urban geographies of Stockholm and Helsinki. Students will be able to develop a greater understanding of how local experiences and conditions of urban life are affected by processes of globalization and the emergence of new information technologies, as well as how identity and place shape one another in cities.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Group Flight
ESTIMATED COST $1,700 – $1,800
The Scandinavia program offers a group flight option where you can travel to Stockholm and return from Helsinki with other students and faculty. If you choose this option, KIIS will purchase a roundtrip (multi-city) flight ticket for you. The flight cost will be added to your final program fee on April 1. The group flight will depart from Cincinnati or Louisville.
If not selecting the group flight, you are responsible to purchase your own roundtrip (multi-city) airfare.
The flight to Stockholm is overnight arriving the following morning. On the return, the flight from Helsinki to the USA departs and arrives on the same day. Visit Flights and Passports & Visas for more information.