Why Scandinavia?

There is a long tradition of students from the Nordic and Scandinavian countries seeking out study opportunities in the U.S. The value of U.S. degrees is recognized not only by students but by the governments as well. While these countries remain a key market for undergraduate (60%) as well as graduate students, the increase in student mobility within Europe and to other English-speaking countries as well as the Bologna process have contributed to a decrease in Scandinavian students coming to the U.S. This factor makes it more important than ever to capitalize on our long tradition of exchange with Scandinavia and to renew our recruitment efforts in the region.

During the 2006 Linden Tour to Scandinavia, we learned that Iceland, Sweden and Norway are unique among European countries because they continue to offer subsidized loan, scholarship and stipend funding for their students to study abroad. This makes study at U.S. universities and colleges an option that many may not have considered. Denmark is new to the tour this year and provides the exception to the decrease in students. Enrollments from Denmark increased by 7% over the previous year. Additionally, the robust economies of the region also provide incentive to consider study in the U.S. The strength of their educational systems, the government funding options and the historical ties to study in the U.S. make this student market a viable option for a recruitment tour to Scandinavia.