At the beginning of May, representatives of the International Relations Office of the Faculty of Physical Culture (FTK UP) visited the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), one of FTK’s long-standing partner institutions. The purpose of the visit was to further strengthen cooperation between the two universities, support the continued development of Erasmus+ student mobility, and explore new opportunities for academic collaboration across study programmes.
During the four-day visit, FTK representatives toured three USN campuses – Vestfold, Bø, and Notodden. The programme focused on enhancing cooperation in student mobility, academic activities, and future partnership opportunities. A series of meetings was held with faculty representatives, academic staff, and international office colleagues across all three campuses. Discussions addressed not only the current state of cooperation but also opportunities for further development and the exchange of best practices in the internationalisation of higher education. Palacký University Olomouc, the Faculty of Physical Culture, and FTK’s academic offerings for international students were also presented at each campus.
At the Vestfold campus, particular attention was given to the programme Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning in Schools and Kindergartens. Discussions focused on increasing FTK students’ participation in the programme and continuing the successful collaboration in outdoor and experiential pedagogy. The visit also included participation in teaching sessions and practical outdoor activities in the Løvøya area.
The next stop was the Bø campus, which has long been one of the most popular Erasmus+ destinations among FTK students. Meetings focused on students’ experiences in Norway, the consistently high demand for studying at USN, opportunities for further academic cooperation, and the future development of student mobility. The programme also included a meeting with a representative of the Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, during which possibilities for future collaboration in environmental studies and ecology were discussed. This meeting opened new opportunities for interdisciplinary cooperation between Palacký University and USN beyond their traditional areas of partnership.
At the Notodden campus, discussions continued on strengthening institutional cooperation, expanding student exchanges, and supporting the internationalisation efforts of both universities. Particular attention was given to creating an open and inclusive environment for international students and to effective approaches for supporting their adaptation during study abroad experiences.
Throughout the visit, the Norwegian hosts demonstrated exceptional hospitality and a strong commitment to further developing the partnership. Face-to-face meetings enabled open discussions about student needs, the quality of mobility programmes, and the future direction of cooperation. The knowledge and inspiration gained during the visit will contribute to the further internationalisation of FTK, the enhancement of mobility support services, and the ongoing development of services for international students.
One of the most significant outcomes of the visit was an increase in the mobility capacity between FTK and USN. As USN remains one of the most sought-after destinations among FTK students, the agreement reached during the meetings represents a particularly valuable achievement, allowing FTK to send more students to USN than had previously been possible under the existing mobility framework. USN is internationally recognised for its expertise in friluftsliv, outdoor leadership, outdoor education, and movement in natural environments—areas that closely align with both the strengths of FTK and the interests of its students.
The visit not only reinforced the long-standing partnership between FTK UP and the University of South-Eastern Norway, but also generated new ideas for advancing the faculty’s internationalisation strategy, supporting student mobility, and expanding future academic cooperation. It also confirmed that personal contact with international partners remains one of the most effective tools for developing international collaboration and enhancing the global visibility of the Faculty of Physical Culture. Visits such as this create opportunities not only to strengthen existing activities, but also to establish new connections and engage partners in key international events organised by FTK, including the International Teaching Week, one of the faculty’s flagship internationalisation initiatives.
What Can FTK Students Study at USN?
Vestfold Campus
Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning in Schools and Kindergartens
Exercise and Health Management
Bø Campus
Outdoor Leadership, Culture and Ecophilosophy
Nordic Backcountry Skiing and Outdoor Leadership
FRIOUT Outdoor Life Studies (MSc)
Sport and Kinesiology
Notodden Campus
Physical Education, Sport and Outdoor Learning
