2023

Levanger, Norway

To whom it may concern,

On behalf of the international students of Nord University, we would like to submit this petition to request Nord University to open a Norwegian language course in the Levanger campus. 

 Nord University is an educational institution that offers various courses in English, both bachelors and exchanges in Levanger, as such attracting a sizable international community. The vast majority of such students do not speak Norwegian - blocking us from fully taking part in the student community in our university. While oftentimes events and clubs attempt to be inclusive to their international community, when you are the only non-Norwegian speaker in a group, it is most likely for the rest to switch to their native language - leaving us feeling alienated and apart from our fellow students. We want to be able to understand and communicate freely with our peers - even those outside of English-speaking programs, or outside of the university in Levanger.

 Additionally, many international students are also job-seekers. Norway is recognized as an expensive country, and several of us are self-financed. Not being able to speak Norwegian severely negatively impacts our chances at a proper, stable job. This is an added stress and preoccupation that plagues much of the international student community.

 Language is pivotal in our lives. Already we are far from home, far from everything we had known. The added language barrier can further strengthen feelings of isolation and loneliness. We want to show you that the students here have an active interest in dispelling that language barrier. 

 This petition shows the strong interest the community of Nord University has in formal language courses in Norwegian. As a university, should the institution not encourage such passion for learning? Should it not aid its students in forming part of Nord, Levanger, and Norway as a whole?

 We hope you take into consideration the voice of the international student community and assist us with what we see as an essential part of our experience in Nord University.

Thank you for your time.