This goes against the very spirit of international education. Exchange programs are not vacations. They are an integral part of education, providing opportunities for academic and personal growth. Yet, under current regulations, such international experiences can have unintended and serious consequences for students who wish to become Norwegian citizens.
According to the current rules, individuals cannot spend more than 60 days outside Norway in a calendar year if they wish to apply for citizenship. This applies regardless of whether the absence is due to studies. For the two students affected—one from NTNU and one from the University of Inland Norway (INN)—a semester abroad resulted in a three-year waiting period before they could apply for citizenship. This was not something they were informed about in advance. They made their choice in good faith but only discovered the consequences afterward. At StInn, we find this unacceptable.
If Norway wants to remain an attractive and inclusive study destination, we must provide predictability for all students, including those envisioning a future in this country. It is not only the state's responsibility to ensure that the regulations are fair and understandable but also the responsibility of institutions to provide sufficient information before students go abroad. At StInn, we believe—and have always believed—that exchange programs benefit both students and the communities they engage with. We are committed to ensuring that exchange remains an appealing experience for students and demand that necessary efforts address the issue at hand. In our resolution, we outline StInn’s demands regarding exchange programs.
We at StInn therefore urge the University of Inland Norway (INN) to review how information about citizenship regulations is communicated to students considering exchange programs. Exchange is a unique experience that creates lifelong memories for students. Such a significant issue as denied citizenship due to participation in exchange programs will discourage students, even if they wish to undertake an exchange.
Exchange should build bridges, not barriers. Now is the time to ensure that the system supports students rather than penalizing them. That’s why we at the Inland Norway Students’ Union (StInn) hope this resolution is a step in the right direction to continue advocating for exchange programs.