Linnaeus University is located in two cities, Växjö, Sweden and Kalmar, Sweden. The two universities merged in January 2010. Växjö University is UMD’s oldest exchange program. As Duluth and Växjö are sister cities and have an excellent relationship, so do UMD and Växjö University. The university, established in 1967, has about 10,000 students and is known for its business school. It also has courses in the sciences, social sciences, humanities and education. The campus is located only about 3 kilometers from the city center on Lake Trummen. Teleborg Castle is a popular feature of the campus.
Location Information
Linnaeus University is located in the city of Växjö in the south central Swedish county of Kronoberg. The city of Växjö has nearly 80,000 inhabitants and is surrounded by several lakes. Växjö's history dates back to the 12th century. In the 19th century, it became a center point to the mass emigration of Swedes due to an agricultural crisis that crippled the country. It is now an important cultural and business center. Kronoberg County makes up part of the province of Småland, which is known for the " Kingdom of Crystal" where much of the world-renowned Swedish glass is made. Växjö was awarded the Greenest City in Europe Award recently for their outstanding efforts in sustainability.
Linnaeus University is also located in Kalmar, Sweden. The town of roughly 35,000 is on the coast of the Baltic Sea. This beautiful coastal city is located one hour from Växjö by train. From the thirteenth to the seventeenth centuries, Kalmar was one of Sweden's most important cities. This history can be seen in the numerous historical buildings, such as the Kalmar Castle and Kalmar Cathedral. The University buildings are located in the city center, giving you easy access to Kalmar's restaurants, shops, and train station.
Course Information
The Linnaeus University campuses offer a wide variety of courses for English speaking students. Students can either choose from a mixture of single subject courses from various subjects, or select one full-semester course (30-Swedish credits) in one subject (e.g. the Fundamentals of Business Administration II). More information can be found on the Linnaeus University website regarding academics. Swedish language is offered at Linnaeus University as either a non-credit or for-credit option.
When selecting single-subject courses, full-time classes should not be taught during the exact same time frame.
Courses Offered Students are permitted to take courses from only one location (either the Kalmar or Växjö campus) at this time. To view the most up-to-date course offerings, please look at the courses for exchange students on the Linnaeus University website.
UMD Credit
To see how individual classes will count at UMD, view the current course equivalencies listing for Linnaeus University. If a class you wish to enroll in has not been reviewed follow the instructions on the IEO Course Equivalency web page.
Academic Credit
Classes are measured in Swedish Points or European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits. Classes worth 7.5 ECTS (7.5 hec) are equal to or 4 UMD credits. Classes are typically taken one at a time and are usually 5 weeks long.
Eligibility
Degree seeking students at any University of Minnesota campus who have completed one full year of study prior to the beginning of the exchange are eligible. For some areas of study, students should have completed substantial upper division course work. The minimum GPA is 2.4, and students need to consult with a study abroad advisor in the International Education Office (IEO) in 138 Kirby Plaza before they apply. Tentative acceptance will be issued by IEO. Final acceptance is done by the foreign university.
Costs
Our goal is to keep prices similar to those of attending UMD. The program cost per semester to attend Linnaeus University can be found here.
Fluctuating currency exchange rates may increase or decrease the cost of your international experience. Financial aid may be applied toward the cost of exchange programs. There are several study abroad scholarships for University of Minnesota students.
Deadlines occur the semester prior to the start of a program.
To study Fall Semester or Full Academic Year
UMD Deadline to apply: March 15
Fall arrival dates: end of August
Fall orientation dates: end of August
Fall semester at Linnaeus University: September - mid January
Study: Spring semester
UMD Deadline to apply: September 15
Spring arrival dates: mid-January
Spring orientation dates: mid-January
Spring semester: mid to end of January - early June
For more information on the academic calendar at Linnaeus University, click here.
Orientation
At least one pre-departure orientation and one on-site orientation will be held. Pre-departure
orientation will include information about financial aid information, class transferring, international insurance, student residence permit, classes, travel tips and two handbooks for participants to reference: general study abroad handbook and Swedish handbook.
Housing
Student housing consists of small apartments for 2-4 students or corridors for 6-12 students. Corridors consist of individual bedrooms and usually their own bathrooms, and share living room, kitchen and dinning room with corridor mates. Typical corridor mates will include Swedish and international students.
What's Next?
Before applying, it is a good idea to follow the steps under steps to studying abroad. The IEO website also provides information on financing, health & safety and other important information to consider when choosing to study abroad. When ready to apply, students must complete the online application and attach the required accompanying materials (unofficial transcript and essay). Students will be billed the non-refundable $50 application fee to their student account..
All Exchange in Sweden participants will need to apply and be approved for a Swedish Residence Permit. Students can apply for a permit after they have received their official acceptance by Linnaeus University. Early application is highly encouraged.
Further information including the online Swedish Residence Permit application can be found on the the Swedish Migration Board's (Migrationsverket) web site: http://www.migrationsverket.se/info/4577_en.html
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