Young Norwegians visit Cardiff amid Dahl centenary celebrations

A century after the birth of one of their most celebrated sons, young Norwegians have visited the city where Roald Dahl was born in a flourishing of links with Cardiff University.

Sprung from the twinning of the City of Cardiff and Hordaland fylkeskommune, the visit is the latest in a long-established programme enabling students to experience a school year in another country.

Hailing from Hordaland, the videregående skole (the equivalent of British sixth form) students come to Wales to study for a full academic year at five schools spread across the capital and the Vale of Glamorgan.

Dahl’s family move to Cardiff is one of many historical links between Norway and South Wales. In the late 1800's and early 1900s many families moved from Norway to the Welsh capital, drawn by the wealth created by the rich natural reserves of the South Wales valleys. Today the iconic Norwegian Church symbolises that lasting link, located in the heart of the Bay.

Director of International Relations at the School of History, Archaeology and Religion, Professor John Hines said: "We are delighted to welcome another group of young Norwegians this year. Within the School we benefit from a particular strong and active Erasmus+ partnership with the University of Oslo, both in terms of student and teaching exchanges. At subject level we are developing major collaborative research projects in both Archaeology and History for example. It is always inspiring to meet young people taking a year's study in an unfamiliar system and through a second language, and to hear their positive aims and ambitions for the future."

Professor Hines and Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Dean of International Professor Ken Hamilton welcomed the visitors at a social event in the University’s historic Council Chamber on 26 September. International Recruitment officers Glyn James and Alexa Jones and Admissions and Recruitment Manager (UK/EU) Lowri Griffiths were among the welcoming party.

In the past year, academics from across the University's Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Schools have visited Norway through partnerships in teaching and research. The University continues to work on its international links, enabling more of its students to spend time abroad as part of their degree.