– We are happy and honoured that the First Lady came to the University of Oslo. We have been cooperating academically and practically with Ukraine since the full-scale invasion in 2022, and we will continue this through this agreement, says Rector Ragnhild Hennum.
Studies in Ukrainian language
– The First Lady met several of our Ukrainian language students. I believe both she and they appreciated that, Hennum continues.
Since 2022, the Faculty of Humanities has offered studies in Ukrainian language. The decision was made less than a week after the Russian invasion. Today, UiO offers 20 ECTS credits in the Ukrainian language. Around 150 students have sat exams.
From this autumn, UiO are also offering an introductory course in Ukrainian, with around 50 students participating this semester.
Uniting the efforts to develop Ukrainian studies
The University of Oslo signed an agreement with the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, an international initiative launched by Olena Zelenska. The main goal of the Coalition is to unite the efforts of universities and research institutions from around the world to better understand Ukraine and develop Ukrainian studies.
Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, also attended the signing ceremony, together with the Artctic University of Norway, KBT Vocational College, and the network UKRAINETT.
Historical ties
As part of the visit to Norway, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister also stopped by the Historical Museum together with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide. There they were given a guided tour of the Vikingr exhibition.
Norse Vikings visited Kyiv on their way to Constantinople to serve as foreign mercentaries, and Norwegian nobles such as Olav Haraldsson and Harald Hardrade found political allies there. The Kyivan Rus became home to many Scandinavian settlers, who quickly allowed themselves to be incorporated into the Slavic culture.