Peace Scholars
The Peace Scholars program was designed to deepen students' understanding of the central issues and theories regarding conflict, war and peace. Through an application and interview process, students are selected as Peace Scholars and awarded a seven-week academic experience held in Lillehammer and Oslo, Norway.
The program is an outgrowth of the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, an annual event held in Minneapolis that inspires students and other global citizens to become active participants in peacemaking efforts around the world. Begun in 1988 by Luther and four other colleges, the Nobel Peace Prize Forum is the Norwegian Nobel Institute's only such program or academic affiliation outside of Norway.
Academic Coursework
The program begins with five days at the Nansen Center for Peace and Dialogue in Lillehammer, where Peace Scholars will be participant-observers in structured dialogue sessions with students from the Balkans/Caucasus regions.
The program continues at the University of Oslo's International Summer School (ISS) where students will participate in a Peace Scholars Seminar, a rigorous academic course that provides an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of peace and conflict studies and combines theoretical and empirical aspects. As part of the seminar, students will be expected to develop a research project in consultation with the course leader.
Because Norway is known in the international community for its leadership role in advocating cooperation and the peaceful resolution of conflict, the Peace Scholars Seminar will include visits to several peace organizations and institutions in Norway, including the International Peace Research Institute, the Nobel Institute, and the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights. Scholars will also take an ISS course of their own choosing with other international students. Course offerings include Norwegian language, culture, or international politics. At the successful conclusion of the program, the Peace Scholars will receive academic credit for two courses.
Award
The Peace Scholars program is competitive, and those selected to participate will be awarded a scholarship that will cover most of the costs to the Lillehammer and Oslo program and ISS program fees, including academic credit, room, and board. Students will be responsible for personal expenses, books, and supplies.
Requirements
- Open to UH System full-time undergraduate students with a strong academic record (3.0 cumulative G.P.A. or above preferred).
- Attendance in the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize Forum in Minneapolis, Minnesota in mid-October (official dates forthcoming).
- Available for participation in Peace Scholars Program at the University of Oslo in Norway from June 16 - August 2, 2019 (be sure to be available a week early for travel plans).
- Agree to use of blogs and pictures for further promotion of the program
- Costs: Students are responsible for personal expenses and may be expected to cover some of the costs of their round-trip airfare.
Expectations
- Applicants must commit to the full program dates that normally range from mid-June to early-August.
- Attendance at two of the Nobel Peace Prize Forum is highly encouraged. The purpose of the first is to be introduced and to attend a brief orientation session for the Peace Scholars program. The purpose of attending the second Forum is to network with the newly-appointed scholars.
- Blog regularly during the Peace Scholar experience in Norway
- Formally share one's Peace Scholar learning experience in two venues during Fall semester, either on campus or in one's home community
- Play a leadership role in peace activities on one's campus and community
- Assist in promoting the Peace Scholars program and the upcoming Nobel Peace Prize Forum
- Assist in other aspects of the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, such as hosting and introducing speakers or other opportunities provided by the Forum staff
Application Deadline: Program on Hiatus
- 1,000-word essay (max) addressed to the Peace Scholars Selection Committee. The essay should articulate one's interest in being a Peace Scholar, including how the experience would connect with one's academic and vocational interests and goals.
- Two letters of recommendation: one from a faculty member and the second from either a faculty or staff member.
- Resume/CV.
- Official Transcripts.
- Interview (finalists).
- Selected Peace Scholars must complete the Oslo International Summer School online application at uio.no/summerschool.
