Dates & Travel

Official Program Dates

Fall 2026 Semester

• U.S. Departure Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026 

• Program Start (Arrive Oslo): Sunday, August 9, 2026 

• Program End (Depart Oslo): Friday, December 11, 2026 

• Fall Break: September 28 – October 2, 2026 

Spring 2027 Semseter

• U.S. Departure Date: Saturday, January 2, 2027 

• Program Start (Arrive Oslo): Sunday, January 3, 2027

• Program End (Depart Oslo): Friday, May 7, 2027 

Core Routing & Flight Logistics

Required Airport Routing

• Arrival Airport: Oslo Lufthavn Airport (OSL) – Oslo, Norway

• Departure Airport: Oslo Lufthavn Airport (OSL) – Oslo, Norway

Target Flight Windows

• Arrivals: Aim to land in Oslo between 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM on your program's start date. Arrive no later than 7:00 PM. 

• Departures: Book your return flight out of Oslo on your program's end date. 

• Note: If you choose to arrive ahead of the designated start date, you assume full responsibility for your own ground transportation, lodging, and meals. 

Mandatory Action Item

• Once your international flights are finalized, you must submit your details via the Flight Information Questionnaire in your Global Gateway account. 

Booking Advisories & Strategy

Flight Coordination 

Please consult with your program coordinator prior to finalizing your booking. We attempt to align cohort arrival windows as closely as possible and may have specific recommended itineraries.

Preferred Travel Agency 

You are welcome to utilize our designated partner, Northstar Travel Company. Booking through our agency ensures dedicated institutional support in the event of airline delays, cancellations, or missed connections.

Layover & Fare Strategy 

While budget is a factor, we strongly advise reviewing connection times carefully. Excessive layovers (e.g., 10+ hours at London Heathrow or Amsterdam Schiphol) significantly compound travel fatigue prior to orientation. Historically, published international fares tend to be most competitive when searched on Tuesdays.

Travel Before & After Program

Please also read Travel Before & After the Program for information about any travel before or after your program dates. Due to visa limitations, it is extremely important to check-in with a CGEE staff member if you plan to travel before or after your program. *Visas are typically valid until the end of February for the Fall semester and the end of August for the Spring semester. 

Managing Jet Lag & Long-Haul Flights

International travel to Norway involves a long journey and a significant shift in time zones. Depending on your home time zone in the U.S., Norway will be 6 to 9 hours ahead of your local time. We recommend utilizing the following strategies to minimize travel fatigue and ensure a smooth transition.

Pre-Departure Preparation 

• Two to three weeks prior to your departure, begin incrementally adjusting your internal clock. Attempting to go to bed earlier and waking up earlier will help align your body closer to European time before you board your flight.

In-Flight Strategies

• Time Zone Alignment: As soon as you board your flight departing the U.S., set your watch and devices to Central European Time (CET). Plan your onboard sleep and waking hours to match the daytime and nighttime schedule of Norway.

• Hydration: Dehydration significantly worsens the physical effects of jet lag. Avoid caffeine and alcohol while in transit, and aim to consume 2 to 3 liters of water during the journey. We strongly recommend bringing a reusable, empty water bottle through airport security to fill before boarding so you do not have to rely on airline beverage service.

• Mobility: Do not remain seated for the duration of the flight. Periodically walk up and down the aisles to maintain circulation and reduce physical stiffness.

Post-Arrival Routine 

• To adjust as rapidly as possible, avoid napping upon arrival during your first day. Force yourself to stay awake until a reasonable local bedtime that evening to reset your circadian rhythm.

Due to the large number of excursions and the overall intensity of the academic program, we recommend that family and friends plan to visit only before the program begins, or after the program ends.