The first job as the named contact, or Leader, is to begin to create a buzz around the York experience and begin to recruit students to the programme.  You should aim to start this as soon as possible, but not later than 8 week before the start of your course (except for bookings early in the semester).  

The NSC would be happy to help with recruiting and information for your class(es). If you'd like to book a short zoom session with us, including a 10 minute presentation on the NSC and course programme, and information about costs, travel and accommodation, with time for Q&A, please contact us at nsc@york.ac.uk. We suggest that you invite us at least 6 weeks before the start date of your Short Course. 

Well-known for our expertise in English-led academic teaching, the NSC has evolved into a vibrant hub for interdisciplinary study. Our programmes are designed for students and educators across the Nordic region, integrating Social Studies, Literature, and Linguistics into a cohesive whole. Whether exploring History, Politics, or Education, participants engage with three central themes—Diversity, Sustainability, and Culture—that illuminate the deep-rooted connections between the British North and the Nordic region. 

Whilst in York, you should:

• Attend the welcome and farewell sessions, and the theatre contextual lecture (if a theatre experience has been arranged for your group) 

• accompany students on any pre-arranged group excursions (theatre experience, guided walk, etc.).    

• plan to spend some time at the NSC each day, but otherwise you are free to spend the time as you wish: work online, explore York and/or the University or meet other academics. 

• attend any whole group classes that you are particularly interested in alongside your students, but please inform the lecturer beforehand.   You are not, however, required to attend any classes, although you are always welcome to talk to staff about them (whether you attend or not)

• ask participants to contact you if they feel unwell. Please familiarise yourself with where and how to get medical help (information on the student-facing teaching google sites) as you will be their first point of contact. 

• remind participants to attend and participate and ensure you chase up any participant who do not attend classes to ensure that they are OK.

• be prepared to remind students of any rules or regulations which they should or must follow.

On arrival to the NSC you should introduce yourself to the Director and our Office Manager, Michelle Rowland, and Finance Administrator Oli Bainbridge.  You should also ensure you provide Michelle with your contact details for whilst you are in York (mobile number, where you are staying, etc). 

You should arrive in good time to start at 0900, when there will be an opportunity for you to meet and greet participants. Leaders should attend the welcome session and farewell session, and generally be available during the week for students.

NSC academic staff are also available for:

• Marking and external examining

• Co-supervision of PhD theses and supervision or co-supervision/supervision of Master's Theses

• Invited lectures, workshops and seminars, plenaries, conferences

• Collaborative research projects

Please contact staff individually to discuss options.

Leaders choose to stay in a variety of locations across the city.   The NSC has some discounted rates which can be considered via this page.

There is a dedicated workspace for Leaders at the NSC, with Wi-Fi and access to a closed meeting room. You are also welcome to use the NSC staff room which has a refrigerator, microwave, kettle and free tea, coffee and biscuits.

You can contact the Director at all times. In emergencies, the Director can be contacted at +44 7591 509216.

Security Services at the University of York, can be contacted in an emergency, on +44 (0)1904 323333 

Institutions fund the travel and accommodation for Leaders.  It is strongly desirable that all groups have a Leader in York because:

1. Leaders are ambassadors for their home institution

2. Leaders provide valuable pastoral support for participants

3. There are options for collaborations between Leaders and UoY/NSC staff

In order to reduce costs to home institutions the NSC:

1. Negotiated deals for accommodation. Leaders might therefore 'save' their institutions money by choosing lower cost accommodation options. 

2. Covers the cost for Leaders to participate in enhancement activities (saving an average 350 NOK per person per week based on 2024 costs)

3. Provides free office space and Wi-Fi  for Leaders to work at the NSC.  Leaders can access the UoY library, and use limited printing and copying facilities at the NSC.

This document provides further arguments and suggestions related to sending a leader to York which can be shared with others.

Costs vary depending on a number of factors, such as when you travel, where you travel from, and your own requirements regarding standard of accommodation and food. Below is a rough guide of costs, which are normally covered by the home institution.

Travel

Return economy flights from Oslo or Bergen to Manchester, Leeds or London cost around £250-£300 on average. To this you would need to add travel to/from the airport in Norway (possibly involving an internal flight) and travel to/from York.  Return train travel in the UK to York is usually £35 or more. The cheapest option is usually to select specified trains, to book in advance and to travel off-peak.

Accommodation

Most NSC Leaders choose to stay at Franklin House, Roomzzz Aparthotel or the Hotel Indigo, where the NSC has secured corporate rates. For details please see our page about accommodation. 

Food and Drink

Food in the city centre varies based on your requirements, but it is possible to get a decent dinner for £15-£25 (including a drink). Some places (pubs, chains) have deals where you can get food and a drink for less than this. Lunch time meal deals cost around £5-£8 (sandwich, drink and snack), less is using supermarket "meal deals".

2026-2027 appears to be a financially challenging academic year in Higher Education across the globe. Many institutions, faculties and departments in Norway and the wider Nordics are looking to save money and cut costs.   Some institutions have therefore recently suggested that they can no longer fund sending a Leader to York.  The NSC, NSC Board and National Academic Council for English Studies in Norway,  would urge them to reconsider this small cost compared to the many benefits of the long established partnership in internationalisation.  

However, where funds really do not allow, the NSC would like to explore different options with those institutions to ensure that participants/students are still able to travel to York and be fully supported during their stay.   Where a Leader is not sent either for the full programme or at all, a small administrative charge will be payable by the home institution based on the services required and number of students present.

Prior to travelling, leaders should send their mobile number to nsc@york.ac.uk, as well as the email and phone number of a named contact at the Norwegian\Nordic home institution who is responsible and can be contacted for the next of kin participant emergency contact details should they be needed.