University of Kalmar

Spring Semester Exchange Program

THE LOCATION:  Hultsfred is located 30 miles from the coast of the Baltic Sea and approximately 190 miles from Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmo--Sweden's major cities.  The total population of the Hultsfred municipality is about 15,000.  For rock-music lovers, Hultsfred is well known, thanks to the Rockparty Club, which arranges concerts year round, and the annual three-day Rockparty festival, which draws performances and audiences from around the world.  In addition to music, both the country side and the city of Hultsfred offer many activities, both indoors and out.

THE HOST INSTITUTION:  The University of Kalmar was officially established in 1977 and today offers more than 300 courses in nearly 50 degree programs to 9500 students.

THE PROGRAM:  Approximately 170 students study in Hultsfred, Rockcity.  In the Music Industry and Cultural Studies course, the language of instruction is English and the teaching consists of three lectures per week, group work, and seminars.  The goal of the course is to create an understanding of the process whereby music is created, produced, framed, distributed, mediated, and consumed.  This is accomplished through work within the music industry in combination with theoretical studies.  The goal is to practice using this knowledge in field-study reports during the course period.

The individual research project is conducted within business, tourism, music, or a related field.  The project involves field work in an international environment guided by a tutor, seminars on issues related to the subject, and an individually selected task presented in a written paper.

Students conclude the semester by assisting at the annual rock festival that is famous throughout Sweden.

TERM:  The spring term runs from mid-January until the first week in June.  There are a number of holidays and long weekends during the semester, but no spring break.

ACCOMMODATIONS:  Students live in university-sponsored apartments in Hultsfred.  Each apartment has three bedrooms, a common kitchen, and living room.  Swedish music-industry students live in the apartments, which you will probably share with them.  They will meet you at the train station when you arrive.

THE EXCHANGE AGREEMENT:  Participants in the exchange program pay SUNY tuition and college fees as well as a non-refundable fee of $300.   Students are required to have adequate health and repatriation insurance.  All costs are estimates and are subject to change.  Details on estimated costs are available from the study-abroad advisor in Netzer 312.

FINANCIAL AID:  Generally, federal and New York State aid are applicable toward overseas study.  Applicants should inquire at the Financial Aid Office for more information.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY:  Most students participate during the second semester of their junior year.  Sophomores will be accepted if space is available.  Students must be in good academic standing.