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LDE Norway

The Norway Leadership Development Expedition course takes place each summer, challenging students to navigate challenging terrain across the coasts and mountains of Norway.

The LDE Norway course  offers two separate sections (each running over the same dates) – alpine hiking in the Jotunheim mountains or coastal kayaking around the island of Smola. The academic component of the course is the same for both sections. However, the adventure activities and location are different to allow students to select where they will best learn, grow and enjoy a challenging, culturally-rich adventure in Norway.

Spanning nine days, each section will work together as an expedition team to manage daily challenges such as navigation, time management, physical and emotional safety, and team morale. Each day will begin and end with team meetings to debrief learning moments and discuss individual and group needs. Throughout course, students will focus on enhancing individual and team performance, learn and apply appropriate leadership models, and provide and receive structured feedback

Apply for the next LDE course

Follow the links below to learn about upcoming LDE information sessions, application deadlines, and expedition dates.

Which Section is Right for You?

Both LDE sections have the same syllabus, assignments and pre- and post-trek virtual class session requirements, and both sections will also provide hotel stays on first and last night of the course in Norway for students to adjust to time changes and feel rested before and after the adventure activities of the course.

Although each section takes place in a stunningly beautiful and wild environment with unique and beautiful scenery and views, each section’s activities offer different forms of comfort and challenge. Students should make their decision based on personal interest in activities and best fit for physical condition.

Specifically, though the mountain trek offers cabin-style lodging and meals, the hiking days are long and strenuous. And though the kayaking days are shorter and less physically demanding, students will set up/break down camp and cook their own food. Each course offers a challenging learning environment and the opportunity for rich leadership development – the specific nature of the challenge just varies.

Hut-to-Hut Mountain Trekking (Hiking Section)

Coastal Paddling & Camping (Kayaking Section)

Core Activities
  • 5 days of hiking on dirt-packed, rocky trails.
  • Approximately 8-10 hours of hiking per day at a moderate pace with regular breaks.
  • 5 days of flat water kayaking along the island’s shoreline.
  • Approximately 4-6 hours of paddling per day with regular breaks.

Lodging & Meals
  • 6 nights in rustic mountain cabins with bunkrooms and basic bathroom facilities (e.g., pit toilets).
  • 1 night before and after course in modern hotel.
  • All meals during the trek will be provided at the cabins.
  • 6 nights of tent camping (2-person tents) with no access to bathrooms or indoor facilities.
  • 1 night before and after course in modern hotel
  • Students will cook all meals as a team in camp.

Key Considerations
  • Terrain will be rocky, steep, and wet with snow and stream crossings. Students must carry a 40L pack (approximately 15-25lbs)
  • More information about the area and the cabins available at: https://www.dnt.no
  • Weather conditions change quickly and may include rain and wind. Students must be comfortable swimming with a life jacket.
  • More information on the area and kayaking available at: https://www.smolakajakk.com/

Physical Demands & Safety

  • Both sections, trekking and kayaking, are physically challenging and require students to be in moderate physical health and possess a willingness to experience physical and social discomfort for the sake of learning. However, students do not need any prior mountaineering or kayaking experience.

  • Instructors and guides take risk management and personal safety very seriously and take appropriate measures to mitigate chance for accident or injury. However, this is an adventure-based course which includes a certain level of inherent risk and uncertainty. For students with physical disabilities or needs that might require accommodations, or if you have any questions about the level of physical activity, please contact Mike Doyle to discuss options.

Oftentimes, I found myself putting a label on my leadership style and focusing on operating in that one capacity. However, on the trip, I had to be adaptable. This trip gave me the opportunity to step into nearly every kind of leadership role and to practice balancing empathy, agility, and competence to best serve my team in that moment.

Sydney Sanchez MBA candidate ’24

Interested in talking with Carey students and alumni who have taken the LDE Norway course? Email Mike Doyle to get connected with a former LDE student or ask any questions about the course.