Norway — Adventures of the High North
Norway | Oct. 16-27, 2027
Journey to Norway's spectacular High North, where dramatic Arctic landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and unforgettable adventures await. From Tromsø and the Lyngen Alps to remote Kirkenes and the historic streets of Oslo, you'll experience Sámi culture, cruise Norway's legendary coastline, savor Nordic cuisine, and perhaps even witness the magic of the Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky.
Faculty Leaders
Dr. Lisa Sethre-Hofstad
Dr. Lisa Sethre-Hofstad serves as Minister for Generosity for the Northwestern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA, where she cultivates relationships, inspires generosity, and connects individuals and congregations to the synod's shared mission and ministry.
Prior to joining the synod staff, she dedicated 29 years to Concordia College, serving in a variety of leadership roles, including professor of psychology and vice president for Student Development and Campus Life. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about developing people, strengthening organizations, and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement and impact.
A scholar and educator with a deep commitment to global learning, she spent a year as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Tromsø in Norway, where she taught and conducted research. Her interest in international education began during her undergraduate years at Concordia, where she majored in psychology and Scandinavian studies. She has lived and studied in Australia and Norway and has led multiple study abroad programs for students in England and Norway.
Her contributions to higher education and leadership development have been recognized through numerous honors, including designation as a Fulbright Scholar, Scholar of the American-Scandinavian Foundation, Thrivent Fellow, and participant in the HERS Summer Leadership Institute for Women in Higher Education.
Dr. Joan Kopperud
Dr. Joan Kopperud retired from Concordia College after teaching in the English department for 31 years and serving as the director of integrative learning for the last three years. She is currently professor emeritus-in-residence in English. She grew up in Owatonna, Minnesota, and graduated from Concordia in 1975. She and her husband, Kevin, also a Cobber from Canby, Minnesota, spend time at their cabin north of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, with their chocolate lab rescue dog named Gillie. They also enjoy the company of their five grandchildren and attending their events throughout the year. Her hobbies and interests include daily lap swimming, reading, gardening, cooking, and traveling.