International Student Festival in Trondheim

The International Student Festival in Trondheim (ISFiT) is a biennial gathering in Trondheim, Norway, where around 450 students from across the world meet to discuss pressing social and political themes. Since 1990, ISFiT has fostered international dialogue, workshops, and cultural events, making it a unique space for student cooperation and inspiration.

• Held every two years in Trondheim, Norway since 1990
• Around 450 students from over 100 countries attend
• Themes focus on global social and political issues
• Features workshops, lectures, and cultural events
• Hosts the biennial Student Peace Prize ceremony

What it is

ISFiT is a major student festival held every two years in Trondheim, Norway, bringing together hundreds of students from all corners of the globe. Each edition centers on a different theme of international relevance, such as peacebuilding, global health, or migration. The festival serves as a platform for open discussion, debate, and the sharing of ideas, aiming to inspire participants and encourage new friendships and collaborations. ISFiT is organized by a large team of student volunteers and is known for its lively atmosphere, diverse perspectives, and commitment to social and political engagement.

Where it comes from

The idea for ISFiT was conceived in 1988, with the first festival taking place in 1990. Its inaugural theme, 'A Changing Europe,' reflected the dramatic shifts in Europe following the fall of the Berlin Wall. Early festivals featured unique initiatives like the 'ISFiT Rail,' which brought students from across Europe to Trondheim by train. Over the years, ISFiT has grown in scale and reputation, attracting thousands of applications and notable speakers, including Nobel Peace Prize laureates and international leaders. The introduction of Dialogue Groups in 1997 and the Student Peace Prize in 1999 further cemented its role as a forum for global student dialogue and recognition of peace efforts.

How it is celebrated

During ISFiT, participants engage in a rich program of workshops, lectures, and thematic meetings, all focused on the festival’s chosen theme. Workshops are the heart of the festival, encouraging students to explore issues like health, peace, human rights, and technology through discussion and creative activities. Dialogue Groups offer a space for students from conflict regions to meet and share experiences in a neutral setting. The festival also features cultural events such as concerts, exhibitions, and performances, creating opportunities for informal exchange and celebration. Throughout, the atmosphere is collaborative and welcoming, with volunteers ensuring that every participant feels included.

Joining in

If you visit Trondheim during ISFiT, you’ll find the city buzzing with international students and a packed schedule of public lectures, cultural events, and exhibitions. While the workshops are mainly for selected participants, many events are open to the public, offering a chance to hear from renowned speakers and join in the festival spirit. The main venues are spread across Trondheim, with the Student Society and other local spaces hosting activities. Expect a friendly, open environment where ideas and cultures mix freely, and where visitors are welcomed into the lively festival community.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article International Student Festival in Trondheim, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• International Student Festival in Trondheim on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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