Study at a folk college in Denmark

What is a Danish folk college?

Danish folk colleges are a unique concept and part of the non-formal educational system in Denmark. Classes are based on dialogue and mutual learning between teachers and students. The students stay at the college during the course. Students are young people between 18 and 30 years.

Living at a folk college is very much about intercultural awareness and personal growth. The colleges aim to attract students who wish to develop their skill and understanding in their particular field of interest and who also wish to develop personally and become more clear about their future direction. Folk colleges are NOT to be compared with universities, academies or professional schools where learning is much more formalized and generally with exams.

Read more about the AFS folk college program HERE or a general description of Danish folk colleges HERE.

You can choose between the following folk colleges:

Brenderup Højskole: Subjects within global citizenship, art, handidraft, music, sport and recycling design

Nordjyllands Idrætshøjskole: Subjects within sports and athletics

Snoghøj Højskole: Subjects within culture, performance, musical and acting.

Odder Højskole: Subjects within film & TV production, design, programming, gaming, music, dance, design, sports & art.

Silkeborg Højskole: Subjects within global citizenship/becoming a changemaker, music, arts, sports and nature.

Vestjylland Højskole: Subjects within sustainable lifestyle, sport/outdoor life, dancing, theatre, cooking, writing and philosophy.

Egå Ungdoms-Højskole (for students between 16.5 and 19 years of age): Subjects within Danish language & Denmark, citizenship, film, photography, design, drama, music, sports, e-sport, green activism and arts.

Practicalities

All costs in connection with the your participation in this program are included: such as tuition, mandatory activities, food, accommodation and orientations.
You will need to bring pocket money for your own spending. Denmark is an expensive country so it is recommended having a minimum of USD 170 per month.
You will be met by AFS on arrival to Copenhagen airport and helped board the train for your folk college.
You will be invited to a mid-term orientation with AFS which are held in April and November.

Overview

Program Type
- Study Abroad
Location
- Denmark
Program for an individual or for a group

Group
Program highlights
- Live and study with young people from all over the world
- Take part in the educational and social activities at the folk college going on 24/7
- Engage in various subjects and activities offered by your chosen folk collegeity and much more.
- Develop your strenghts and become clearer about your future
- Spend time with your very own Danish contact family

Specifics

Requirements

Age Range
- 18
- 30
Educational requirements

There are no formal requirements.
Instruction language
- English
Language details

The instruction language at the international line is English so you must have a reasonable level of English.
Soft skills and other requirements

You must be mature enough to take part in an adult program, be willing to take part in the life and activities of the college and be prepared to live at the college and not in a host family.

Housing and Meals

Housing type
- At project/school
- Shared room
Meals included
- 3 per day
Housing / meals details

As a student at this folk college you will be accommodated at the folk college, usually in a double room. You will have all meals at folk college (prepared by kitchen staff) together with your fellow students and teachers. Meals at the folk college are very varied and the college can accommodate various allergies and food preferences such as vegetarian food. You will also have a local Danish AFS contact family whom you can visit during weekends (typically once a month) and holidays.