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. Living at a folk college is very much about intercultural awareness and personal growth. Students are young young people between 18 and 30 years. 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 Danish folk colleges HERE.
More about this particular folk college
This particular college focuses on developing the potential of the individual and of the common. To become I and become we. It offers a wide range of courses within the areas of outdoor activities, arts, music, politics and sports. It is located among lakes and forests in Silkeborg – about 40 km from Aarhus which is the second largest city in Denmark with approx. 270.000 inhabitants.
The main international line is the changemaker line / global citizenship but you will also be able to choose between subjects within sports (such as water sports, ball games, core training and much more), art (such as ceramics and drawing), music (choir/sound lab), and video/storytelling. Silkeborg folk college offers a international environment with young people from both Denmark and around the world.
Read more about the Silkeborg folk college HERE.
Practicalities
- All costs in connection with the your participation in this program are included: such as food, accommodation and orientations. However, you should expect to pay up to 2.000 dkk (depending on your choice of subjects) directly to the college to cover materials etc.
- You choose a study trip in Denmark or to a foreign country. Read more about study trips and expenses HERE.
- 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 mid-term orientations with AFS which are held in April and November.