PHOTO: PIXABAY
IN T RODU CTION
THE CERTAINTY THAT IS DANISH EDUCATION
The reasons to be thankful are numerous
By Ben Hamilton Benjamin Franklin wrote in a 1789 letter that “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes”. But besides being surprised that his private correspondence was made public and immortalised for all to enjoy over the ensuing centuries, as an esteemed polymath he would have been enthused to know we could start adding another item to the list in the early 20th century: education. The Brits even cut top flight football during the great wars, but going to school? Forget about it, kiddo! You best learn your nine times tables – they could be vital for counting the number of tanks in a Panzer division – and it’s never too late for some rudimentary German. HERE TO EASE YOUR PAIN That neatly leads us to another great statesman of our time, Winston Churchill, and we’re sure that newcomers to this country would agree with his observation that education in Denmark is a
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“riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma”. Right from the off, international parents are bombarded with difficult questions, and we hope this special edition will arm you with the necessary knowledge to make them on behalf of your children, and then, as they get older, to advise them. There are forks in the road that can have a huge impact on your child’s journey from the crib to the workplace, and sometimes there is no going back (PAGES 6-7). For example, as international parents, should you send your infant to an English-speaking daycare facility (PAGES 8-9), there is the danger they may never become fully bilingual. But in an international setting they will be exposed to more diversity from an early age – a huge positive in our increasingly globalised society. Still, it is worth assessing all the pros and cons, although the incredibly cheap fees (PAGE 4) are not to be sniffed at. At the age of five or six, your child is then faced with a choice between the free Danish public school
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system, or a fee-paying, but heavily state-subsidised international school (PAGES 10-11). VOCATION VS CONTINUING With their elementary schooling out of the way, your child has four choices: leave education, go to efterskole (PAGES 12-13), pursue a vocational training or continue onto gymnasium (PAGES 14-15), the upper-secondary school that will prepare them for higher learning (PAGES 16-17). In an increasingly competitive job market, choosing a vocation has an obvious appeal. But what happens if the career awakens a curiosity in a subject that can only be properly explored via higher learning. Of all the forks in the road, it is the most treacherous. But maybe it can be remedied somewhat by taking advantage of the extensive range of adult education (PAGES 18-19) Denmark has to offer. Denmark has a long tradition for lifelong learning and many Danes participate in adult education. Workplaces also expect staff to upgrade their skills through educational schemes throughout their working careers.
TIME TO FLOURISH! But remember, don’t lose sight of the forest for all the trees. When you consider the high standards and enormous subsidies available to private schools, you couldn’t be in a better country, as the Danish school system is considered one of the best in the world. Higher education and training in Denmark ranked sixth in the World Economic Forum’s league table 2017-2018 and third in the 2020 Universitas 21 rankings following an impressive year in which it overtook the UK and the Nordic region’s top dog, Sweden, to trail only the US and Switzerland. And when it comes to language, the options are numerous at the international schools, where classes are taught in English, French, Spanish, German or Japanese. For some years now, the International Baccalaureate (IB) has also been gaining ground in Danish schools, the diploma giving access to university education in Denmark and all over the world.
Learn Danish your way
At Studieskolen, you can learn Danish quickly and efficiently. And with so many courses to choose between, it’s easy to find the one that fits your daily life and needs. If you want to learn Danish very fast, our crash courses are for you. Classes are taught two or three times a week to make sure you are engaging with Danish most of the time. This way, you learn Danish in an intensive and superfast way, and you don’t have the time to forget words, expressions and grammar from one lesson to the next. It’s a good way to learn Danish. If you need your Danish course to fit into a busy working life, you can choose classes once or twice a week. We offer classes every weekday. Do you prefer to learn from home? Then pick one of our online courses and learn Danish in a virtual classroom where everyone can see and talk to each other. You get the full Studieskolen experience – online. How much Danish do you know? If you are a beginner, we have lots of beginners’ courses for you to choose between. If you already speak a lot of Danish – or a little – we have courses for you, too. Our Danish courses go from level A1 to C1. And you can even take courses that prepare you for Prøve i Dansk 3 or Studieprøven. Do you need to speak Danish more fluently? Join one of our conversation courses focusing solely on speaking Danish. We offer conversation courses at most levels. You can also improve your Danish writing skills with us. We have special courses where you learn to write correctly and convincingly in Danish. Are you familiar with FVU? It’s a free offer available to you if you already know some Danish but would like to improve your Danish spelling, writing or reading. If you don’t know what level your Danish is, you can take the test on our website. View our full selection of classes at studieskolen.dk.
NEWS
Help for weak readers
Business as normal then SOCIALDEMOKRATIET won the 2021 School Election with 23.5 percent of the vote. The School Election is a three-week teaching course for grades 7-9 that mimics a real election campaign. Students form parties, study democracy and key political issues, and participate in debates. And then they finish with a vote. Some 551,578@ students participated nationwide.
School patrol perils ACCORDING to an Epinion survey for Rådet for Sikker Trafik, 38 percent of school children working for their ‘school patrol’, which ensures other kids can cross the road safely near their school, have experienced hostility from motorists whilst performing their duties. In some cases, youngsters have had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit.
More learning Danish
Teachers hit hard
State subsidies ensure 73 percent of the costs are covered, meaning most parents pay only 30,000 kroner a year
By BEN HAMILTON Foreign families have many reasons to be wary of moving to Copenhagen to start a new life. There’s the weather, the high taxes and the apparent unwelcoming nature of the Danes. But along with the commendable life-work balance and high safety levels comes one undeniable asset for families with children. Thanks to generous support from the state, which pays 73 percent of all the costs of the country’s private schools, Copenhagen has some of the cheapest international schools in the world, according to the latest International Schools Database report. Very low median average The report assessed the situation in 29 cities in 19 European countries, and Copenhagen was the cheapest. The median average annual fee payable at its interna-
The cheapest was 3,764 US dollars and the most expensive, Copenhagen International School (CIS), was 20,121. By regarding CIS as an outlier – a statistical anomaly – and calculating the results based on median averages not mean averages, it was able to conclude that Copenhagen is the cheapest in Europe. Contradicts reputation Three of the top five most expensive cities were in Switzerland, with Zurich leading the way with a median average of 27,508, followed by London (24,791), Lausanne (23,740), Geneva (23,332) and Brussels (17,405). After Copenhagen, the next four cheapest were Valencia (6,161), Amsterdam (6,716), Alicante (6,765) and the Algarve (7,078). “In Denmark both public and private schools (which includes international schools) are all heavily
subsidised by the government. This may explain why education is so affordable – comparatively speaking – in a country with a reputation for a high cost of living,” the report explained last year, Trouble ahead? As of 2017, there are around 550 private schools in Denmark catering to 110,000 pupils nationwide – some 17 percent of the school-going population. Most are classified as friskoler. In the same year, the current government party Socialdemokratiet, back when it led the opposition, identified friskoler as a serious opponent of integration
and said it would like to see their funding cut. Friskoler have a reputation for being Muslim, but in reality there are only 26 such schools, of which 10 are in Copenhagen, catering to around 5,000 students. Few are cheaper Worldwide, only Casablanca and Morocco have medians lower than Copenhagen. Four countries accounted for the entire global top ten: the USA, China, Switzerland and the UK. The top five were New York City, Beijing, Shanghai, San Francisco and Zurich.
DENMARK AMONG THE BEST FOR EDUCATION
Report highlights how the country spends 7.8 percent of its GDP – the biggest proportion in the world
By CHRISTIAN WENANDE According to a new report from money.co.uk, Denmark is among the best in the world when it comes to educating its people. The report ranked Denmark fifth overall with a score of 8.07 out of 10, behind leaders Singapore (9.10), Iceland (8.40), Canada (8.28) and Sweden (8.22).
AT NO TIME during the Corona Crisis has an industry been so severely affected by infection as teachers during Week 49 (Dec 6-12), according to figures from Statens Serum Institut. Almost The report also lauded Den2,400 tested positive. mark for being the nation
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tional schools is 4,787 US dollars (30,200 kroner).
EDUCATION GUIDE SPR I NG 2 022
PIXABAY
DURING the second quarter of 2021, there were 18,707 students taking Danish classes – a 78 percent increase on the 10,499 studying in Q1, 2020. Between January 2018 and July 2020, students were charged 2,000 kroner per module, but the current government reversed its predecessor’s decision to make them free again. Students still have to pay a deposit, though.
CHEAPEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN EUROPE LUCÉLIA RIBEIRO, FLICKR
APPROXIMATELY 15 percent of all 15-year-old Danes leave primary school with such weak reading skills that they find it difficult to take a higher education. A grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation of 20 million kroner will fund an ambitious four-year research project to develop a cheap and effective solution: a research-based reading program.
in the world that dedicates the highest share of public funding to education. “The commitment from the government to education is a big part of investing in the country’s future, and the nation that has the greatest spend in this regard is Denmark, spending 7.8 percent of its GDP,” the report found. Jordan not the GOAT The report compiled its results based on a number of parameters, such as primary and secondary school enrollment, out of school
percentages, government expenditure, average QS World University rankings and PISA results.
UK (13), Ireland (29), Australia (30), Brazil (35), the US (37), Mexico (42), Indonesia (49) and Germany (52).
Slovenia, France, Norway, Belgium and Finland completed the top 10, while other notables included the
Jordan finished bottom of the 63-nation ranking, preceded by Romania and Slovakia.
TRANSFORM YOUR CAREER AND BECOME THE LEADER OUR FUTURE NEEDS Accelerate your career and learn sustainable business leadership on one of the Copenhagen Business School MBA programmes - enrolment deadlines are approaching Central to living in the Danish capital is sustainability, and this year Copenhagen Business School (CBS) is celebrating ten years of teaching Sustainability and Responsible Leadership across its three world-renowned MBA programmes: the Full-Time MBA (aka the Copenhagen MBA), the Executive MBA (EMBA), and the Executive MBA in Shipping and Logistics (aka the Blue MBA). These programmes emphasise the best of Scandinavian business practices. Sustainability is not something that is merely spoken about, but an ethos embedded deeply in Nordic society that has over the years become central to the programmes. CBS sees it as its duty to create a more sustainable future, and there is no better place to learn about it than in a green, innovative and progressive city like Copenhagen. Among the world’s best Following its foundation in 1917, CBS rapidly evolved into a city institution of educational excellence. Just 168 students turned up on that first day with prospects for the future understandably tempered by the ongoing war in France. Today 23,000 make up its body, of which over 4,000 are internationals, together with 1,500 top-level faculty staff. CBS is not only a place of learning; its research and development have helped to develop Denmark to the extent you’d find the school in the national fabric. Globally revered as one of northern Europe’s biggest and best business schools, its Full-Time MBA programme is ranked in the top 20 in Europe by Bloomberg Businessweek and among the top 30 MBAs offered at European business schools, according to the 2021 Financial Times European Business School Ranking. Furthermore, only 1 percent of business schools worldwide can match CBS MBA programmes’ triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS. Learning through diversity Enrolling on one of CBS’s MBA programmes will yield you qualifications respected across the globe and help you bridge the gap to a more fulfilling career. Such a move is challenging and often disruptive, but through the introspection and reflection that follows, you will mature into one of the world-class business leaders that CBS produces with such regularity.
In purposely-small classes led by CBS’s worldclass teaching staff, you will have the time to shine and explore your understanding along with the opportunity to voice your opinions in a supportive community.
contract manager at Cadeler in the renewable energy & offshore wind sector.
Group work, in teams of participants selected to ensure diversity, each with different strengths, is the norm as you contextualise course materials through your work experiences.
Customising the MBA and EMBA journey Upon enrolling on the Full-Time MBA or the Executive MBA you will have the opportunity to refine your journey by choosing to specialise in Digitalisation, Entrepreneurship, Governance and Sustainability, or Finance. While the FullTime MBA is a one-year full-time programme, the Executive MBA accommodates your work schedule with 4 to 7-day modules every month, spanning 21 to 25 months. The design of the EMBA allows you to have an impact in your organisation from the start of the programme.
The programmes bring together both talented young and mature professionals from different backgrounds, industries and nationalities. Not only does this diversity present you with truly global networking opportunities – among peers and with prospective employers – but it challenges you to radically improve your co-operation skills.
The next Full-Time MBA programme starts in October 2022.
Sustainability as key focus As a participant on the CBS Full-Time MBA, you will gain critical insight into the admired Scandinavian business model, which prides itself on its ethical decision-making, social responsibility and green agenda.
The next Executive MBA intakes are in May and September 2022.
“Business as usual is no longer a viable option. As the world around us is changing rapidly, a growing number of people are looking for new ways to do business,” contends Dr Andreas Rasche, the Full-Time MBA Associate Dean.
It prepares you for a working life on the top level of international business administration, facing the challenges of globalisation, enhanced competition and never-ending technological change in the industry. At the core of the programme is an emphasis on the decarbonisation of shipping.
“Corporate sustainability is becoming part of the mainstream business thinking, and students need to be able to understand its power in order to create positive change.” The goal of all three programmes is not to produce mere business leaders, but very much the leaders that our future needs. “The Copenhagen MBA integrates principles of corporate sustainability seamlessly into its curriculum,” enthuses 2020 graduate Basabdutta Bose, who relocated to Copenhagen from India to enroll on the Full-Time MBA. Today she is a
Excellence in shipping and logistics The Blue MBA is designed for high-potential global shipping executives.
The next intake is in September 2023. Driving change The end result for all participants is an admirably global outlook, a valuable international network for the future, and highly regarded business expertise to create positive change for a more sustainable future. To learn more about the programmes and upcoming deadlines – visit www.cbs.dk/en/ executive-degrees/mba.
ADVERTORIAL
DECI SIONS
INTERNATIONAL OR DANISH: THAT IS THE QUESTION
A diverse setting will broaden your child’s horizons, but at what cost to the world outside their window?
By Ben Hamilton
Our educational journeys are beset by crucial decisions: what country were we educated in – so, are our qualifications recognised in Denmark, or did we waste ten years training as an atomic physicist? – what schools did we go to, what subjects did we study, and what language were we principally educated in? FORGET THE 11-PLUS, THIS IS THE SIX-FUSS! Given that you’re reading this, we can safely assume you’ve opted on Denmark as the country to educate your children in, but the rest of the decisions are up in the air. Combining two of them – the choice of school and language – the first one comes pretty early (as young as three, although six is more typical), although it can be delayed for a while. But eventually a decision needs to be made, as
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choosing between an education at a Danishlanguage, free public school or an Englishspeaking, fee-paying international establishment will have far-reaching implications for the rest of your child’s education. DANISH EDUCATION PROS Sending your child to a Danish school will make them Danish – regardless of whether one or both of the parents are internationals. That might sound like opinionated claptrap, but the homogenous nature of the Danes comes from their upbringing. Unless they are sociopathic or chronically shy, they’ll have friends for life. Danish people are immensely tolerant because the group is only as strong as the weakest member. Sibling-like bonds are formed with classmates, and they learn to accept each other’s flaws and even like them. There’s a reason why the Danes like the Brits so much. With friends comes a strong network that they can draw on for the rest of their lives.
Most Danes tend to have children in Denmark because they enjoyed their experience so much (and because it’s mostly free!). And going to the local school on your doorstep is convenient. It gives children a sense of belonging to a community, which makes it easier to advance in that environment as an adult. Danish educations tend to be holistic, practical and strong on empathy and crafts. Your children will emerge as well-rounded and more than able at making Christmas decorations and home improvement. INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION PROS Sending your child to an international school will make them worldly – without even leaving the country. It will expose them to unbelievable diversity, cementing an openmindedness that will stay with them forever. By the time they finish school, they’ll have an enviable network of friends and contacts all over the world.
DECI SIONS
The exposure to different languages, cultures, religions and nationalities will make them knowledgeable far beyond what they learn in the classroom. If your child already speaks two or three languages, the school will give them a chance to flourish. Heading to an overseas university, and potentially one of the world’s top establishments, is de rigueur at an international school. The careers advisors are highly experienced in offering advice on traversing the borders of Denmark. Overall, with the school’s autonomy as a private establishment and universally-recognised IB curriculum you can rest assured that the school will deliver the kind of education it promised – regardless of any changes to the political landscape. DANISH EDUCATION CONS Ultimately, if your child is Danish, you might feel that they have not absorbed as much of your country’s culture, idiosyncrasies and humour as you might have liked. When you look at the curriculum, you might regret its limitations and assume you’re going to carry on winning Trivial Pursuit games with the family for the rest of your life. Your child’s interests might be more predictable than eclectic – you worry how they will stand out in life. You might find that going to the local school limits their horizons, and that they are apprehensive about testing themselves in new surroundings. Their contact pool outside their neighbourhood is mostly likely limited. The Danish education system is changeable – the goal posts tend to move a lot. Whether it’s the length of the school day, the existence of homework, the syllabus or the quality of the teachers, it’s fair to say that in the ten years it takes to complete, the system barely resembles the one your child started. Overall, in a country where janteloven is still prevalent, their higher education prospects might seem a little pedestrian. INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CONS Despite the school’s best efforts, the students might feel a little disconnected from their local community – like all the local kids know each other, but they only have friends at school. Long-term friendships are a rarity at international schools where very few pupils last the distance as new students come and go. The upshot, of course, is that children get used to this and get to practice at being personable. Given the international background of most of their friends, many won’t remain in Denmark after graduation, which can be a painful experience. They will of course have lots of social media friends, but they might feel lonely. If they are Danish or half-Danish, going to an international school might make them feel like an outsider in their own country. This could be exacerbated when they travel to their other ‘home country’ and are again treated like they don’t belong. IN CONCLUSION We hope you don’t infer we were trying to influence you one way or the other. Ahead of you lies a difficult choice, but rest assured: sometimes either choice would have been the right one, and sometimes neither!
The International School of Hellerup is a Not-For-Proot IB World School with over 600 students representing more than 70 nationalities from around the world.
WELCOME TO OUR
HIGH SCHOOL VIRTUAL OPEN DAY THURSDAY, 20TH JANUARY, 19:00 - 20:00 Join us online to learn more about our school, discover the beneets of the IB MYP 5 and Diploma Programme at ISH, explore course options and meet our teachers and students. For more information visit ish.dk/open-day.
Copyright ISH 2022 (01.22)
UNDER 6s
WHO SAID THE TWOS WERE TERRIBLE?
The daycare institutions where infants evolve into model citizens
By Stephen Gadd Pre-school education can cost an average annual salary in some countries. In London, for example, it’s not uncommon to have to pay in the region of 20 to 30,000 pounds a year, leaving many parents with no other option than staying at home to oversee the terrible twos and threes themselves, before gratefully handing their children over to the state system to take care of the fearsome fours. For many internationals, therefore, it is with unbridled joy that they learn that 70 percent of the costs of daycare are subsidised by the local municipality. Suddenly the twos and threes are more tiredout than terrible! A PROUD HISTORY Denmark has a long history of pre-school education stretching back to the 1820s, when the first schools were set up to instruct the children of working families where both parents went out to work. Initially, they were places to look after
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children but between 1850 and 1900, private educational institutions appeared that had pedagogical objectives as well. All children under the age of six are legally entitled to attend a daycare facility. This term covers institutions such as crèches, daycare institutions, nursery schools and ageintegrated institutions. The development of the child is prioritised very highly, so as well as providing a safe environment for childcare, the institutions co-operate with parents to support the development of the individual’s self-esteem. DAYCARE FACILITIES Because daycare is a legal requirement, the local authority is obliged to provide facilities for any child aged 26 weeks and up to school age. These can be organised in various ways – either as local-authority child-minding, local-authority daycare centres, independent daycare centres, private child-minding, or an approved private daycare centre. In cases where parents work far away from their home, it might be desirable for them to have their children cared for in a daycare facility under another local authority. This is also possible.
When a child is admitted to a daycare facility through local authority allocation, the local council subsidises the cost of the child’s place, and the parents make up the difference. There is also a sibling discount if more than one child in a household is in the same institution. If parents want their child to attend an approved private daycare centre, they may be able to obtain a financial subsidy to pay for the place. There is also the possibility of obtaining an aided-place subsidy if the parental income is below a certain level. CHILD-MINDING IN PRIVATE HOMES In the local-authority regime, child-minding takes place in a private home and a childminder can take care of up to five children. Children are assigned to individual childminders by the local authority. If two or more child-minders work together, they may be permitted to look after up to ten children. There are also private child-minders whose work is governed by an operating agreement between them and the local authority. The local authority subsidises the individual child and supervises the scheme. DAYCARE CENTRES These are institutions such as crèches, nursery
UNDER 6s
schools and age-integrated institutions. They cater for children from birth to school age. They can either be run by the local authority or by private individuals. Independent daycare centres are owned and run by private individuals under the terms of an agreement with the local authority. They are subject to local authority supervision and receive subsidies from the local authority to cover its costs. Approved private daycare centres must be licensed by the local authority. However, the centres themselves decide who to admit and children are not referred to them by the local authority. They also receive a local authority subsidy per child. In agreement with the local authority, daycare centres can be operated as outsourced daycare centres. These institutions must comply with the same requirements as the local authority daycare centres. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Since 2004, there has been a legal obligation for all daycare facilities to develop and implement an educational curriculum. There are two prongs – one for children up to 2 years old and one for children aged 3 up until they start school.
The curriculum sets out the goals for the daycare facility regarding what the children should be learning. It also as describes the methods and activities used to attain these goals and includes a methodology for evaluating the curriculum. Six themes have been highlighted as follows: 1. The comprehensive personal development of the child 2. Social competencies 3. Language 4. Body and motion 5. Nature and natural phenomena 6. Cultural expressions and values The curriculum must also show how the daycare facility works to ensure a good and stimulating environment for the children in its care. This environment must be considered from a child’s perspective and the children’s own experiences of that environment taken into consideration. It’s up to the individual daycare facility to decide on its own approach. The leader of the facility is responsible for preparing and publishing the curriculum and for carrying out an annual evaluation. This includes documenting whether the approaches and activities chosen meet the objectives outlined within the themes. The curriculum must be approved by the local council,
who are also responsible for monitoring its implementation. INTERNATIONAL OPTIONS Since 2017, two facilities in Copenhagen have been offering English-language daycare. The service is tailored towards expats living in the municipality who expect to move away from Denmark again within a few years. At least one of the parents must have a job in Denmark. Børnebyen Vandværket, which is near Vesterport Station, offers nursery (0-3) to 12 children and kindergarten (3-6) care to 24. Idrætsinstitutionen Bavnehøj, which is the Sydvest district near Enghavevej, offers kindergarten care with a focus on physical education to 24 children. And Hellerup also has two English-language facilities: Sunrise International Preschool and Stepping Stone. Sunrise International Preschool on Norgesmindevej caters to children aged 2-6 at a location that is respectful to other people, animals and the environment. Stepping Stone on Ehlersvej has reopened following its renovation. Located in a charming manor house it offers a ‘home away from home’ to its young charges.
E LEMENTARY
LET LOGIC RULE YOUR DECISION
For expat couples an international school makes sense, but it can be a hard sell when your partner is Danish
By Stephen Gadd The international parents you meet are normally split into two groups: the lifers and the expats. The lifer, more often than not an individual, will normally opt for the Danish public school system for two reasons: affordability and respecting the wishes of their Danish partner. More than likely they moved to Denmark as a refugee of love and their income is average or lower than average. The result is children who are as Danish as full-blooded peers. The expats, more likely a couple, will normally opt for an international school for three reasons: again affordability (with the state subsidy, the schools are cheap compared to private options in other countries – see page 12), networking, and language/curriculum concerns given their children are likely to continue their schooling elsewhere. More than likely they moved to Denmark for work. The result is children with an experience under their belt and maybe a second language.
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FREE AND COMPULSORY In Denmark, education is free unless you choose a private school or boarding school. It is also compulsory for everyone between the ages of 6 and 16 or 17. Whether this occurs in a public school, private school or at home is a matter of individual choice, as long as pre-set standards are met. It is the education itself that is compulsory, not school. The law guarantees a free choice of public schools within the local authority area where you live. However, as in many other countries, some schools have a better reputation than others and can be full or have long waiting lists. PUBLIC SCHOOL The Danish Public School (Folkeskole) is a comprehensive school consisting of both primary and lower secondary classes. Primary school covers classes 1-6 and lower secondary classes 7-9, with an optional 10th class available in some cases. The folkeskole is unstreamed and the formation of classes is based on the child’s age and not in subject-specific proficiency. Classes usually consist of approximately 21 pupils. The number
must not exceed 28, although under certain exceptional circumstances, a municipality can give a dispensation for a class of up to 30. The Folkeskole is governed by an Act of Parliament which lays down the foundations and objectives governing its activities. All municipal primary and lower secondary schools share a common aim, standard requirements concerning the subjects taught at the specific form levels, standard regulations concerning the so-called Common Objectives for the teaching in the individual subjects, as well as standard regulations concerning the leadership and organisation of the school system. The Act also lays down clear rules for parent/ school co-operation, and parents are expected to take an active part in their children’s schooling. Schools are obliged to report on pupils’ progress at least twice per year. However, it is the responsibility of the individual municipal boards to determine how schools are to be organised within the legal framework. The boards can also set their own additional objectives for schools. This has the advantage that a child who changes schools
will, on the whole, find the new routine similar to the one he or she has been accustomed to. PRIVATE SCHOOLS Denmark has a long tradition of private schools encompassing the idea of “a school for life based on the living word”. Unlike many other countries, Denmark subsidises private schools heavily – to the tune of 76 percent of each student’s costs. Approved schools receive the funding regardless of the ideological, religious, political or ethnic motivation behind their establishment. However, getting into one of the more prestigious ones can be difficult, as the waiting lists are often long. Private schools categories: 1 Small independent schools in rural districts (friskoler) 2 Large independent schools in urban districts (privatskoler) 3 Religious or Congregational schools 4 Progressive free schools 5 Schools with a particular educational aim (e.g Rudolf Steiner schools) 6 German minority schools 7 Immigrant schools INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS This might be the ideal solution for a foreign national living in Denmark who wants an international education for his or her child. There are a number of them around, especially in the Copenhagen area. International basic schools are private elementary schools approved by the Ministry of Education and the teaching is in languages other than Danish – either for the whole school or for divisions within it. They often teach a curriculum which leads to an internationally recognised accreditation, such as the International Baccalaureate or the Cambridge education system. MUNICIPAL INTERNATIONAL BASIC SCHOOLS From school year 2015/16, new legislation allowed municipalities to set up international basic schools. Municipal international basic schools admit children subject to compulsory education whose parents are foreigners residing temporarily in Denmark due to their employment and whose parents wish to have their children enrolled at the school. If there are unfilled places at a municipal international basic school, it may also admit Danish children and other foreign children who live or reside in Denmark, and whose parents wish to have them enrolled at the school.
An island of opportunities newcomers.lolland.dk
The local municipality may decide that the education provided at the municipal international basic school should be certified internationally. It is, however, a precondition that the education continues to be up to what is generally required in the Folkeskole. Based on the local council’s decision, the language of instruction at a municipal international basic school is English, German or French. Further information about municipal international basic schools can be had from local school authorities in the municipality. GETTING INVOLVED Unlike some countries, in Denmark it is usual for parents to be actively involved in their children’s education at all levels. They even sit on national educational policy-making committees. From the early days of daycare, it is stressed that parents have overall responsibility for the development of their children. All public schools (ages 6-16) have a governing body composed of representatives of pupils, employees and parents and parental representatives comprise the majority on the board. Contact between parents and pedagogues/teachers is always encouraged, whether it is via the internet, through informal chats or pre-arranged school visits, or at the annual or bi-annual parent-teacher meetings.
A free, international school
Quality bilingual education for students aged 6-14 Join us lollandinternationalschool.dk lollandkommune
E F T ERSKOLE
Every year, around 30,000 teenagers in Denmark choose to go to an efterskole, and there is plenty of choice for internationals
GRADE NINE AND A HALF
By Ben Hamilton Harry Potter famously catches the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9 and three quarters, and John Cusack’s character in ‘Being John Malkovich’ finds work on the seventh-and-a-half floor, but did you know that Denmark has its own fractional curiosity. Every year, around 30,000 students in Denmark embark on their ninth and a half grade – a full year of both academic and vocational pursuits – at one of the country’s 250 independent boarding schools. The majority of the ‘efterskoler’ are recent public school leavers aged 16-17, but some can be as young as 14. While the fees will set back parents between 50,000 and 100,000 kroner for the full year depending on their financial situation, there are also substantial state subsidies to ensure the year is one the students will never forget. Why September 26 is big! There is no better time to discover more than on Efterskolernes Dag on September 26. No, Efterskolernes Dag is not an apocalyptic thriller in which education ceases to exist. Instead it is a day when it is possible to find out more about the uniquely Danish educational establishment by visiting one in person. Of course, this can be arranged on most days, as the schools will always want to attract new students, but Efterskolernes Dag is open house time: the welcome mat is very much beckoning you in, and everything is geared towards giving you a good impression of the school. It’s a chance for parents and prospective students to look around and, who knows, maybe Junior might even run into some future class-mates. While the specialisation of the efterskole might sound amazing on paper, visiting the actual school might change your mind. This is potentially one of the most pivotal moments of your child’s life – a time to blossom, for many – and no choice could be more important. Plot your route carefully On Efterskolernes Dag 2021, all schools will be open from 13:00 until 17:00, so you’ll need to make sure you plan carefully to fit all your visits into a four-hour window. Parents and students accordingly plot zigzagging routes across the country in order to take in as many as possible. However, it will be necessary to check the individual website of every efterskole on the wish list to ensure they are open when you visit. 12 EDUCATION GUIDE SPR I NG 2 022
Remember that there will be other times to visit, but that no day in the year affords you the chance to visit as many on one car journey.
Immersive experience The children are expected to spend the entire week at the efterskole, but are free to leave over the weekend. However, most require them not to leave for the first fortnight, whilst foregoing their mobile phones, in order to embed them into the style of living.
But if you fail to find the ideal school on Efterskolernes Dag, it may be possible to go on a 24-hour trial course to experience efterskole life before committing to a longer stay.
Parents not used to being apart from their children have ample access to the supervisory teachers, who are likely to make telephone calls to update them on progress or discuss issues.
International choices A good handful are international, while many others are open to foreign students, and some even have international departments. The selfgoverning institutions vary wildly in size from 25 to 500 students, although most of them have a minimum of around 100 students.
The students are encouraged to take part in many activities outside their academic pursuits, learning and enhancing life-long skills in sport, cooking, boardgames and maybe even music and drama.
Some of the schools will divide the day into time intervals and require you to sign up for a specific time.
Unlike regular schools, the relationship between teacher and student is far closer, as they are together all day – and part of the night if the students behave like Harry and his friends! There is a far wider choice of academic subjects, although these vary in accordance with the school’s political, religious or pedagogical orientation, and since the 1980s some schools have specialised in specific areas, such as sport or music, or catering to students with particular needs, such as those with dyslexia or even latedevelopers. And there are plenty of different language options. Some schools provide all their tuition in English and others offer bilingual programmes or cultural programmes designed in a wide range of languages, including Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian, Romanian and Hungarian.
Whilst in the classroom they have the opportunity to vastly improve their proficiency in a language (across the country, a wide range is offered) or a subject not hugely focused on at public school, such as history, science and geography. Catering to specifics Some efterskoles specialise in helping students to catch up – particularly late-developers, or other children, who have not done so well within the established school system. Children can regain their confidence in themselves in a protective and social environment and become motivated to continue their education. Others cater to those with learning difficulties, with 18 set up for students with special needs and 20 for dyslexic students. For more information regarding courses and the subsidies available to students, consult efterskole.dk/en.
E F T ERSKOLE
EFTERSKOLE: PROS AND CONS
The benefits are numerous, but it’s also easy to stumble
By Ben Hamilton Before you book your rail tickets or hire one of those super-cool electric cars to check out some potential efterskoles, maybe it’s worth considering whether it really is the right choice for your child. After all, while 30,000 children attend one every year, pretty much the same number don’t. And beyond the affordability – as for some families, the cost can be too high – there must be other reasons! Let’s start with the pros As teenagers, we are at our most impressionable. Passions, once ignited, burn brighter, and many of us end up embarking on life-long journeys: of the heart as well as vocationally! Many will discover what they were meant to do, while others will realise their dreams of being a rock star or MVP in the NBA should remain just that. For others, it will be a chance to catch up or increase their confidence: from late developers to those with special needs, it will be a year well spent. Time to mature But perhaps even more important, this will be their first step into adulthood. Learning to look after themselves – whether it is cooking, cleaning or nutritionally – will serve them well for the rest of their lives.
Additionally, thanks to the relaxed discipline they will develop self-motivation much earlier than most Europeans, who are pretty much told what to do at school up until university. Most will finish the year with more confidence, maturity and certainty in what they want to achieve in the future. People of privilege Going to a private school is often described as a privilege, and efterskole is exactly that. Attending boarding school is a unique experience, and it is one they are likely to treasure for the rest of their lives. For some parents, it is a chance to really root their child in Danishness – they are after all pretty much the happiest people in the world. And it’s also a chance to root out any homesickness ahead of the inevitable move abroad to study or work, which many choose as a rite of passage. Don’t follow the herd There are cons, though, and here are just a few of them. Be careful not to choose an efterskole because your child’s friends are going there. Make sure it is the right fit for the student, or they’ll potentially become unhappy. Furthermore, taking on the challenge of starting alone, after ten years of close friendships at public school, will be invaluable as the world opens up to them and they are called to do it again and again. Otherwise,
they run the risk of leading a life stifled by their surroundings. Also consider the nature of your child’s relationship with the friend/friends they are ‘following’ – is it one-sided and likely to go a bit pear-shaped? Trust your instincts Choosing a specialised efterskole could prove to be an inspired choice, but be careful that it is not a passing fad. Trust your instincts. After all, you’re their parent; nobody knows them better. Maybe this is an unnecessary delay in their education. If your child has always been fast-track, do they really want to end up starting university at the age many are already completing their bachelor. Just plain wrong It could just be the wrong environment: from sleeping in close proximity to others (“They have to be Venetian blinds”) to having to cook (“I can make beans on toast!”), it might end up being a nightmare (“I miss my Mummmmy!!!!”). And who knows, maybe you’ll end up missing them at a time when it might not feel natural to be apart for so long. Or worse still, as an international parent, discover that after ten and a half months of ingrained Danishness that they’ve started writing and singing their own folk songs, talking to the Dannebrog like it’s an imaginary friend and, horror of horrors, started wearing a klaphat. EDUCATION GUIDE S P R ING 2 02 2
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FURTHER EDUCATIO N
FURTHER EDUCATION VS TRUE VOCATION
Making a decision to follow the crowd to gymnasium, or plunge into a career so early, can come back to haunt you
By Stephen Gadd It’s never too late to get an education is the sort of adage you might expect somebody like Benjamin Franklin to have said, but no, it was nobody famous. Nevertheless, is it true? Theoretically, of course it is, but sometimes reality bites. Sometimes, to get an education we need an education. It’s not fanciful to imagine that we might have opted to leave school at 16 to take an apprenticeship, and then, by the time we’re 30 and eyeing a degree to further our career,
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we realise we need the equivalent of a high school diploma to qualify. This is why the decision we take when we finish elementary schooling at the age of 1517 is probably the most important one we will ever take on our educational journey. UPPER SECONDARY EDUCATION Upper secondary education typically starts at the end of full-time compulsory education and caters for students aged 16-19. Unless a private school is chosen, it is free of charge. At present there are 18 international uppersecondary schools in Denmark offering the International Baccalaureate (IB). A prerequisite is that the international course offered must be able to provide access to higher education in Denmark.
STEPPING STONE TO HIGHER EDUCATION Students can take several different routes at this level and there are four academicallyorientated programs available (see factbox). These four programs prepare young people for higher education and ensure that they acquire a general education, knowledge and competences by means of the subjects they study and through the interaction between them. THE CHOICE AHEAD The STX and HF programs consist of a broad range of subjects in the humanities, natural science and social sciences, whereas the HHX program focuses on business and socioeconomic disciplines, in combination with foreign languages and other general subjects. The HTX program is focused on technological
FURTHER EDUCATION
and scientific subjects, in combination with general subjects. Each of the programs has a range of compulsory subjects. Additionally, in STX, HHX and HTX, each school offers a number of specialised studies packages normally containing three subjects and offers elective subjects for students to choose between. In HF, students choose from among the elective subjects offered by the individual school. All the programs contain multi-subject courses which serve to strengthen students’ preparedness for further study. ADMISSION CRITERIA To be admitted to one of the three-year upper secondary education programs (STX, HHX, HTX), students must have completed nine years of Danish basic education or have received corresponding teaching and have taken the primary and lower secondary school compulsory final examination. For HF, a student must have completed ten years of Danish basic education and have taken examinations in Danish, English, mathematics, a second foreign language (French or German) and physics/chemistry. If for some reason a student has not taken the required examinations for admission to STX/HHX/HTX or HF, an admission test can also be taken. Students who have not attended a Danish school can be admitted following a concrete assessment as to whether their qualifications correspond to those required by students who have attended a Danish school. They may also be required to take an admission test. STUDENT INVOLVEMENT The needs and wishes of the students are taken very seriously and they have the right to form a student council and are also represented on the school board. The school must also ensure that students are involved in the planning of class teaching. Schools are obliged to provide academic guidance and guidance on higher education and careers. CHOICE OF FOUR The 3-year Upper Secondary School Leaving Examination (STX) The 3-year Higher Commercial Examination (HHX) The 3-year Higher Technical Examination (HTX) The 2-year Higher Preparatory Examination (HF) VET PROGRAMS: FOUR MAIN SUBJECT AREAS 1. Care, health and pedagogy 2. Administration, commerce and business service 3. Food, agriculture and hospitality 4. Technology, construction and transportation
HIGHER EDUCATION
By Edward Owen It’s no secret that higher education is neither cheap nor free in many parts of the world. And within the European Union, it’s a mixed bag of free and paid-for education. Denmark offers not only free education to EU citizens, but also has an excellent range of choice with programs taught in English – especially at master’s level. Non-EU citizens are required to pay tuition, and the amount varies greatly depending on the institution and the program of study. However, there is still a good chance to make significant savings in comparison to studying somewhere like the UK, where prices start at 80,000 kroner per year. In comparison, programs can be found in Denmark for approximately half the amount.
MASTER YOUR FUTURE – HIGHER EDUCATION IN DENMARK
With more than 22,000 international students in Denmark, you certainly won’t be alone. Our step-by-step guide to higher education in Denmark is an introduction to all of the things you need to consider to really know your options. Choosing a school Key point: Some universities specialise in specific fields whilst others offer a variety of programs. First things first, you need to find a course and a university that is right for you. Nationally there are eight universities. Within the Copenhagen area alone you will find six of these institutions within a reasonable commuting distance, although it is also not unheard of for Copenhagen-based students to travel to SDU in Odense. Whilst all of the major universities offer postgraduate programs taught in English, the same option for undergraduate programs could sometimes be described as limited. If you are starting with an undergraduate program, see the factbox for a brief description of each school. Think ahead Key point: Check the program’s content against the job market If you plan to stay in Denmark or not, you should investigate how you will be able to apply your studies once you have graduated. Do this before enrolling. The most important thing at this point is not only to think about what you would ‘like’ to do, but also to understand the potential job market. The Danish job market is competitive and rather keen on overt compatibility between your studies, experience and the role you may be applying for. Furthermore, even programs taught in English can be tailored to the Danish job market. As such, you need to be aware of your trajectory before you embark on a program.
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In Denmark, if you have gone to university, it is the norm to study through to master’s level. This is often referred to as a ‘long education’ . The application process Key point: Don’t wait until the last minute to apply.
Key point: International EU students should look for part-time work in order to receive financial support.
Most universities will direct your application to the same online portal: ‘STADS’. This is operated by the Ministry of Education, not the universities.
There are a number of different ways that you may qualify, and these generally fall under two categories: Equal status according to Danish rules and Equal status according to EU law.
You should register and obtain a log-in as soon as possible. Via STADS you will select the university and study program from a list to create a new application. You can make more than one application during each intake. The specific documents required for an application will vary depending on the school and program requirements. STADS is not the most user friendly platform – allow yourself plenty of time when setting up a new application. Furthermore, do not leave it until the last minute to send an application – deadline days are notorious for online queuing and portal failure. In fact, for September admissions, try to apply by March. For schools that operate a second February, intake will often expect applications by mid-October. Once you are enrolled and are studying, you will continue to use STADS to view grades, apply for exams and carry out any other administration. Financial support
Some foreign citizens may be entitled to State Education Support (SU) when studying.
The typical stipulation to be aware of as an EU student is the ongoing requirement that you must be working part-time, 10-12 hours per week, and at least 43 hours per month, for which you will need a CPR number. Universities usually have an SU office that can help you. Visit su.dk to find out more. Staying in Denmark Key point: If you plan on staying in Denmark you need to join an a-kasse and a union. Join an a-kasse while you are still a student. If you do not have a job immediately after graduation, you can receive financial support whilst you apply for positions. Also, join a professional union while you are still a student. These are very common in Denmark and your background will dictate which one you should join. Your union can help negotiate terms of employment and advise you on matters such as salary. As a student, you will receive a discounted rate of membership for both of these things. They can offer many services to help during your career.
THE UNIVERSITIES HIGHE R EDUCATION
• Undergraduate: Offers four programs. Two of these are • Specialty/focus: Information technology and English Copenhagen University (KU) taught in Danish, while the other two require ‘academic’ • Postgraduate: A wide range of master’s the digital world • Specialty/focus: Offers a variety of programs in different Danish language skills (see university webpage for definition) programs are available in English subject areas • Postgraduate: Five programs available – all but one are • Undergraduate: Offers four programs. Two COPENHAGEN UNIVERSITY (KU) Undergraduate: All bachelors taught in English. UNIVERSITY (AAU) ofDanish these are taught in taught Danish,exclusively while the inAALBORG ••Specialty/focus: Offers a variety of are programs • Postgraduate: wide range of master’s programs avail‘academic’ • As above – primary Aalborg campus other twoare require in different subjectAareas able in EnglishAll bachelors are taught in Roskilde (RUC) Danish language skills (see university • Undergraduate: webpage for definition) • Specialty/focus: Offers a variety of programs within humani Danish – alltechnologies, social science and science • Copenhagen Postgraduate: Business A wide range of (CBS) master’s • Postgraduate: Five programs School ties, available humanistic but one are taught exclusively in English. programs are avail able in English • Specialty/focus: Takes an international perspective on a • Undergraduate: A good number available taught in English Copenhagen Business Schoolwith (CBS) broad range of subjects a business focus • Postgraduate: A good number available taught in English •• Undergraduate: Specialty/focus: Takes an international Many taught in English ROSKILDE (RUC) perspective on a broad range of subjects with • Specialty/focus: Offers a variety of programs • Postgraduate: Mostly taught in English University of Southern Denmark (SDU) within humani ties, humanistic technologies, a business focus • Specialty/focus: Offers a variety of programs in different social science and science • Undergraduate: Many taught in English Technical University of Denmark (DTU) subject areas • Undergraduate: A good number available • Postgraduate: Mostly taught in English • Specialty/focus: Technical and natural sciences. • Undergraduate: A good number available taught in English taught in English • Undergraduate: Offers a small number pro- A good (mostly business, social sciences) Postgraduate: number engineering, available TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF DENMARK (DTU) of•bachelor grams with only one taught in English. • Postgraduate: A wide range of master’s programs are avail • Specialty/focus: Technical and natural sciences. taught in English Postgraduate: Master’s level programs •• Undergraduate: Offers a small number ofare taught excluable in English bachelor programs with only one taught in UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN DENMARK (SDU) sively in English. • Specialty/focus: Offers a variety of programs English. Aarhus University (AU) in different subject areas • Postgraduate: Master’s level programs are Aalborg University – Copenhagen (AAU – CPH) • Specialty/focus: Offers a variety of programs in different • Undergraduate: A good number available taught exclusively in Offers English.a variety of programs • Speciality/focus: in different subject areas taught in English (mostly engineering, subject areas • Undergraduate: Just a handful of bachelors taught in business, social sciences) AALBORG UNIVERSITY – COPENHAGEN (AAU – CPH) • Undergraduate: Over 70 bachelors but just a handful taught range of master’s • Speciality/focus: Offers a variety of programs • Postgraduate: A wideEnglish in differentin subject Englishareas Postgraduate: A wide range of master’s programs are avail programs are avail able•in English Postgraduate:Over Approximately are available with able in English ••Undergraduate: 70 bachelors200 but variants just a handful taught more than half taught in English. AARHUS UNIVERSITY (AU) in English Aalborg University (AAU) of programs • Postgraduate: Approximately 200 variants are • Specialty/focus: Offers a variety available with more than half taught in English. in different subject areas IT University (ITU) • As above – primary Aalborg campus Undergraduate: • Specialty/focus: Information technology and•the digital world Just a handful of bachelors IT UNIVERSITY (ITU)
taught in
EDUCATION GUIDE S P R ING 2 02 2
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ADULT LEARNING
FOR THE ATTENTION OF NIGHT OWLS
From hobby clubs to language classes, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to after-hours learning
By Ester Rose So, you’ve finished higher education and, just like poor old Alexander of Macedonia, there are no more worlds to conquer. Don’t cry salt tears … as there’s an army of adult learning options at your disposal. Besides, if you are just landing in Copenhagen, you’re probably looking for fun things to do and ways to get to know people in your new city. Whether it is to improve your work skills, get in shape, make local friends, or just avoid sitting home alone all weekend, joining some type of adult learning activity could be just the thing. Don’t forget that networking is important in Denmark. Whether it’s getting a job or a flat, very often, the Danish decision maker will chose someone from their social circle.
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Adult learning can provide a fast track into Danish society. And of course it also provides the chance to learn something. SPECIALISING IN SPORTS If you are looking for some type of sports activity, there is genuinely something for everyone, from yoga to bouldering, kayaking, running and so much more.
DEDICATED TO DANCE If dancing is your thing, there are many options in the Copenhagen area. Here are a couple ideas and spots to get you started. An all-time favourite is of course salsa. One school that offers instruction in English is salsalibre.dk where you can take classes several days a week.
Yoga has become increasingly popular in recent years with places popping up everywhere. We recommend the Scandinavian Yoga and Meditation School (yoga.dk).
Soffie.dk is a good site to find out about options for couples – particularly in ballroom and salsa. For kids, meanwhile, elstudio.dk offers quite a variety of classes.
KayakingisagreatsportfornewbiestoCopenhagen, as with all the waterways, it’s undoubtedly a great way to see the city. Try kayakrepublic.dk!
You can also find swing dance at happyfeetstudio. dk or street dance at gamedenmark.org. And for pro dancers look no further than at cphdance.com.
For some truly hardcore, Nordic-style whipping into shape, you can train with the Nordic Race Team to take on an intense 5 km obstacle course. Find out more at nordicrace.dk Among the alternative sports out at Reffen, try out some bouldering with urbanrangercamp.dk.
WALK DOWN SUSTENANCE STREET There are mixed feelings about the local Danish food. Of course, like everywhere, some dishes are an acquired taste. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t give all the signature Nordic foods a try.
ADULT LEARNING
If you are up for a walking food tour, opt for foodsofcopenhagen.com. Relax, walk around the capital and let the company introduce you to some hidden gem culinary experiences. Or go on a food crawl, from one eatery to another on a bike (foodsofcopenhagen.com/culinarybike-tour) for a true Copenhagen experience. Inspire your intellect Copenhagen’s universities are the top spots for workshops, lectures and debates. Check out ku.dk and cbs.dk for their schedules. For more casual affairs try folkehusetabsalon. cph and studieskolen.dk, while ihcph.kk.dk is a good resource for culture spots in Copenhagen. PARENTING: MORE THAN A PASTIME With increasing numbers of parents seeking to hone their mum and dad skills, phabsalon. dk provides courses on early learning, child development, creativity and more. For parents dealing with the big adjustments of getting started in a whole new environment and country, copenhagenpsycology.dk offers support and consultation. Of course it all starts with a pregnancy and a whole swoop of new, weird and exciting firsts that it brings. For general info, jordemoderhuset.com gives classes in both Danish and English, as does prismen.kk.dk And as expecting mums who want to stay in shape, yogamudra.dk and yogaflat.com can take you safely through your workout. HI-YO HOBBY HORSE! It would be impossible to list all the hobbies here, but here are a couple of ideas so that you can carry on with your favourite leisure activity. Cooking is definitely trending at the moment, and meyersmadkurser.dk provides classes, lectures and masterclasses. Are you a musician? You can find one-on-one tuition on just about every instrument with just a simple search on expat.com.
Internationalcommunity.dk provides a long list of hobbies as well as a questionnaire if you are looking to try something new and don’t quite know what will fit you best. While fof.dk is also regularly updated with options. Qualify with quality To improve your professional skills, Copenhagen’s universities, cbs.dk and ku.dk, provide night school for adults. While daea. dk is an international organisation focused on adult learning. Danish regulations on higher education are quite specific. If you are missing some
Upper Secondary School
European Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (EB)
earlier education, FVU, AVU, HF and AMU are aimed at those who have not completed an elementary or high school level education. LEARNING A NEW LINGO Want to learn a new language? Studieskolen. dk teaches 25 different languages, while Berlitz.dk also provides both group, private and online language tuition. While the largest range of languages available was found at FOF: Arabic, English, Finish, French, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Latin, Old Greek, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Swahili, Thai, Turkish, German and Vietnamese.
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