Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Danish Education Special – Højskoler
Photo: Lars Bertelsen
Photo: Lars Bertelsen
Explore your creative streak at Bornholms Højskole Secluded in Bornholm’s wonderful scenery, this Danish højskole lets you immerse yourself in crafts such as ceramics and visual arts as well as enjoy outdoor recreation through climbing, diving or kayaking. More importantly, you will be doing it all with a bunch of new friends.
Hungary, Mexico and Japan – students who are particularly keen to discover the unique green surroundings and cultivate their craftsmanship as well as learn the Danish language.
By Mette Hindkjær Madsen | Photos: Søren Voigt Juhl
“Seeing the excitement in our students when they’re creating something out of an idea that emerged in their heads and bringing it to life with their own two hands is just amazing. The energy while they’re working and the pride they have when the product is finished – that is my favourite thing about our højskole,” says Bente Larsen, headmaster of Bornholms Højskole. As a student at Bornholms Højskole, you choose two main subjects during your stay along with a couple of minor subjects. Typically, you will take four to five different courses during the week and, in every class, you are certain to be seen and heard and to develop as the groups are kept small. Outside of regular class hours, the workshops are open for exploration by students who did not sign up for the particular class but are curious to try their hands at something new, like making jewellery, for instance. 84 | Issue 106 | November 2017
Bornholm has a long-standing tradition of crafts, outdoor activities and gastronomy, a mentality that the island’s only højskole has embraced in its own spirit. “We are surrounded by experts within these fields, who can share their knowledge and enrich our students,” says Larsen. “It’s important to take on projects that give you the opportunity to discover new sides to yourself. Creativity demands precision. You get to think in new ways, find that you can construct something with your hands, and follow a work process through from an idea to a real product at the end. Here, you take a break from the daily pressure of always moving forward as fast as possible; you take time for absorption.” Creating a safe and open community for the students to engage in society and the world around them is a big part of the daily life and mission at Bornholms Højskole. They welcome participants from all over the world, including Germany, Norway,
“Coming together from different backgrounds, both within Denmark and internationally, is something we celebrate here. If we can build bridges rather than walls, that’s incredible,” says Larsen.
Web: www.bornholmshojskole.dk