Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Education Special
Photo: Nelly Seusing
Photo: Elverum
Photo: Asmund Mjelva
Spend your gap year wisely Elverum Folkehøgskole offers a wide variety of year-long programmes, including one in Norwegian language and culture, so that young adults from across the world can find their path in life while having a blast. By Eirik Elvevold
When young students finish high school, they often move straight on to higher education or work without ever having the time to think about what they truly want in life. In the Nordic countries, however, a unique tradition makes it possible for them to take a year off at a folkehøgskole (folk high school) to do what they love and figure things out. At Elverum Folkehøgskole, located a few hours northeast of Oslo, students can do extreme sports, discover Africa, produce their own music or become better snowboarders. “As a supplement, they can also pick and choose from more than 25 elective subjects including kickboxing, photography and soccer,” explains headmaster Per Egil Andersen.
Creating better citizens Regardless of the programme, the friendly boarding school environment will teach students to communicate and reflect together with other young adults from 92 | Issue 106 | November 2017
across the world – essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. “A year at Elverum Folkehøgskole makes them more democratic, engaged and curious human beings. They will have a lot of fun and make new friends, but the most important thing is their personal development – their personal journey – which will enrich their future lives both at home and at work,” says Andersen.
Norwegian language and culture for beginners Elverum Folkehøgskole makes the folkehøgskole tradition more accessible to foreign students through its Norwegian culture/adventure programme. Since the Norwegian language might come across as a challenge at first, the programme is designed to make the learning process both fun and adventurous. “We actively use the language by speaking, singing and playing games; it’s not
just boring memorisation. The programme also includes trips to all of Norway’s 19 counties, which means that a student from South Korea or Poland ends up seeing more of the country than most Norwegians ever will,” says Andersen. Did you know... … that the Norwegian parliament fled to Elverum Folkehøgskole when Nazi Germany invaded Oslo in 1940? The moment is portrayed in the new film The King’s Choice (Kongens Nei), which was partially filmed at the school.
Elverum Folkehøgskole’s nine programmes: - Norwegian – culture/adventure - Snowboard/twin-tip - Africa – aid and culture - Backpacker/extreme sports - Photography/experiences - Outdoor life/extreme sports - Art/experiences - Music production – live/studio - Theatre/musical
Web: www.elverumfhs.no