2_0_ScanMag_70_Nov_2014_Text:Scan Magazine 1
5/11/14
16:03
Page 75
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Education in Denmark
Meet the world at Brenderup Højskole Global awareness is the focus at Funen-based Brenderup Højskole – getting friends from all over the world and a better understanding of your own background is the payout. By Ann Bille Simonsen | Photos: Brenderup Højskole
"Meeting other cultures and backgrounds will help you understand your own" is a phrase that might have a cliché ring to it, but this is nevertheless what students discover at Brenderup Højskole, a Danish folk high school with focus on international exchange. “Living side by side with other nationalities as you do here, can in itself be a life-changing experience,” says Peter Mogensen, teacher at Brenderup Højskole.
"Your life and your interests will be seen through other people’s eyes. This gives you a new kind of perspective." The usual mix of 14-15 nationalities on the longer courses is not just an educational eyeopener; it also generates lifelong friendships across borders. “I’m so happy about the friends I’ve made here," says 26-year old Fatou Badjie from Gambia, who has been at Brenderup since
August. Badjie first heard about the højskole concept from a Danish family she met through her hotel job in Banjul, and was inspired to go to Denmark. Brenderup Højskole is also an excellent platform for traveling or volunteering, an opportunity that appealed to 21-year old Mathilde Lillo-Stenberg from Oslo. She has just finished a travel module at the school, including a 10-week volunteering stay in Nepal. "It's amazing what you can achieve together," she says. Aside from the Nepal experience, the aim for her stay is to play a lot of music and to make a decision on what to study afterwards. "Ultimately it is very much a self-development experience to attend Brenderup Højskole," Mogensen adds. Community, global awareness and friendship are in focus when students from all over the world live and learn side by side at Funen-based Brenderup Højskole.
For more information, please visit: www.brenderuphojskole.dk
Let’s get physical “Physical activity is an invaluable focal point at our school,” says Finn Berggren, principal of Gerlev Idrætshøjskole [Gerlev Physical Education & Sports Academy]. “We want movement to be fun, confidence-building and a positive experience for everyone; a point from which to explore other subjects and learn about yourself.” By Louise Older Steffensen | Photos: Gerlev Idrætshøjskole
Gerlev Idrætshøjskole was established as the first Danish Sports Academy in 1938 and teaches Danish and international students of 18 years and older. Much of the teaching, which normally takes place during intensive fourmonth courses, is in English. Still, Gerlev’s ethos is placed firmly within the very Danish folk high school tradition, initiating an exciting meeting between Danish and foreign cultures. Students choose a sport, anything from football
to AcroYoga, that they develop throughout their stay, combining this with other physical activities and academic subjects. Despite its age, Gerlev is at the cutting edge of progressive new sports and teaching methods. Gerlev was the first place in Denmark to build a Parkour Park in 2006, which together with its modern dance courses are renowned internationally. Courses include a trip to an expert facility catering to each special subject.
Recent years have seen Gerlev’s dance students train on Broadway, for example, while students specialising in CrossFit have visited the home of CrossFit in Los Angeles. Back in Denmark, students live and work together and often form close friendships across different ages, abilities and nationalities. The school emphasises games and playfulness in order to encourage physical activity, both at the school and in society. In the last few years, Gerlev Legepark [Gerlev Play Park], which promotes movement through traditional games for all ages, has become a great success nationally, and Gerlev’s focus on fun movement and health as part of every-day life is rapidly catching on globally. For more information, please visit: www.gerlev.dk www.gerlev.dk/en
Gerlev is not an elite sports academy, enabling students of all fitness levels to come and stay: the important factor is that you are eager to develop your body and mind.
Issue 70 | November 2014 | 75