Folkehøjskole A Different Environment

Imagine living on the rural campus of a small liberal arts college with a population of about 80 students, and you will begin to understand life at a Folkehøjskole. You will most likely have your own room on the Folkehøjskole campus, with shared or private bathroom facilities and a shared kitchenette. There is usually a great social environment, with lots of planned events and a daily meal, where all students eat together. The social environment is enhanced by the fact all students arrive at essentially the same time, meaning everyone is eager to meet new people.

What is a Folkehøjskole?

A Folkehøjskole is a specific educational institution for young people between the ages of 19-25. It is a unique Danish tradition that dates back more than 150 years. The students live at the school and participate in a wide spectrum of courses and extracurricular activities. The idea is to ‘educate for life’, and Danish students attending a Folkehøjskole do not take any exams nor receive grades or credits. DIS places students at three different Folkehøjskoles, and the 35-40 DIS students living with Folkehøjskole students usually thoroughly enjoy this truly Danish experience.

What to expect

At the Folkehøjskole, you will be part of a mandatory dinner meal plan during weekdays, covered by your food stipend. The commute is up to 70 minutes, but the Folkehøjskole is located in fantastic rural scenery, which you will have time to discover with both DIS students and the Danish students living there. Although it is a Danish tradition, not all students at the Folkehøjskole will be Danes. Due to the unique concept, young people from all over the world are travelling to Denmark to experience the life of a Folkehøjskole.

Student Experience

US students are typically skeptical about this option because it is so different from anything in the US. For some though, this makes this option even more attractive as it is a truly Danish experience. Most former højskole students would probably say that this housing option was the most enjoyable aspect of their semester at DIS, despite the long commute. This option received the second highest rating in Housing Options feedback.

The Folkehøjskole is the right option if you:

• are independent, self-reliant and outgoing
• are interested in a unique cross-cultural experience and eager to socialize with other Danish and international Folkehøjskole students
• want to take part in the dinner meal plan
• are willing to commute.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the practical set up?
• How does the meal plan work?
• How much interaction will I have with the Danish residents on the Folkehøjskole?
• Is the commute always this long?

What is the practical set up?

You will have your own room with access to a bathroom and a shared kitchenette. We cannot guarantee that you will get a private bathroom.

How does the meal plan work?

You will be part of a mandatory dinner meal plan, i.e. every night at 6pm you will be dining alongside the rest of the Folkehøjskole. Within the meal plan you will be asked to assist in the kitchen once every-other week according to the particular staff plan. This is easy work and something all residents at the Folkehøjskole are required to take part in. The meal plan will not be in effect during the two-week travel break. At the weekends and during the daytime, feel free to store and cook your own food at a shared kitchenette.

How much interaction will I have with the Danish residents in the Folkehøjskole?

DIS students choosing this housing option will be living and dining alongside the students living at the Folkehøjskole, but unlike them, they will be attending DIS classes and be part of the DIS academic program. They will not have classes with the Folkehøjskole students, but if they are willing to interact and meet people, life at the Folkehøjskole has a lot to offer: film nights, concerts, theme parties, and more.

Is the commute always this long?

Yes… but once you get adjusted to it, you will start enjoying the beautiful ride and be able to use the peace and quiet on a train for either a nap or for catching up on some homework.

Note that the cost of commuting to school and within central Copenhagen is included in the Comprehensive Housing Fee.