With its moors, lakes, farmlands, and forests, Denmark is the ideal place to enjoy nature and experience a new culture! On this month-long summer college program, you’ll attend an Efterskole (afterschool) College, a distinctive type of Danish school for young people ages 14 to 18.

Each afterschool college is a self-governing, independent institution that prioritizes both the educational and personal development of its students. The idea is to combine academic study with general “life-learning” to prepare for all aspects of life and facilitate an understanding of the “individual in a community.”

Compared to public schools, afterschool colleges have substantial freedom to choose its academic subjects, teaching methods, and educational approach. The teacher-student dynamic is different at afterschool. Teachers are responsible for both teaching and supervision outside of school hours. This often engenders a close, personal relationship between students and teachers.

You will have the opportunity to study Science and Danish Language and Culture in the morning. In the afternoon, students may choose which “profile” they would like to participate in, such as sailing, stand up paddle boarding, music, dance, gastronomy, and design. In the evenings, students can participate in more fun activities like mountain biking, playing volleyball, and more!

Things to Know

Danes usually relate to one another in a casual, informal way. Disagreement with others or asking questions is not generally seen as a sign of disrespect. Although Danes are familiar and relaxed in their interactions, there is usually little physical contact between friends and/or relatives in public.

In addition to AFS participants, there will be many international and Danish young people at the summer college. This summer in Denmark will provide ample opportunities for sharing intercultural experiences and exploring exciting and challenging activities together with young people from all over the world!