Express yourself at Ry Højskole

Did you ever dream of pursuing your hobbies, expanding your horizon and learning new things without having to dread upcoming exams?
This is an opportunity you have at Ry Højskole, where you can try out the saxophone, paddle in our kayaks, test your skills as an artist, learn more about the world you live in, perform or dance and much, much more.

“No exams” does not mean that you do not learn and that there are no requirements. We take pride in giving our students challenges and inspiration that will develop their tools and skills for later in life. This knowledge is taught in classes teaching knowledge about cultures, history and politics, outdoor teamwork or acting which will equip you for handling stress, functioning well in a group or giving a speech in front of a large crowd. We live by a concept of ‘education for life’

What is a “Folk High school”?

Ry Højskole is a “folkehøjskole” which translates something like “Folk High School”. We are not an institution of higher learning but a unique concept to the Scandinavian cultural tradition. A Folk high school is like a popular university which attaches great importance to holistic education. By enhancing knowledge, body and intellect, musicality, reflection and creativity, commitment, the sense of humour and personal courage, the folk high schools educate people to become aware of their own ideals and what it takes to be a democratically minded member of society.

The folk high schools are non-formal educational institutions – hence no exams – recognised and subsidised by the Danish government. On the other hand, the folk high schools make no demands as regards previous education or occupation. Teaching takes place 5-6 days a week and absence is accepted only in special circumstances. The idea behind this form of education is that learning only becomes a significant part of our lives if we are actively involved and share responsibility for it. Teaching at folk high schools is dialogic and is done in co-operation and on an equal footing between teachers and students.

Ry Højskole – a pearl in the Danish lake district

Denmark is a small country and everything in it is small as well. The only stream qualifying as a river is “Gudenåen” which runs through the “Lake Highlands” where you find one of the highest points in Denmark called “Sky Mountain”. In between this hilly scenery with streams and lakes you find Ry Højskole with its garden at the brink of the river and the small town of Ry at the front gates. We are situated close to Aarhus – Denmark’s second largest city which we often visit to see art exhibitions, plays, use sports facilities or just to do some shopping.

Ry Højskole is one of Denmark’s very old Folk High Schools, founded in 1892. Its oldest building is the gymnastics hall from 1883 as opposed to our Theatre which is a hundred years younger. In between buildings newer ones have been build, others were torn down and some rebuild which all gives a unique and romantic atmosphere to the school. At Ry Højskole you can get lost in twisting hallways, hidden passages or in the tower.

Courses to attend

The main subjects at Ry Højskole are Theatre, Art, Wildlife, Outdoor, Politics, Music and Journalism.
To fill out a weeks schedule you have to choose from other subjects such as Stomp, Kucheza, Psychology, Salsa, rhetorics, Kayak, Choir, philosophy and many more. Please be aware that participation in some of these classes require sufficient language skills in Danish from the start.

You share classes in “Danish for foreigners” with the other international students where the focus is on Denmark,the Danish society and Danish language. All other classes are along with the Danish students, where classes are taught in Danish. We give instructions and announcements in English if you need it, and all danish students understand and speak english very well. They are all aware of you and are hel.

Participation in your classes is mandatory.

During a course we also have full weeks that are not on the regular schedule. This is when we go on a study trip to another European country or when we are fully absorbed in our main subject.

We welcome about ten international students on every course at Ry Højskole. The students are from any part of the world. It is important for us to expand our horizon, and we gain a lot from our international students, just as we think you will gain a lot from us.

Although we attach importance to you learning about Denmark and the Danish society our international students are still an integrated part of the school, which is why we also expect you to actively make an effort to integrate. Your pay off is making new friends which comes naturally on a boarding school where you live, sleep and eat together, thus sharing laughs, failures and successes, hopes and worries.

A boarding school also includes chores. So do not be surprised when you are asked to help clean your living space, classrooms or serve meals.

Since you spend a significant part of your spare time at the school it is obvious that Ry Højskole is not all about having classes. You will find a lot going on throughout the week, varying from guests giving concerts, slideshows, dance lessons, watching movies, playing games, throwing a good party, relaxing on the big lawn or just hanging out in our café playing pool with your fellow students.

What does it cost?

We have registration fee of dkr. 2000, -.
Studying at Ry Højskole on full board sharing a room is dkr. 1350, – a week.
Furthermore the study trip is dkr. 2775.
Some additional expenses for materials and trips depending on which classes you attend can be necessary.
From august 2010 prizes change a little.

However we have the possibility of applying for a scholarship supporting students from the youngest European Union countries which will make your stay almost free.
If you are coming from other parts of the world and are not able to pay the full school fee we are happy to assist you in looking for alternative funding.

How do I apply?

To initiate your application the easiest way to contact us is by mail – you see the address below. When you do this we ask you to write a “letter of intend” expressing your ideas about attending a Danish Folk High School like; what are your expectations? What are your goals? What would you like to learn? Why would you like to stay in Denmark? – This letter should tell us something about you!

You must also include information about your postal address, e-mail address, a phone number where you can be reached, sex and date of birth. After receiving this information we will mail you the application form to fill in and you will fill in your share of the application. You then apply at danish authorities in your homeland to be accepted on a speciel visa.

Notice too that it is a requirement that you talk and understand English well in order to ensure that you can fully take part in life and classes at our school. Eventually you will of course, as part of our program for international students, learn some Danish, but until then you will have to talk English.

We are looking forward to seeing you.

Sincerely,
Ry Højskole

Tel. +45 8689 1888
Fax. +45 8689 1877
Mail: mailto:ole@ryhojskole.dk

Homepage: www.ryhojskole.dk