LINA - from Russia (UN-major)
Why did you want to apply for Folkehøgskole?
I wanted to continue my education in the field of International Relations/ Foreign Affairs. I thought it would be easier to experience the folk high school first so that i can adjust with the Norwegian culture, lifestyle and language. I can join the University after that so that i can focus on my studies rather than adjusting to the surrounding.
What were you looking for when you applied for Folkehøgskole?
I was looking for a relevant subject in connection with my prior studies. The language was a major factor as well - I wanted to take up the subject which was offered in English, but the availability of the option of learning Norwegian was also on my list.
Why did you choose Sund Folkehøgskole? Why did you choose the course you have chosen (UN Major)?
UN - Major was something that was relevant to my educational interests and Sund offered the course in English and there was an option of learning Norwegian as well.
What do you like the most about your course?
What i like most about my course is the freedom given to choose the method and topic for studying. The students and teacher are almost on the same level when it comes to the kind of study method. It’s not only ' learning from the teacher to the student' method. Another thing i like is the fact that a broad cover/ perspectives of issues are considered. There also loads of practical learning experiences through various conferences, study trips, films based on different social topics, presentations, discussions etc.
Has the year so far been according to your expectations?
In general this year hasn't been according to my expectations. I expected students to be more serious with what they do and have more focus on studying and learning. But in terms of my course, it is going beyond what I had expected and I am very satisfied with it. I thought it would be more of theory and lectures but I am glad that there is a lot of practical learning.
Have you changed in any manner after you began at Sund?
Yes I have. I have learned more about different mentalities and have a better understanding about why people think in one way or another. I have also been more exposed to international affairs. I feel I have learnt a lot more about my own country than what I had learnt being in my country.
What do you think have been the highlights in your Folk school year so far?
It has been nice to get a free year, in a way, where I don't have to worry or stress about studies, lodging, food etc.. Everything is being taken care of. In terms of activities at Sund, i think the 'jente-gutte' fest, halloween party and the Saturday seminars have been very interesting and fun. It is also nice to meet and stay with people from different nationalities in the same campus and to learn more about their culture.
What do you like about the daily life at Sund?
It is nice to have a strict schedule, in a way, where time is allotted for everything from food timings, classes and freetime. It’s nice that the staff is also a part of the student society and they organize different kinds of activities at school. The obligatory things like 'kjøkken tjeneste' and 'korridor vasking' make us more responsible to our surroundings. There is a good balance between obligatory things and free time, which i think is very nice.
Life at Sund
by Elizabeth Divyanathan former Fredskorps participant
En skole for livet – med orientering mot verden.
True to the vision that guides it, Sund folkehøgskole instils values that a student would cherish and be proud of. The routine (but not monotonous), teaches the student, the tact to face new challenges. Placed besides the fjord, the view of the Blue waters, below the enchanting sky, is the breath-taking against the lush green surroundings.
Jazz, photo, Art, Football etc are the streams of interests which help the students imbibe morality and rationality simultaneously. It is very surprising and enlightening to understand a folk college not based on curriculum, and which runs on principles devoted to individual/ personality development.
Addressing the teacher by name and the teacher’s role as a counsellor and a friend, is what comforts a student who is away form home and makes him or her feel like “being at Home”. “Getting to know each other” and to work together as “Folks” oriented to make the world a better place to live in; be an integral part of Sund. “Co-operation” is a vividly used ideology of the school that strengthens the bonds and relationships among the students, aimed towards the Vision. This co-operation is achieved through the various kinds of activities, which is a part of the school programme, like the onsdagskafé, Jente-Gutte fest, the Fredskorps Weekend, a Jazz concert, the occasional “Corridor Activities” and the upcoming “Juleball”. Sund is also a nurturing base for Adult Responsibility. Such a responsibility is nurtured in a student by being responsible for “Kitchen Service” (Kjøkkentjeneste) and “Corridor in charge” (Tilsynselev) for a week. Hence, being a student at Sund brings forward many learning experiences and to share them as individuals when we step into the Arena of the bigger World with many possible challenges to conquer over.