What made you choose this particular folk high school?

I chose Elverum Folk High School because I wanted to learn more about a whole new continent, Africa. I researched which folk high schools in Norway had a Africa line, and it was the offer at EFHS in particular that stood out. The aid project they are working on made me feel pretty quickly that "this is where I want to apply." It actually ended up that I didn't apply to any other lines.

Why did you choose your line?

I find it very meaningful to be able to contribute to aid and make a real difference. It means a lot to me to know that what we do can actually have a big impact on others. Whether it's aid in Africa or work here in Norway, such as fundraising and work against loneliness, it feels good to be able to follow the projects and know that 100% of the money goes directly to where it's supposed to go.

Were you nervous before you came here, and how did you experience the start?

I wasn't really nervous, but I was very excited. Everything was new, and I didn't really know what I was getting into. It was especially exciting to meet new people, both fellow students and teachers.
I'm quite outgoing and made contact with people easily, but I know it's not easy for everyone. At the same time, I think the most important thing is to be yourself and offer a little of yourself - that always works best in the long run.

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How would you describe the environment at school and in the classroom?

The school environment is very open and inclusive. I feel really welcome here, and it's a warm and safe environment that you quickly become comfortable in. Even though we are many different types of people, we are here for the same reason: to spend a year at folk high school and make new friends.

In the class we are quite diverse, with big contrasts in personalities and opinions, but we always agree in the end. This means we get lots of perspectives and good discussions, especially when we have to plan and work together.

What surprised you most when you started here?

What surprised me the most was how much freedom and responsibility we get. It's unusual not to have tests and grades, and it can be both liberating and a bit challenging. I was also pleasantly surprised by how quickly you form close bonds with people, and how much you learn about yourself without the usual school pressure.

What “rooms” or activities at school have become “your places”?

The fireplace room is definitely my place. We have almost become a little "fireplace mafia". There is something about the atmosphere there – quiet in the middle of the day and more lively around meals. It has become a natural gathering point where I really enjoy it.

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What have you learned about yourself so far?

I have learned a lot about who I am outside the familiar frameworks of home and previous school. I have become more independent and more aware of my own values. I have also learned how important it is to be open, honest and cooperative in dealing with others. This is something I really feel that I have grown in the first six months here.

I have learned a lot about who I am outside the familiar confines of home and previous school. I have become more independent and more aware of my own values.

Has the stay given you more self-confidence or security?

Not really. I already had pretty good self-confidence and self-assurance, so that's not where I've noticed the biggest difference. But it means a lot to me to be in an environment that matches my values ​​and attitudes so well, and to get to work on topics I'm really passionate about.

What do you feel you get here that you wouldn't get in a regular school year?

Folk high school is so much more than many people think. Here you meet incredibly nice people, and you work with skills that are important for the rest of your life. At the school, we work on relationship building, communication, collaboration, creativity and accessibility, among other things. These are skills that I know I will use in both my studies, work and private life.

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What would you say to someone who is considering applying but is unsure?

Do it. It will be a year you will never forget. Folk high school is a unique opportunity to try new things, meet lots of people and find out more about who you are. It can be a little scary at first, but it is also when you grow the most.

What do you wish you knew before you came here?

That it's completely normal to be a little unsure at first, and that it passes quickly. I also wish I knew how much freedom and responsibility you get, and how important it is to take initiative yourself. At the same time, I didn't know how close you would become to people, and how big a role the social aspect plays in the whole experience.

How do you think this year will affect the path forward for you?

I think this year will affect me quite a bit. I already feel confident in myself, but after the folk high school year I think I will stand even more firmly in my own values. I have also become even more interested in aid work, and I feel that I now have a clearer idea of ​​what I would like to work on next.

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What do you learn about Africa, aid and culture?

On the Africa course we learn about culture, society and aid through study trips, lectures, films and cooking. We also learn about Swahili culture and gain a broader perspective on both African societies and our own consumption. The class actively works on creative fundraising projects where 100% of the money goes directly to aid, and we help decide how the funds are used. In addition, we work on local projects in Elverum, including with the elderly, refugees and schoolchildren.

What has made the most impression on you in your work with aid?

What has made the biggest impression is learning what aid actually entails, and seeing with my own eyes how the work makes a difference. Meeting the people involved, hearing their stories and seeing their gratitude has been very powerful. It gives a completely different understanding than just theory.

How do you prepare for your trips abroad?

We prepare by learning about the country and area we are going to visit, both in terms of culture and assistance. We watch relevant films and documentaries, talk about expectations, and prepare ourselves practically with vaccinations, packing and conversations. This makes us more prepared when we travel.