Tell about yourself!

My name is Xander, I am 19 years old and I come from Belgium, a place called Ghent. I have previously studied IT. My interests consist of being out in nature, adventure, racing and drawing.

How did you start Norwegian Culture/Adventure?

I would like to have a "year off" and a year I will never forget. So I looked a bit for schools in Norway, because Norway is my favorite country. Suddenly I came across Elverum Folkehøgskule on the internet and was really excited to start.

What expectations did you have for FHS?

I had an expectation that it would be like a small mini-community. And it is, too. A small community with 100 different students in one and the same place. This is the most amazing experience I have had so far in my life. I love being with so many people in the same place. Also, having a roommate is great. Not only do you get someone to live with, you also get a great friend.

Best experience on the line

The best experience has to be traveling around Norway with my class. It's amazing how many wonderful people I have in my class. They have become like a new family to me. They are not just friends, they have become family.

My best memory so far is when I saw the Northern Lights for the first time. It is a phenomenon that is not visible where I come from. Suddenly I was standing there with all my friends, staring up at the sky and shouting with pure joy.

It is amazing how many amazing people I have in my line. They are not just friends, they become family.

Xander Cobbaert on Norwegian Culture/Adventure

What have you learned?

I have learned how to move out and live away from your childhood home - without family or parents. I have become more independent. Here you learn small and big things such as keeping the room tidy and how to wash and so on - which are important later in life.

What is a typical day like on the line?

In the lessons, we learn Norwegian in a very cool way. We learn a lot in one hour. And not just the Norwegian language, but we also learn a lot about Norwegian culture - which is also part of the line. It is very interesting to see how Norwegians live and live and the systems that are here.

What are your plans after FHS?

I will go home to Belgium when the year is over. I am not ready to start a new life in Norway, but I will definitely come back. Norway occupies a large place in my heart. I will probably study in Belgium and live my life there. But I do hope that one day I can come back and perhaps raise my future children here.