Ryvingen lighthouse

Mandatory: Yes

Price: Included in course price

Duration: 3-4 days

Meals included per day: 4

Art students + International students = True! It is a social-media-detox trip, where we leave all mobile phones back at school. The M&M ladies (Marianne & Marianne) take you down to the very south with the minibuses and then we do the fast RIB over to the Ryvingen island. Here we stay. We breath the fresh sea air. We make food together. We grill. We paint, we relax, swim, fish and have fun. We bring the guitar with us and we simply enjoy life. Its pure magic.

Lighthouse
Island
RIB boat
WIFI detox
Phone detox
Painting
You make food
Swimming
Fishing
Storytelling outdoor night
Music
Scavenger hunt
Hiking
Photography
Sunrise

Oslo

Mandatory: Yes

Price: Included in course price

Duration: 5 days

Meals included per day: 3

Train or bus to Oslo
The first night is a cabin trip
Central accomodation
The Parliament
Nobel Peace Prize Centre
The National Theatre
Freia Chocolate Factory
The Opera House
The Nutcracker ballet
National Art Museum
Munch Museum
Iceskating
Sauna & icebathing
Cabin trip

We travel with the train to Oslo in the end of November - when the Christmas season start - and we live central for 5 days in the city. We will visit the Parliament, the Nobel Peace Prize Centre, the National Theatre, Freia Chocolate Factory, we will do an art workshop at the National Art Museum and see the Nutcracker ballett at the Opera, amongst other things. Its hectical and fun, here we also change program after the interests of the students and whatever is going on in Oslo.

It is so that although there are certain places we always visit, we make this program together. There will be a verious mixture of program and activities, such as theatre, operapub, making of chocolate at Freia, art workshops, iceskating and if snow : sledding.

Backpacking in Norway & Sweden

Mandatory: Yes

Price: Included in course price

Duration: minimum 14 days

Meals included per day: 3

This is a 2-3 weeks classtrip based on the wishes of the class every year. We travel, as always, the most sustainable way (no flights included) and make stops wherever you find it interesting to stop. The route normally goes through Oslo, where we continue to either Røros or Lillehammer for a night or two. Further on to Trondheim with a visit to the Nidaros cathedral and then the train to Bodø. From here we take the coastal ship "Hurtigruten" over to the scenery island Lofoten. Here we will stay for a few days in Svolvær, hike up in the mountains with snowshoes, sleep in a cottage and hopefully see the Northern Lights. After a few days we drive over to the Vesterålen island, we`ll meet sami people and reindeers. On the way back to the south, we will join the legendary Swedish railway "Ofotbanen" from Narvik to Stockholm, enjoy the city with guiding in the old town and visit museums of interest. During this trip, we mostly cook ourselves, we sometimes visit other folkhighschools and we sleep over in cottages belonging to DNT - the Norwegian trekking organisation. This trip is a highlight, it brings people together.

Norwegian language placement

Mandatory: Yes

Price: Included in course price

Duration: 1 week

1 week somewhere in Norway
Language placement
Based on your interests

Over several years the Norwegian language & culture course at Agder folkehøgskole has practised a one week placementbased on the interest of our international students. During that week in early Spring you get to be a part of an environment outside school, be spoken to in Norwegian and use and improve practically your own Norwegian skills in collaboration with others. Our students have had their language practise in restaurants, libraries, kindergardens, hostels & hotels, farms, outdoor organisations, at the fish market etc and the placement can be either nearby Agder folkehøgskole in the Kristiansand area or other places in Norway. Together we will find your place where you will thrive!

Cabin & skiing tour in the Setesdal valley

Mandatory: Yes

Price: Included in course price

Duration: 3-4 days

Our own school cabin
Skiing resort nearby
Cross country skiing
Spring

Trip to our Agder folkehøgskole cabin, through the Setesdal valley and up into the village named Hovden. It is approximately 3-4 hours to drive with our minibus and many cultural spots on the way to visit. Our own cabin consist of 16 beds at 5 bedrooms, 1 bathroom with shower and a toilet, an additional toilet, kitchen and a large livingroom. Large terrace outside and a great view to Hovden.10 minutes walk from our parking place.

During this trip, there will a whole day where you rent skiis and will practise cross country skiing. For those who are more experienced, you can go downhill or snowboard at the skiing centre. One of the days you will also have the possibility to go to Hovden spa & aqualand for a chill day in warm water.

The Agder cabin is a loved place and often used more than just one time by the international class. There is great hiking areas around here and Hovden is a middle spot on the way from the south to the west part of Norway. A beautiful place to visit all around the year.

Amazing Race, Scandinavia

Mandatory: Nei

Price: Included in course price

Duration: 4 days

Norway - somewhere
75 kroner a day per person
Teams of 2-3
Tasks to do
Riddles to solve

You will be divided into groups of 2 - 3 persones and sent off to a place in Norway. From this point you will have to find your way back to Agder without paying for it. Every day there will be new tasks for you and your team to solve. In addition to that you will need to organise free transport yourself, communicate with Norwegians on the road and base yourself and the team on a very low foodbudget. You learn to cooperate and hold out with each other. This trip is not compulsory, but often described as "the best journey throughout the year". The trip is organised in the end of the schoolyear.

Mandatory: Yes

Price: Included in course price

The school is located in what we call the pearl of the southern archipelago. Out of the window you can see straight towards the port of Ny - Hellesund where Nordal Grieg wrote the song "Til ungdommen" in his time. This is where our first joint trip goes.. Accommodation in a tent, lavvo, hammock or on a sleeping pad under the open sky. Bathing, bonfire, play and seriousness. We enjoy the scents of late summer and look out to sea, where Denmark is almost visible on the horizon, and get to know each other in an unforgettable way. Friendships are made here.

The school's last joint trip goes to the same place. Summer is in the offing, and it's quite a different group that's on tour. Safe in each other, but melancholy has taken over from anticipation. A feeling that something will soon be over, along with the knowledge that something new is coming. This new thing, which will now be created together with the people you have around you, is no longer as frightening. This will be a trip filled with good memories and strong emotions.

Between these two trips there is a lot of time and space. There is much to be created. Our different classes go on their own trips and spend a lot of time together at school. But every now and then we do some joint trips. It can be to the Pulpit Rock, cinema, theatre, bowling, Zip-line, and it can be to Lindesnes lighthouse or Lista. The animal park is also a natural destination for the school when we are first in these parts.

Amnesty International

This is an action group within Amnesty International that will organize campaigns for human rights. We study current issues in different parts of the world and contribute our part to making the world a better place.

Ball games

Ball games should be fun and for everyone. Join in deciding the rules and various activities in the gym. Examples of activities include floorball, corner football, basketball, Danish dodgeball, and dodgeball.

Fantasy Premier League

If you enjoy English football, you can join this elective. We will form our own school league and meet once a week to discuss tactics and select the winner of the round.

Film Experience

We watch some of the best films from recent years, along with a selection of timeless classics. Afterwards, we discuss such as sound, cinematography, editing, acting, directing, music, genre, structure, character development, and storytelling.

Philosophy and the good life

We explore techniques such as meditation, light exercise, and habit building, along with different philosophies and ways of thinking. Together, we use these tools to find our own paths to a good life. Make it a good day!

Photography

A brief introduction will be given to how a camera works technically. The aim is to gain control over formal techniques in relation to light and the visualization of spatial and temporal concepts.

Individual and Society

The Principal’s Elective: Welcome to the school’s most boring—and most fascinating—elective. Here, we dive into all aspects of society, past and present, exploring sociology, psychology, and the big questions of life.

Instagram and photography

We take photos throughout the year of “life” at the school and publish them on Instagram and Facebook, update text and photos on the school’s website, and review the school’s brochure.

International food

Love cooking? Join our international students and prepare exciting dishes from around the world. The kitchen becomes a meeting place for different food cultures. The food is usually served as the evening meal for everyone.

Coffee Bar

Join the School Coffee Bar: Learn how to make the perfect espresso and all kinds of coffee drinks. We’ll make the classics like cappuccino, latte, and mocha, and experiment to create new recipes. Together, we’ll run the coffee bar in the lounge.

Kettlebells and cross training

In CrossFit, the focus is on full-body training, cardiovascular fitness, mobility, and strength development. Kettlebell training is a demanding strength exercise originating from Russia. Here, CrossFit exercises are combined with kettlebell lifting.

Choir

Our folkehøgskole has proud singing traditions. In the choir, we sing songs from musicals, pop and rock, and whatever else we feel like performing. Some pieces are sung a cappella (without instruments), while others are accompanied by piano.

Creative Writing

In this elective subject, we will play with words and associations, both individually and together with others. No experience with creative writing is needed — it is simply for fun and to help us practice gathering our thoughts and imagination.

Art

Instruction in various art techniques, with opportunities to work on both individual and group projects. Group art projects may include figure drawing, painting, printmaking, and bookbinding.

Joy of Nature

In this elective subject, you will learn more about the nature and wildlife around you, as well as traditional uses of nature. There will also be campfire coziness, peace, and a sense of community out in nature.

Salsa - Dance

Dancing is great for your health—it makes you happy and gives you energy. We dance, listen to music, laugh, and have fun. You’ll learn basic steps and some “moves,” including partner dancing in a Cuban style.

Language Practice

A mandatory elective for international students, where Norwegian students also sign up and contribute by focusing on reading aloud, pronunciation, difficult Norwegian words and expressions, as well as board games. Cake break!

Knitting

Learn how to knit or develop your knitting skills. Start with simple projects using two needles, and gradually move on to more advanced items such as mittens or socks. You will also learn from each other and get to know one another while knitting.

Retake High School Subjects

Are you planning to retake subjects from upper secondary school? Whether you are missing a subject or want to improve your grades, teachers and other students who have done well in the subject can help you.

Hiking

This is a great opportunity to get to know the local area. There are many beautiful hiking trails near the school that we will explore throughout the fall. We’ll take breaks along the way—sometimes with a campfire.

Volleyball

Here we will primarily play volleyball. But everything becomes more fun when the ball goes where you want it to. That is why you will also practice setting, passing (bump), serving, smash, and blocking, as well as defensive and offensive strategies.

Yearbook

Yearbook is one of the most important electives at the school. Why? Because students can read and reminisce about their year at Agder Folk High School—both while they are here and for the rest of their lives. Do you want to join create the book?

Agder Folkegøgskole gives you every opportunity to live an active life, both academically and socially. The school is independent and located in a place you will have to search long and hard to find a match for — secluded, yet close to the city. You can enjoy the archipelago of Kristiansand together with your breakfast, before the shared morning gathering and your main course of study.

The afternoons are filled with a wide range of elective subjects, social activities, or simply a walk around the idyllic Kvernhus Lake. In the evenings, you might head into Kristiansand to go to the cinema, the theatre, or try one of the city’s restaurants.

A perfect evening could just as easily be an international late-night meal after a yoga session in the gym. We call ourselves an international school, perhaps mainly because we have many international students who shape everyday life. How about having a Korean or Russian friend who can give you an insight into their lives, let you taste their food, and help break down prejudices.

Life at the school is created by you. We provide the framework, and each cohort lives its own unique year. There is plenty of laughter, joy, and learning, and learning happens everywhere — in the classroom, in the dining hall (which also serves good and varied meals), in encounters with fellow students, in shared life in the dormitories, or by the fire in our cosy lounge.

What we find truly wonderful is when young people from all over the country create something together, and in addition enrich it with a touch of the world. We want you to leave with a sense of security, friendship, and knowledge that will support you for the rest of your life.