Follo Folkehøgskole: finding your place on life’s stage
By Celina Tran
For many international students, the idea of a Norwegian folk high school can be entirely new: a school without grades, but rich in experiences, community, and personal development. At Follo Folkehøgskole, this tradition is alive and thriving, offering a year where students live, learn, and grow together, surrounded by nature yet just a 20-minute train ride from Norway’s capital.
Based in the charming small town of Vestby, only a stone’s throw away from the Norwegian capital, Follo Folkehøgskole offers a breather from the stress and overstimulation of both everyday life and coming of age. A year here is more than just classes – students get the chance to explore a wide variety of passions from dance and music to film and sports, while developing independence, social skills, and real-world experience.
“Our mission is to help young people develop independence and life skills while exploring their passions,” says principal Anja Helene Stidahl. “Living together, participating in school life, and engaging in meaningful projects are all part of the learning process.”
Independent of any religious affiliation, it is the perfect chance for anyone to take a year to learn about themselves in peaceful surroundings. You do not speak Norwegian? Not to worry, Follo Folkehøgskole has got you covered.
“Our course Norwegian – Culture and Language is designed specifically for international students who want to experience Norway fully. Weekly sessions focus on language, traditions, role-play, Oslo excursions, and nature exploration, allowing students to learn while integrating into the school community,” says Stidahl. “This course gives students a chance to combine a professional interest with learning Norwegian. They become part of a vibrant community while discovering Norwegian culture in depth.”
A blend of nature and city life
When you study in Vestby, you are always near a woodland walk or a stroll on the beach. If that is what you are looking for, kayaking, forest hikes, or winter walks along snow-dusted trails can easily become everyday adventures. That is not to say that the metropolitan experience is out of reach – Oslo is only a short trip away.
“We want students to experience both the quiet rural surroundings and the city, and we provide students with monthly passes, which open doors to theatres, museums, concert halls, libraries, football matches and more,” Stidahl says. “With our proximity to the capital, it only makes sense to turn Oslo into a living classroom, and students can expect trips and outings to the Opera House, the National Theatre, and different museums. They are all lessons in culture, observation, and shared experience.”
Living and learning together
Living at Follo is as much a part of the curriculum as the classes themselves. The six dormitories house 70-90 students, mostly in double rooms, with shared lounges, kitchens, and laundry facilities. Students navigate the small but significant challenges of communal life, from cleaning to learning to compromise, all while building trust and independence.
Everyday tasks teach responsibility, teamwork, and sustainability, which are all focal points in the school’s teachings. This is an Eco-Lighthouse certified school that aims to use as much organic and local ingredients as possible, minimise waste, and emphasise practical environmental stewardship. Further, it accommodates most diets, whether vegetarian, halal, or anything else.
“The experience of living together is central. It teaches empathy, cooperation, and resilience. It’s practical learning that you carry with you for the rest of your life,” Stidahl says. “We want to be a school where students feel safe, included, and empowered. Students should view the folk high school experience as an investment in themselves, one where they can develop as citizens, all while exploring their passions in a community that nurtures growth and courage.”
All of these aspects of self-development and becoming are implemented through the lived experience on campus, but also through the long list of classes and electives available. The backbone of the curriculum is formed by subjects like dance, music, drama, film, sports, and fitness, and supported by facilities available around the clock. Think top-class dance studios, gyms, band rooms, music and film houses, and a Blackbox theatre fit for concerts, performances, and other projects.
Of course, the learning is not limited to the classrooms, the area, or even the country. While the school emphasises local learning, travel is central to its approach. Every year, students take school-wide study trips – with the options of either discovering more of Norway or the shiny Big Apple – combining cultural exploration, training, and experiences that expand perspectives across all lines of study.
“Our goal is to prepare young people for life. Through mastery of a craft, shared experiences, and reflection, students acquire skills and confidence that carry them forward into further studies, work, and life,” adds Stidahl.
Follo Folkehøgskole’s motto, “The stage is yours – the world is ours,” captures the spirit of the school: students are invited to step into their own spotlight while learning to navigate, contribute to, and engage with the wider world.
Web: www.follofhs.no
Facebook: Follo Folkehøgskole
Instagram: @follofhs
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