DANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

Danish Language and Culture

Do you have Danish ancestors and dream of getting closer to your roots? Are you studying Danish abroad – and eager to experience the language and culture firsthand? Or are you planning for your future to be in Denmark? Then Danish Language and Culture is just right for you. Here, you’ll not only learn the Danish language and discover the culture – you’ll also live in Denmark and make Danish friends along the way.

Hjem / Danish language and culture

Danish Language and Culture – Askov Højskoles program for international students

At Askov Højskole we welcome people from all over the world interested in learning the Danish language and learning more about Danish culture. In the setting of the Danish folk high school tradition, you will speak and write Danish, and you will get a deeper understanding of Danish and Scandinavian culture.

The course is for foreign as well as Danish students who need to develop their Danish language skills and cultural understanding. It is a requirement that you have a basic understanding of Danish, and please notice that all other classes at the school are taught in Danish only.

Why Danish Language and Culture at Askov Højskole?

  • You will speak and write Danish every day. From simple greetings to deeper conversations, you will gradually grow more confident in speaking, writing, and understanding the language. Mistakes are welcome – they’re part of the journey.
  • You will experience Danish life by exploring art, music, film, politics, food, celebrations – and the subtle things: how people socialize, what norms are, what “hygge” really is.
  • You will go on field trips – local towns, cultural landmarks, maybe farms, galleries; and you can go on your own excursions with the other students in weekends.
  • You will reflect together about what you see and hear. We don’t just observe: we discuss, write, debate. What makes Danish society unique? What is familiar? What feels strange? What inspires you?

Would you like a guided tour?

Get a tour and have a chat with our teachers and meet other students at the school.

Book a tour →

Why Askov Højskole is more than a course

Most of our international students are used to going to school at a high level – but what you will find here are classes with an emphasis on a broader perspective. Yes, you will learn Danish language, but the objective is not to become a master of Danish. That skill is a tool for learning about culture, about yourself, and about others.

Living together with Danish and international students means you’ll learn Danish naturally – through meals, evening gatherings, casual chats, games, walks. In our experience, this is where you really get a lot better at the Danish language!

Which classes to choose?

Besides the core Danish Language & Culture course, which is mandatory for our international students (unless they are very good at Danish), you can join others in subjects and workshops that might be totally different – music, crafts, politics, maybe nature walks – so you get a taste of everything. Our electives and common subjects are free for you to choose.

Be aware

That the common language at the school is Danish, not English. This does not mean that we will not help you and translate whenever needed (and everybody here speak English), but the vast majority of our students are Danish and all our classes – besides the Danish Language & Culture – are taught in Danish.

This means that you must take the language seriously, and it also means that there are classes that will be too difficult for you to join, if your Danish skills are not adequate.

Your English language level must be good enough for you to use as a base for learning Danish, since English is our common language in the Danish Language class. You must be capable of translating into English, and be capable of having meaningful conversations in English.

Practical information

The cost of attending the school varies depending on time of year and the length of your stay. Typically, the price is about 260 euros pr. week – all included. To that you must add the cost of your transportation, visa (if needed), and whatever money you wish to spend in your free time.

You must be at least 18 years old by the end of the program to start as a student.

As an international student you can only choose to start at the very beginning of each semester (and not one of the later days), unless your Danish skills are very good.

Visa: If you need a visa to study here, the official progress with the Danish authorities start with the school applying for a visa on your behalf. Please be aware that in order to do this, it is an absolute requirement that you have paid the entire cost of the program in advance, before we can start the visa application process.

If your visa application should fail, we will refund the money to you – minus an administration fee of about 250 euros.

What do former students say about Askov Folk High School?

“I went to folk high school to learn more Danish grammar and to be able to pass the Study Test, and I did. Now I am hoping for a future in Denmark.”

Anna Victoria Antunes

Danish language and culture, fall 2022

“By nature, I am very shy, but everyone here at the school is so open and understanding that I have also become more open, and it has encouraged me to challenge myself.”

Frederik Friis-Pedersen

Danish language and culture, fall 2022

“At first, I thought I wouldn’t be able to make friends with the Danish students, but luckily those expectations were proven wrong. Everyone speaks good English, so language is not a problem.”

Sandra Pedersen

Danish language and culture, fall 2022

Meet your teacher

Liv Zachariasen Ryom

Her Master’s degree in Danish builds on a BA in Danish with Social Studies as a minor, and she has experience from the music and events industry in tour management, event planning, and production. Liv is originally from the Faroe Islands and moved to Denmark when she was three years old, which has shaped her understanding of second language acquisition. She sees the folk high school as an ideal place to learn Danish because of the shared language – and the culture. In her free time, Liv loves barbecuing, watching superhero series, playing games, and dancing to heavy metal with her family.
lz@askov-hojskole.dk

Q&A

What is everyday life like at the folk high school – do students live on campus, and what is the community like?

Yes, students live at the school. You share meals, activities, and free time with other students, creating a strong and inclusive community.

How is the teaching organized – is it mostly theoretical, practical, or a mix of both?

It is a mix. You will learn grammar and vocabulary, but also practice speaking, listening, and exploring culture through activities.

Can I receive ECTS credits or an official certification for my Danish skills?

No. Folk high schools focus on personal development, not formal qualifications. But you will receive a diploma as proof of your participation.

What kinds of cultural activities and excursions are included in the program?

You may visit Danish cities, museums, cultural sites, and join local events. Once every semester, there is also a trip to Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen. In addition, the school organizes activities such as music, workshops, and shared traditions.

Is all teaching in Danish, or is English also used as support?

In the beginning, English is used to help explain. As your Danish improves, more of the teaching will take place in Danish.

Do I need to know any Danish before starting the Danish Language and Culture course?

No, you don’t need to know any Danish before you arrive. The course is designed for complete beginners as well as students with some prior knowledge. However, it can be an advantage to have a little familiarity with the language, since most of the teaching and daily life at the school takes place in Danish. This way, you will get more out of the experience from the very beginning.

Admission

The price includes college trip. There is no college trip during a 14-week stay.
When you register, you pay a registration fee of DKK 500 and a deposit of DKK 1,500, for a total of DKK 2,000.