Some people think that a year in college is a long time. But are they aware that some folk colleges also offer half-year courses? Vefsn Folkehøgskole Toppen is one of those schools that offers half a semester at Folkehøgskole.
There can be many reasons why it fits better with half a year at a folk high school than an entire school year. The most common reasons are changed study plans, travel plans and first-time service. We have spoken to some of our half-year students about why they chose half-year courses.
Why half-year courses?
Sondre Fanebust, Fellow 2022-23 and half-year course spring 2022:
For my own part, I started straight into studies and quickly found out that I had gone on a bang. I wasn't ready for college, and the choice of study didn't feel right either. In addition, I regretted that I did not apply to folk high school. Then folk high school was a perfect opportunity to get away for half a year.
Before I went to the top, I had several concerns. I was afraid that the level of the academic level was going to be difficult, considering that the other students had been there for half a year already. I also feared that the social life might be demanding as most of them already knew each other. Fortunately, this went very nicely. The academic environment was adapted to my level and the social environment was very open and inclusive.
You get support from the loan fund in the same way as year-round students, where 40 percent of the student loan is converted into a scholarship after the year has been completed. However, no credits are given for half-year courses.
It is not at all too late to apply, The top takes up students as long as there are places. Here you can choose from a wide range of products ranging from Music production wilt Mountain sports and kayaking.
Who are half-year courses suitable for?
— Many of the mid-year students at Toppen are going in or out of first time service after the New Year. Then half a year at the top is perfect. It can also be a nice warm-up for the first time service by learning to live closely with people of the same age.
Several of the half-year students also take breaks from work and study.
Eline Scherven — Mountain sports and river paddling, autumn 2022
“I chose the half-year course because I wanted to take a break after my apprenticeship and do something completely different. Initially I thought that half a year was enough, but then I became so fond of life at the Top that I chose to become a fellow for another year!
Katharina Gutte Andersen — Fellow 2022-23 and half-year course spring 2022
In any case, the common denominator is that half a year at the top gives you something completely different from what you have done in the past. Here you get the opportunity to be social, make new friends and grow as a person. It can seem quite scary to get into a group that knows each other well from before. But on the other hand, it's really nice to get in to an environment that's a bit “pre-made”. The initial time of uncertainty passes much easier than one would think, because the rest feel so safe. This means that many people are good at taking the initiative to start activities, and invite others so that you almost always have something to do. For me, at least it worked great!
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