AFS Community Service in Denmark

Transcription

1 AFS Community Service in Denmark The AFS Community Service program gives you the opportunity to share in and contribute to the life of a community in Denmark and at the same time promote intercultural understanding. Where can you work? State of Green is the official green brand for Denmark. As the first country in the world, Denmark has decided to lead the transition to become a green growth economy entirely independent of fossil fuels by Working with the environment is, however, only one of the many possibilities which AFS Denmark can offer in the area of community service. You can choose between a variety of areas such as: protecting the environment or working with animals assisting the elderly, people with disabilities or socially disadvantaged people helping out in after-school care institutions and youth clubs working with small children in kindergartens or nurseries promoting culture in all its variety teaching children or adults enhancing public health In Denmark we also have the unique concept of "Højskoler" (folk colleges), which are lifelong learning schools for young and adults who stay at the school during the course. AFS Denmark cooperates with a number of such schools which specializes in areas such as environment, sports, culture, arts and global issues. Please refer to the back of this document giving examples of CSP projects in Denmark. Living arrangements & social activities Some participants in AFS Community Service programs live with local families, sharing their daily lives and their meals. Other participants (e.g. those placed at folk high schools) stay at their project thus having the opportunity to take part in the many activities going on at the school in the spare time. As a community service participant you will be invited to social events arranged by the local AFS chapter where you will meet other volunteers, exchange students and host families. Who are you? To take part in the program you should: be aged between 18 and 40 years as a minimum have basic English skills be open to new experiences How will you benefit? You will meet people from many different cultures and thereby develop your intercultural competencies You will live and work alongside Danes, and will, therefore, achieve an in-depth understanding of Danish and European culture. You will learn Danish by attending Danish lessons. As English is widely spoken by Danes, you will also have the chance to improve your English. You will get work experience within your chosen field of volunteer work. A Community Service stay abroad will also give you the opportunity to grow in self-knowledge, develop your own talents and become clearer about your future field of study and work career. 1/14

2 Program periods and lengths There are two main arrival months January and August. However, it is usually possible to arrive outside the scheduled arrival months. The program length is either 3, 6 or 11 months Language education During your stay you are expected to learn Danish and the Danish classes will be organized for you. Travel In weekends and during holidays you are allowed to travel both within Denmark and to the European countries which are part of the Schengen agreement (which is most Western European countries except the UK). It is almost eleven years ago I came to Denmark for the very first time. I applied for an AFS exchange-student program, not knowing much where to go. I ended up in a tiny village on the island of Sealand having an unforgettable experience. Today, I find myself with a job in a Danish consulting company, doing what I love, keeping up my Danish and learning from yet another fantastic place in the world! Mauro Lucardi, architect participant from Argentina AFS orientations Participants arriving at the scheduled arrival dates in January or August will receive a full 3-day on-arrival orientation. Participants staying for more than 3 months will also be invited to a 3-day mid-terms orientation. Those orientations take place at the Brenderup Folk High School and are organized by AFS volunteers who have already been abroad. A little background information about Denmark Denmark, a nation of 406 islands and 5.4 million inhabitants, is about the size of the U.S. state of Massachusetts or the Dominican Republic and is made up of the Jutland peninsula and small islands in the North and Baltic Seas. It lies to the north of Germany and south of Sweden across a strait joining the Baltic Sea to the North Sea. The land is relatively flat with some hills and is made up of moors, lakes, farmlands and woodlands. Denmark s climate can be unpredictable, and skies are often overcast. January temperatures average about -1 C (30 F), and July warms to about 18 C (65 F). In summertime days are very long whereas in wintertime days are short and people cosy down indoors. Danish is Denmark s official language. In Greenland, the predominant language is Greenlandic, which is closely related to languages spoken by the Inuits of northern Canada, Alaska and Siberia. Denmark is a constitutional monarchy. Legislative authority is held jointly by the sovereign and the parliament, or Folketing. Most Danes belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, but only about 5% of them actively attend services. Denmark is characterized by little poverty and a narrow disparity between rich and poor. In part, this is because its citizens pay the world s highest taxes, for which they receive lifelong social security, state-supported medical care and excellent education. Interested in more information? For more information please contact your local AFS office. 2/14

3 AFS Community Service in Denmark Examples of hosting projects Nurseries/Kindergartens Sector: Children - education Project description: Usually both parents in Denmark work outside the home and therefore almost all children attend nurseries/kindergartens from age three until starting school. Most day-care institutions in Denmark are combined nurseries/kindergartens and are run by the municipality. The day-care centres aim to provide the best possible care of children whilst at the same time developing the children through games and educational activities. Many centres provide lunch for the children as well as morning and afternoon snacks. Location of the project: AFS in Denmark cooperates with a number of nurseries/kindergartens all over the country. Volunteer tasks: The volunteer will help staff in the daily work and take part in organizing games and other activities for the children. The volunteer will also help with meals and assist in excursions. The volunteer is expected to share his/her language and cultural background with the children and is encouraged to introduce games and plays from his/her home country to the children. Generally the volunteer tasks will be adapted to the qualifications and interests of the individual volunteer and he/she will be working closely together with one of the staff members who will support and guide him/her when needed. Learning opportunities: Due to the widespread use in Denmark of nurseries/kindergartens much research has been invested in the development of the concept of day-care centres. Volunteers working in day-care centres will have opportunity to learn about Danish kindergartens and the philosophy on which daycare centres for children in Denmark are based. Furthermore, they will learn about childcare and the pedagogical work being done for pre-school children. Requirements: Volunteers should have an interest in working with children and the ability to interact with children. Accommodation: All volunteers working in nurseries/kindergartens will be accommodated in host families. Forrest kindergarten Sector: Children - education Denmark is credited with pioneering forest kindergartens in which children spend most of every day outside in a natural environment. Volunteers working at such kindergartens will spend most of the time outdoor with the children. For further details of placements at such kindergartens please see Nurseries/kindergartens above. 3/14

4 Schools / After-school care Sector: Education - children Project description: The typical Danish public school folkeskole has students from 0. grade to 9. grade. The schools endeavour to combine theory and practice in all classes and emphasizes a high educational level while still securing an environment where everybody thrives. Many schools have afterschool care facilities which provides care and leisure time activities for pupils up to 3rd grade. From 4th to 6th grade the pupils can attend the junior club which is also situated at the school. Location of the project: AFS in Denmark cooperates with a number of schools within primary education all over the country. Assisting teachers in the language education Assisting teachers in other subjects for which she/he may have an interest Helping out at the after-school care/junior club and taking part in the planning of leisure activities Assisting with various administrative tasks General assistance to teachers as well as helping in other areas of school activities, e.g. in the library Taking part in the organisation of special events/activities The children are learning English in school so volunteers are often encouraged to talk some English with them. Generally the volunteer tasks will be adapted to the qualifications and interests of the individual volunteer and he/she will be working closely together with one of the staff members who will support and guide him/her when needed. Learning opportunities: Placement at such schools will provide excellent opportunities for learning about the Danish educational system and philosophy. Such placements will also give the volunteers the chance to test or practice their teaching abilities and try to work in a school environment. Finally the volunteers will learn how to interact with children aged Requirements: Volunteers should have an interest in education and the ability to interact with children. Furthermore, they should be mature and able to take initiatives. Accommodation: All volunteers working at day schools within primary education will be accommodated in host families. 4/14

5 Efterskoler Sector: Education - youth Project description: In Denmark there is a special type of boarding school offering young people the possibility to complete 10 th grade in a live-in and learn school in an exciting and safe environment which provides the young people with the opportunity to self develop, mature and to get new angles and inspiration regarding their future study and career. Each efterskole has a focus on special subjects, i.e. sports, adventure, culture, performing arts, interculture, global issues, design and much more. Location of the project: AFS in Denmark cooperates with a number of efterskole all over the country. Assisting teachers in the language education Assisting teachers in other subjects for which she/he may have an interest Assisting with various administrative tasks General assistance to teachers as well as helping in other areas of school activities, e.g. in the library Organising special events/activities/courses during evening and weekends Generally the volunteer tasks will be adapted to the qualifications and interests of the individual volunteer and he/she will be working closely together with one of the staff members who will support and guide him/her when needed. Learning opportunities: Placement at such schools will provide excellent opportunities for learning about the Danish educational system and philosophy. Such placements will also give the volunteers the chance to test or practice their teaching abilities and try to work in a school environment. Finally the volunteers will enjoy the extraordinary life of an efterskole. Requirements: Volunteers should have an interest in education and the ability to interact with young people. Furthermore, they should be mature and able to take initiatives. Accommodation: As efterskoler are boarding schools, usually volunteers working at efterskoler will both work and live at the efterskole. They will also have an AFS contact family whom they can spend time with during holidays and some weekends and in that way be part of a Danish family and experience Danish family life. 5/14

6 Schools within secondary education Sector: Education - youth Project description: Secondary education in Denmark usually takes two to four years and is attended by students between the ages of 15 and 20. Secondary education is not compulsory, but usually free of charge, and students have a wide range of programmes to choose from. Some education programmes are academically oriented, the most common being the Gymnasium. Others are more practically oriented, training students for jobs as e.g. artisans or clerks through a combination of instruction in vocational schools and apprenticeship. Location of the project: AFS in Denmark cooperates with a number of schools within secondary education (primarily gymnasiums) all over the country. Assisting teachers in the language education Assisting teachers in other subjects for which she/he may have an interest Assisting in projects taking place at the school Assisting with various administrative tasks General assistance to teachers as well as helping in other areas of school activities, e.g. in the library Usually gymnasiums are specifically interested in volunteers who can help in language classes especially within the native language of the volunteer. Learning opportunities: Placement at such schools will provide excellent opportunities for learning about the Danish educational system and philosophy. Such placements will also give the volunteers the chance to test or practice their teaching abilities and try to work in a school environment. Finally the volunteers will learn how to interact with young people. Requirements: Volunteers should have an interest in education and be mature and able to take initiatives. Furthermore volunteers should be prepared to actively take part in the language lessons as an assistant teacher. Accommodation: Most volunteers working at schools within secondary education will be accommodated in host families. 6/14

7 Odin Teatret Sector: Education - youth Project description: This project is an international Danish theater. The theatre has created 76 performances and it has showed them in 63 countries. Furthermore, the theater hosts other ensembles; teaches drama; makes publications on magazines and books; produces didactic films and videos; researches into theatre anthropology; and organizes children's performances, exhibitions, concerts, round tables and community work. The theater offers a cultural exchange within its members, who come from a dozen countries and three continents. Since 1996, the actors present songs, music and dances from its own local culture, promoting the rich cultural diversity of the organization. Location of the project: The theatre is located in Holstebro, a city which is situated in the northwest of Jutland and which has around inhabitants. taking part in the daily work of the theatre helping staff and actors in the planning and preparation of performances and tournaments, as well as helping out with the archiving of film and books. The tasks and responsibilities will be adjusted as required, based on the interests and skills of the volunteer. The theatre is prepared to have a talk with the volunteer before arrival in order to organize a working program suitable to the individual volunteer. Learning opportunities: Placement at this projecct will provide excellent opportunities for learning about the daily work in a theatre, learning to organizing major performances and events, learning approaches to arts archiving and getting to know the arts field in Denmark in depth. Requirements: Volunteers should have a keen interest in drama, be extrovert and be willing to engage in the life of a busy and progressive theatre. The main languages spoken at the club is Danish, English, Italian and Spanish so volunteers should be able to speak English and perhaps one of the other languages as well. Accommodation: Volunteers will be accommodated in host families. 7/14

8 Kirkens Korshær Sector: Social work vulnerable people Project description: Kirkens Korshær is a major non-profit church organization with branches all over Denmark. The branch in Sønderborg has a center for lonely or homeless people and four second hand shops which raise money for their work to help vulnerable people. Location of the project: This project is located in Sonderborg a city of approx inhabitants in the southern part of Jutland, close to the German border. Working at the center Assisting in the shops Generally helping the staff and other volunteers Learning opportunities: Volunteers will have an excellent opportunity to work within the social sector and to work with vulnerable people. They will develop their people skills and ability to deal with people of very different social spheres. Also they will get experience in the operation of a shop and a café and develop their customer service skills. Requirements: Volunteers should have an interest in working with vulnerable people and an interest in taking part in the activities of the center and the café. Accommodation: Volunteers will be accommodated in host families. Nursing homes Sector: Social work - elderly Denmark is quite renowned for its approach to care of the elderly. Normally much effort is done to enable the elderly to remain in their own home as long as possible. However, when this is no longer possible, they will be moved to a nursing home where qualified staff will take care of their needs and create a nice and supportive environment for the elderly. Typically nursing homes have day centres (for elderly living at home) and activity centres (for residents) which organise daily activities for the elderly. Volunteers play an important part in this work. Location of the project: AFS cooperate with a number of nursing homes all over the country. assisting in the activity centre and day centre for elderly. This work will include organizing activities for the elderly, generally socializing with them, sharing the cultural background and bringing the world into their lives which is often limited by their physical capabilities. Assist nurses and help in the physical training activities Generally assisting the staff with the daily work in the nursing home Learning opportunities: Volunteers will get a unique opportunity to get to know the Danish aged care system in depth and will get experience in working with elderly, learn about their needs and also learn how to organise interesting and manageable activities for elderly. Requirements: This volunteer position requires a relevant education and/or experience, e.g. in the field of aged care or health care. Accommodation: Volunteers will be accommodated in host families. 8/14

9 FC Midtjylland Sector: Sports youth Project description: FC Midtjylland is one of the major soccer clubs in Denmark and their premier team is in the Danish top league. The club organizes soccer and handball training for all age groups and levels. It also has a soccer academy for young players with great potential. Location of the project: This project is located in Herning, a city of inhabitants situated in the middle of Jutland. Assisting the coaches during soccer or handball training Helping in connection nection with tournaments (both home and away matches). Generally assisting staff in the daily work at a busy and successful soccer club Learning opportunities: Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about professional sports training, they will have the opportunity to improve their soccer skills and they will also learn about management of major events Requirements: Volunteers should have a strong interest in soccer and sports in general and should be good at playing soccer. Accommodation: Volunteers will be accommodated in host families. Silkeborg Rideklub Sector: Sports youth Project description: Silkeborg Rideklub is a horseback riding club primarily for young people. It has existed in more than 100 years and has 2 riding halls, stables for 75 horses, club house and café, outdoor facilities and jumping courses etc. It offers training in riding and the caring for horses. Location of the project: This project is located in Silkeborg, a city of inhabitants situated in the middle of Jutland. Helping in the horseback riding training Helping taking care of the horses Helping in connection with tournaments Helping with various administration tasks Learning opportunities: Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about horseback riding training, they will have the opportunity to improve their own horseback riding skills, they will lean about the proper caring of horses, they will learn about the running of a major horseback riding club and they will also learn about management of minor and major events Requirements: Volunteers should have a strong interest in horses and riding and should be good at horseback riding. Accommodation: Volunteers will be accommodated in host families. 9/14

10 Nordic folkecenter for Renewable Energy Sector: Renewable energy Project description: The Nordic Folkecenter for Renewable Energy is a non-profit, independent, organization that provides research, development of technology, training and information for the manufacture, industrial innovation and implementation of renewable energy technologies and energy savings in Denmark and throughout the world. Folkecenter intends to achieve measurable increases in the utilization of renewable energy technologies and thereby significant reductions in environmental pollution associated with energy use in Denmark and elsewhere. It obtains support from local authorities, national and international agencies, and the industry. The ultimate long term purpose is a complete replacement of fossil fuels and atomic power with renewable energies. Location of the project: This project is located in Thy in the northern part of Jutland. Volunteer tasks: The work tasks will be very similar to the tasks of their trainees from all over the world who are attached to the center in order to supplement their theoretical skills with invaluable out-ofclassroom practical experience. The general aim of the trainee programme is to provide scientific and technical knowledge about a variety of aspects of renewable energy including hands-on experiences that often are not available in the academic institutions. The trainees will work on the basis of teamwork under the leadership of a professional advisor, including practical as well as theoretical activities, study excursions and field studies. Learning opportunities: Volunteers will have a unique opportunity to obtain practical and theoretical experience with different sectors and technologies within renewable energy. Focus of the research and development activities change over the time depending on the projects available. Requirements: Volunteers should have a relevant academic or practical background enabling them to actively take part in the research work at the center. They should be reasonably good in English Accommodation: AFS-participants will both live and work at the center. They will also have an AFS contact family whom they can spend time with during holidays and some weekends and in that way be part of a Danish family and experience Danish family life. 10/14

11 Projects at folk colleges (Højskoler) The Danish Folk Colleges offer non-formal adult education. Most students are between 18 and 24 years old and the length of a typical stay is 4 months. Students sleep, eat, study and spend their spare time at the school. There are no academic requirements for admittance and there are no exams - but students will get a diploma as a proof of their attendance. What is non-formal adult education? The concept of "Non-formal adult education" is associated with N.F.S. Grundtvig, a Danish philosopher, poet, educational thinker and clergyman, (born in died in 1872), and his thoughts concerning free educational opportunities. The concept arose in the 19th century and is one of the cornerstones of the Danish educational system. Teaching in the folk high school Teaching is characterised by professionalism and dedication. Classes are based on dialogue and mutual learning between teachers and students. The main focus is to discover and strengthen the unique skills of each student in a challenging yet supportive social atmosphere. What is in it for the volunteer? Volunteers working at a folk college will learn how the unique Danish concept: "Danish Folk College" works by participating in the the daily life at the college where they are placed. They will have the opportunity to take part in the subjects taught in the college. Very importantly they will also be part of the vibrant social life and the many extracurricular activities going on at the college in evenings and weekends. Accommodation for volunteers As students at the folk college both study, eat and lodge at the college, there is a vibrant social life both during study/working hours, in evenings/weekends. Volunteers will also board at the school. This means that they will be part of all the exciting and interesting activities going on the college both in daytime and during evenings/weekends. In addition to this they will have an AFS contact family, whom they can visit during holidays and some weekends - and in that way be part of a Danish family and get an impression of Danish family life. Which folk college to choose as a volunteer? Below you will find a description of some of the most popular AFS volunteer projects at folk colleges. However, AFS cooperates with a number of other folk colleges. Those colleges offer a wide variety of courses, study tours and specialized subjects in such areas as sports, music, outdoor, design, arts, craft, writing, event management, adventure activities, travelling, acting, dancing, photograpy, journalism, food, ecology and much more 11/14

12 Vrå Højskole (folk college) Sector: Education - youth Project description: The Vrå Folk College educates young people between 18 and 30 years. Its main focus is all aspects of arts and it aims to attract creative students who wish to develop their skills and understanding in their particular field of interest. The activities of the college focus on arts/handicraft, music, photography, media, fashion and design and writing. design and textile (preparatory course for a tailor education at a technical college), photography and music (there are facilities for all kinds of music, including digital recording). The college often has concerts, lectures and other arrangements in the evenings. The college also has a course in Danish as a second language. For more details about the college please see their website: Location of the project: The Vrå Folk College is located in the northern part of Jutland, and 10 km from the city of Brønderslev, which has about inhabitants. Volunteer tasks: Volunteers will take part in courses and learn about communication, psychology, media, personal development and local/global citizenship, and in that way be prepared for their volunteer work. The volunteers will primarily work in the local community where they may help school children with their home work, help out at the asylum centre, work in the home for elderly, work as an assistant teacher in the local school, assist in the second hand shop, or work with music, theatre or the scout association. The volunteers themselves decide which areas they would like to focus on, Very importantly the volunteers will be part of the vibrant social life and the many extracurricular activities going on at the college in evenings and weekends. Learning opportunities: Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about the Danish educational system and the unique concept of Danish folk colleges. They will develop skills within their chosen area of volunteer work and they will also sharpen their people skills by living and working with people from many different backgrounds and cultures. Finally they will have an excellent opportunity for personal development. Requirements: The folk college is very open to all kinds of young people as long as they are willing to volunteer, eager to learn and open to engage in the vibrant life of the college. Accommodation: AFS-volunteers will both live and work at the college but will have an AFS contact family with whom they can spend holidays/weekends 12/14

13 Vestjyllands Højskole (folk college) Sector: Education youth Project description: The main subjects at Vestjylland Folk College are dancing, music, singing, art with ceramics, graphical design and painting, theatre, sustainable lifestyle, cooking and writing. The college considers itself the green folk college of Denmark. All meals are % organic and its wind turbine supplies the school with C02 neutral energy together with their solar- and geothermal system. The school has room for 70 students and the number of employees is 20, including 11 teachers. Their "Garden of Wonder" provides organic vegetable and fruit to the kitchen, and the aim is to try to supply vegetables, flowers and fruits as much as possible for the college. For more details please refer to Location of the project: It is situated in the mid-west of Jutland close to Ringkøbing (a city of approx inhabitants). Volunteer tasks: There are many different volunteer tasks at Vestjyllands Hojskole. However, the volunteer will spend most of the time working in the organic garden which is completely managed by volunteers. More specifically the work tasks include: Practical garden work in the organic garden Maintaining and repairing garden furniture Taking part in the creation of wooden furniture and garden sculptures Previous volunteers have also been involved in carpentry, gardening, bartending, management and cleaning. They have been translators, juice pressers, dancers, painters, musicians and much more depending on the interests and background of the individual volunteers. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to take part in such classes, as ecology, sustainable society, philosophy and politics or classes which will give them an insight in Danish culture. Learning opportunities: Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about the Danish educational system and the unique concept of Danish folk colleges. They will learn a lot about ecology and gardening and they will also develop skills within their chosen area of volunteer work and study. They will also sharpen their people skills by living and working with people from many different backgrounds and cultures and finally they will have an excellent opportunity for personal development. Requirements: The volunteer should be able to engage in a conversation in English. Given the fact that most volunteers are girls, the school would prefer male volunteers. Otherwise the school is quite flexible as to the skills and qualifications of the volunteer. The main requirement is an interest in education and ecology and a willingness to engage in the practical work in the organic garden. An ability to use garden tools and interest in interacting with the students at the school are essential. Accommodation: AFS-volunteers will both live and work at the college but will have an AFS contact family with whom they can spend holidays/weekends 13/14

14 Brandbjerg Højskole (folk college) Sector: Education - youth Project description: At Brandbjerg Højskole living and learning blend in a diverse social and professional community of many nationalities. Students develop their skills within the fields of either music, the outdoors or event & project management, as well as a wide variety of elective subjects. And they develop valuable competencies within the fields of cooperation and leadership. In that way the college aims to widen the future perspectives of the students, both professionally and existentially. The total number of students is The share of international students (volunteers included) is between 15-25%. The students come from very different educational, cultural and social backgrounds, and being part of such a diverse community is an important element in the development of the students. The students are between 18 to 28 years old. For more details about the college please see their website: Location of the project: The Brandbjerg Folk College is located in Jutland, 12 km from the city of Vejle, which has about inhabitants. Volunteer tasks: The volunteer tasks include: Assist with general office/administration tasks Taking care of guests and help with accommodation, etc. Help staff with various practical indoor and outdoor work (eg. cleaning, kitchen work and gardening) Help to promote the concept of Danish folk colleges abroad, e.g. to one s native country Furthermore, they have the opportunity to take part in classes at the college. Very importantly they will also be part of the vibrant social life and the many extracurricular activities going on at the college in evenings and weekends. Learning opportunities: Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about the Danish educational system and the unique concept of Danish folk colleges and learn how a major educational institution is run. They will develop skills within their chosen area of study and they will also sharpen their people skills by living and working with people from many different backgrounds and cultures. Finally they will have an excellent opportunity for personal development. Requirements: The volunteer must be able to communicate well in English, and he/she must be able to engage actively in the life of college. The desire to get involved and take part is more important than experience and age. Accommodation: AFS-volunteers will both live and work at the college but will have an AFS contact family with whom they can spend holidays/weekends 14/14

15 Bornholm Højskole (folk college) Sector: Education - youth Project description: The activities of the college focus on lots of music (Rhytmical Ensemble, Chorus, Music Theory), arts and crafts (Ceramic, Glass, Jewelry, Art) and not least, the exciting island specialties ( Chef s Kitchen ). The college has room for 100 students and the number of employees is 23, including 14 teachers. Approximately half the students are from abroad. For more details about the college please see their website: Location of the project: The Bornholm Folk College is located on the island of Bornholm, widely considered one of the most beautiful places in Denmark with nice weather and fascinating history, culture and geology. Volunteer tasks: Volunteer tasks include: Assisting in the organisation of weekend events and activities for the students Accompanying participants taking part in short courses during excursions, etc. Organising informal courses for the students in the evenings in areas of expertise/experience (e.g. teaching ones native language). Assisting staff in the kitchen (cooking and general preparation for meals) Assisting the caretaker with various outdoor work e.g. in the garden Furthermore, they will have the opportunity to take part in classes at the college. Very importantly they will also be part of the vibrant social life and the many extracurricular activities going on at the college in evenings and weekends. Learning opportunities: Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about the Danish educational system and the unique concept of Danish folk colleges and learn how a major educational institution is run. They will develop skills within their chosen area of study and they will also sharpen their people skills by living and working with people from many different backgrounds and cultures. Finally they will have an excellent opportunity for personal development. Requirements: The volunteer must be able to communicate in English. Accommodation: AFS-volunteers will both live and work at the college but will have an AFS contact family with whom they can spend holidays/weekends 15/14