Year-round course (two semesters)
International politics backpacking Asia
Do you want a better understanding of the world, or perhaps you are considering working internationally? Study trip to Southeast Asia to learn more about the important topics and put things into perspective.
Understand the world
In a world where important events have a short life span in the media and many fight for our attention, it is important to recognize the big and important lines, and try to understand why the world's countries and leaders act as they do.
What is at play in the story, what conditions and rules govern them, and what do they really want to achieve?
With knowledge and critical thinking, we can challenge the root causes of poverty and war, and find our way to contribute positively.
We combat discouragement with knowledge and concrete examples of things that work.
Variation in teaching and method
There are many ways to engage and learn. Inspiring lectures, spontaneous and prepared discussions, films, projects and information work are just some of the ways we learn. Variety and exploring new ways of working and challenging ourselves is important.
If the world seems chaotic, walks in the woods, in the mountains and on the sea can be a nice break during this year and the years to come. Hiking is part of the method on the line because it provides variety and mastery is important. We use nature as a classroom.
On short trips throughout the year, we also learn practical skills for adventure and coping, as well as to appreciate the nature we are so dependent on. Trips are also a great arena to focus on, and discuss, what concerns us, have a good time and get to know each other better.
Trip in autumn and spring
The fall study trip will be to Southeast Asia. In the spring, the destination will depend on how much money we have left and what the class wants. Previously, we have been to Geneva and Copenhagen, the Balkans, and Norwegian World Heritage sites such as Røros, Vega, and Bergen.
More about the course
Forms of work
There are many ways to engage and learn. Inspiring lecturers, spontaneous and prepared discussions, films, study visits and information work are just some of the ways we acquire material. Variety is important, and it's important for us to also explore new ways of working and challenge ourselves. Outdoor activities allow us to get to know each other and ourselves better, and are a welcome break from the classroom.
Post-work and tour
The study tour forms an important part of the teaching at the course , and therefore we also spend a lot of time processing and using what we have experienced. Some time after returning home, in connection with the winter holidays, we travel on a tour to schools, institutions and organizations for a week to give lectures and tell about what we have learned on the study trip. Therefore, we must organize and process the impressions after the trip in a proper way, and the study trip tour represents a nice culmination of the trip.
Other projects
the course For many years, we have prepared and carried out a commemoration of Holocaust Day in collaboration with the Falstad Center. Fastad was a Nazi prison camp, and is now a memorial site and human rights center in Central Norway. Here we get the chance to work with the Holocaust, which is an important part of the prehistory of the establishment of the UN, but also with current topics related to human rights, extremism and international law.
Study trip to Southeast Asia
The study trip is a big part of the year at the course and has been an adventure every year. We work a lot on it before and afterwards, and the trip itself lasts four weeks. We travel to new and different countries and areas every year, and over the years we've been to Africa as many times as Asia.
Which countries should we travel to?
In the 2026-27 school year we will travel to Southeast Asia. The countries in question are Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia. We will create the itinerary, the program and the content of the study trip when you arrive, based on what is the current theme in the countries and what we want to do together.
Student democracy in practice
At the start of the trip, we have a rough itinerary, some meetings and a bit of a program ready, but most of the time we fill as the journey unfolds. Since we usually travel to places neither teachers nor students have been before, conversations with people we meet are important to find out what is relevant and exciting for us to experience.
Ownership of the journey
To achieve this, it is also important to be flexible with regard to transport and accommodation, so we will arrange all that as we go. The program is challenging and rewarding and everyone in the group helps to decide how the trip will be, and with their own efforts, both the learning outcomes and the experiences will be great. Previous cohorts have said they are proud of the trip they have made, and they feel a strong sense of ownership for what they have been a part of.
From embassy to activists
We usually visit the Norwegian embassy, some UN organizations and Norwegian and local NGOs. Meetings with people in host families or in local associations, inspiring activists or just ordinary young people often provide the most memorable and pleasant experiences. We also find time for safaris, mountain hikes, beach life, sights or whatever is available and might tempt us. We travel a lot during the trip to get a good impression of the country, and we cross borders and visit neighboring countries to compare culture, governance, etc.
Jakob has worked as a junior expert for FAO in Cambodia and at the head office in Rome. He has extensive experience of study trips to many different countries. In addition to a keen interest in international issues and politics, he is passionate about exercise and outdoor life, and is a ski and kayak instructor.
"Applying to Sund folk high school was definitely one of the best decisions I ever made. During my year at the UN and International Politics, I was able to develop both my perspective on the world and myself, largely thanks to the great discussions we had in class, and our teacher Jakob who knows absolutely everything"
Milene
Students' annual plan Sund folk high school
The first day of school for the 2026–2027 school year is Saturday 22 August 2026
Sund folk high school , annual plan for the school year 2026-2027
Sund Folk High School, Annual plan – school year 2026-27
Year-round line 2026–27
NOK 151,000,-
School fees include:
- Accommodation in a double room at Sund fhs
- All food at Sund fhs (four meals per day) - we don't charge extra for special diets, vegetarian or vegan food
- The study trip - academic program, accommodation, food and transportation are included
- Joint school trips and excursions
- Wireless internet, copying and printing for teaching
- Use of gym, training room, rehearsal room, photo studio, darkroom
- Use of washing machines and dryers
- Expenses for the vast majority of electives
- Transport in connection with training
- Administration fee at NOK 2 500,-
All lessons are free of charge.
School fees are not included:
Most of the materials we use in teaching are included. However, if you want to make something different/more/larger than what the teacher has planned, you must expect to pay for the extra equipment yourself.
- Deposit for key and use of equipment at NOK 1 300,-
- Single room supplement at NOK. 5 850,- (650 per month for 9 months)
- Pocket money for personal consumption
Loans and grants from Lånekassen
As a student on year-round programs at Sund folk high school , you are entitled to study support from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (if you are a Norwegian citizen).
For the 2026–2027 school year, you as a student will receive a total of NOK 154,880 in grants and loans from the Norwegian National Loan Fund. Of this, 40%, i.e. NOK 61,952, will be converted into a grant once you have completed the school year and have it approved. If you are a student on a half-year course, you will receive half the loan amount.
Read more about loans and grants atwww.lanekassen.no.
As soon as you have a place at Sund folk high school , you can apply for grants and loans atwww.lanekassen.no.
We do not have an application deadline and you can apply throughout the year. We start admitting students from November 15, and accept students as long as there is room at the course.
Admission criteria:
- Age limit 18 years, exceptionally 18 years before the study trip
- We accept students as long as there is room on the course you apply
- We focus on motivation and interests
Application:
- Send an online application
- We'll get back to you as soon as we can
- Write a little about yourself and why you want to join Sund
- It's a good idea to apply early, even if we don't start admissions until November 15.
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Try our questions and answers page (FAQ)
Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact us ›
What former students say
A year where I got to grow, breathe and learn at my own pace. I was given time and space to reflect and process different things. And then I was able to blossom at full speed, at a slow pace and in different directions.
