Frequently Asked Questions

Who, when, where, how, why, what – We’ve compiled a list of the questions we get asked the most often. Maybe this Folk High School FAQ will help you out! If not, do not hesitate to contact us immediately.

THE IDEA & STRUCTURE OF IPC  l  STUDYING AT IPC  l  LIVING AT IPC  l  ECONOMY  l  TRANSPORTATION

The Idea & Structure of International People’s College

Q: IS INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE’S COLLEGE A PRIVATE OR PUBLIC INSTITUTION?
A: International People’s College is an independent, non-profit foundation and is free of any set political, religious or sectarian ideology. (See the Values questions in this Folk High School FAQ.) We are government subsidized on the basis of the number of students at the school. Read more about the Folk High Schools in Denmark or consult this diagram for an outline of our organizational structure.

Q: IT IS CALLED THE INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE’S COLLEGE, BUT ARE YOU A FORMAL COLLEGE?
A: No! We are not a regular College, nor are we a University or a High School for that matter. The International People’s College belongs to a unique group of Danish Schools known as Folk High Schools in Denmark which has a long distinguished history and tradition of excellent non-formal adult education.

Q: WILL I GET A CERTIFICATE FROM INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE’S COLLEGE, AND WHAT CAN I USE IT FOR?
A: Yes, you will receive a certificate, documenting the courses and activities you have completed during your stay at International People’s College. What you can use it for is an entirely different matter. You can not use the certificate to achieve credits at a University as we do not offer exams at our Danish Folk High School nor do we supply ECTS certified curriculums.

Q: WHAT ARE INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE’S COLLEGE’S CORE VALUES?
A: We have six Core Values at International People’s College and you can read all about them here.

Studying at International People’s College

Q: ARE THERE ANY EXAMS AT INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE’S COLLEGE?
A: No. The Danish Folk High School system is not based on exams. The philosophy is that learning at International People’s College is a total experience that cannot be measured through traditional exam methods. Active participation, however, is the important factor and the International People’s College’s certificate, awarded at the end of each term, reflects this focus.

Q: CAN I SIGN UP FOR MY FAVORITE CLASSES PRIOR TO MY ARRIVAL AT THE SCHOOL?
A: It is not possible to sign up for certain classes prior to your arrival. You put together your own personal timetable and thereby make your choice of classes within the first week of your stay at International People’s College. Read more about the subjects and classes here.

Q: WHAT IS THE TEACHING LANGUAGE AT INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE’S COLLEGE?
A: English.

Q: DO I NEED ANY DANISH LANGUAGE SKILLS AS A STUDENT AT INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE’S COLLEGE?
A: No, but you are required to have a basic understanding of English prior to your admission to International People’s College.

Q: NO EXAMS? NO GRADES? WILL I LEARN ANYTHING USEFUL AT INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE’S COLLEGE?
A: Yes, most definitely! But what you get out of your stay at our Danish Folk High School is very much up to yourself. For most students, International People’s College will be a life-changing experience. They will gain friends for life and knowledge that cannot be measured or easily accounted for. Have a look at what previous students have said about International People’s College, here.

Q: HOW DO I APPLY TO BECOME A STUDENT AT INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE’S COLLEGE?
A: Just quite simply follow the instructions here.

Q: I STILL DON’T GET IT, WHAT IS A DANISH FOLK HIGH SCHOOL?
A: Don’t worry, you are not the only one who just can’t seem to get it! It’s also quite inexplicable. Danish Folk High Schools have a long history in Denmark, they in fact date more than 150 years back. The schools were meant to be an enlightenment project for everyone, not just the rich, the privileged or those fortunate enough to come from well educated families. Enlightenment is much like the light itself, it is a gift for everyone! That also means that Danish Folk High Schools are about learning for the joy of learning, not because you have to or because you need to pass an exam at the end of the term. NO! You go to a Danish Folk High School to learn how to love to learn.

Q: I CAN’T MAKE IT TO INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE’S COLLEGE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE TERM, CAN I START HALFWAY THROUGH?
A: No. We do not offer half term at IPC since we would like all of our students to get the full folk high school experience. If you are not able to attend a full term at IPC, you can apply for a short course.

Q: WHAT KIND OF STUDENTS COME TO STUDY AT INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE’S COLLEGE?
A: People from all walks of life and all parts of the globe study at International People’s College. Usually they are young people age 18-28, but we always have people attending of all ages. Our students often want to find fresh ways to explore and be open to the many global issues in the world today. Many are seeking an international experience and want to learn how to live alongside people of different cultural backgrounds. Our Danish Folk Highschool also receives an annual contingent of students whose parents or grandparents come from Denmark or Scandinavia.

Q: AM I ALLOWED TO TRAVEL WHILE STUDYING AT INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE’S COLLEGE?
A: Studying at International People’s College is a full-time study program where active participation is a requirement. You are only allowed to travel if this does not affect your ability to attend your classes. In cases of serious illness in your family or activities important to your future education or work a special permission for leave can be granted by the principal of our Danish Folk High Shcool, but only if your reasons are thoroughly documented. Read more about visa rules here.

Q: AM I ALLOWED TO STUDY ELSEWHERE WHILE STUDYING AT INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE’S COLLEGE?
Being a student at a folk high school is a fulltime job, and you are not allowed to study elsewhere when studying at IPC. If you cannot attend mandatory activities at IPC due to other educational obligations, we are not allowed to uphold your state support from the Danish state.

Living at International People’s College

Q: DO YOU HAVE INTERNET ACCESS AT INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE’S COLLEGE?
A: If you bring your own laptop you have access to wifi that covers the entire International People’s College campus (including your own room). If you do not bring your laptop we have a fully equipped computer room with 5 computers that all have access to internet.

Q: WHAT IS THE ACCOMMODATION LIKE AT THE SCHOOL?
A: Upon acceptance of your application, you will be allocated a double room which you will share with another student. You can also register for a single room for an additional fee of 200 DKK extra per week (you have to indicate on your application that you would like to be accommodated in a single room). Every double room has a single room next door which means that three male or female students share a unit with a bathroom and toilet. The rooms are all functional and comfortable however those students used to 5-star accommodation might be disappointed. There is no record of students complaining about the rooms at our Danish Folk High School.

Q: CAN I HAVE GUESTS VISIT ME AT THE FOLK HIGH SCHOOL?
Guests are welcome at IPC (Thursday to Sunday); however the school cannot guarantee overnight accommodation due to limited rooms available. Prior to the visit, all guests must register at the IPC reception with name and the expected arrival and departure date in order to fulfill the fire safety regulations. Guests are welcome from Thursday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. Having guests does not excuse students from attending classes and other mandatory obligations. Guests are the responsibility of the host student.

Q: AM I INSURED WHILE STAYING AT INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE’S COLLEGE?
A: International People’s College’s theft insurance does NOT cover your private articles. You should insure them yourself. Our Danish Folk High School cannot take responsibility for lost or stolen articles so take good care of them. Your passport, tickets and other valuable belongings can and should be stored in the International People’s College Safe.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR POLICY ON ALCOHOL?
A: In Denmark you can buy and consume light alcohol (beer and most wines) when you are 16 years old, and stronger alcohol when you are 18 years old, but The Danish Health and Medicine Authority recommends a minimal consumption of alcohol for people of all ages. See their recommendation here. At International People’s College we follow the general guidelines and recommendations of The Danish Health and Medicine Agency. We do warn that excessive consumption of alcohol might lead to an issue of a general warning though, that ultimately could lead to expulsion from our Danish Folk High School.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR POLICY ON DRUGS?
A: Marijuana, hashish and its derivatives are registered as narcotics under Danish law (read about it here – unfortunately it is only in Danish) and any student found consuming or supplying such things will be expelled.

Q: WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN DENMARK?
A: Danish weather is very unpredictable. While it might be sunny and warm in the morning, the afternoons can easily be rainy and cold. It is almost certain though that it will be raining quite often, even during summertime, so bring sensible clothing – an umbrella or even a raincoat would be handy. If you arrive for Spring Terms then it will be cold, probably snowy as well, and not much daylight (9 hours), whereas in the end of the term, spring and summer will arrive with much more sun, a lot of daylight (18 hours) and somewhat higher temperatures. During Autumn Terms at our Danish Folk High School it will be the other way around!

Q: WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME TO INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE’S COLLEGE?
A: That is of course an entirely private matter what you would like to bring with you while you are studying at the school. Just keep in mind that Denmark is a fairly expensive country, so bring whatever you find necessary, and do not count on finding things on the cheap in convenience stores nearby. Based on former students’ experience we have compiled this short check list of “good-to-have” things while staying at our Folk High School in Denmark.

Economy

Q: THE PRICE LISTED ON YOUR WEBSITE INCLUDES WHAT EXACTLY?
A: The tuition fee indicated on our website includes: Teaching, Accommodation and 3 basic, but wonderful meals a day.

Q: HOW DO I PAY THE TUITION FEE?
A: After having sent your application and your personal essay to International People’s College you will receive a confirmation from the school, if you are accepted as a student. In that connection you will be informed about how and when you are going to pay the fees. Fees are always paid prior to the term start at our Danish Folk High School.

Q: I’VE HEARD THAT I NEED A SUBSTANTIAL DEPOSIT IN A DANISH BANK IN ORDER TO STUDY IN DENMARK?
A: No, you don’t need any deposit in a Danish Bank to be allowed to study at International People’s College. All you have to pay is the price of the course and a 1500 DKK application fee.

Q: HOW MUCH DOES COURSES AT INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE’S COLLEGE COST?
A: If you are interested in long courses (18-24 weeks, Spring/Autumn) click here. If you are interested in our short courses then click here and chose the appropriate course.

Q: WHAT OTHER COSTS SHOULD I EXPECT STAYING AT INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE’S COLLEGE?
A: There are no other direct costs connected with your stay at our Danish Folk High School. You do not pay any fees for textbooks or materials for your classes, but should of course count in additional pocket money. Based on the experience of former students around 750-1000 DKK per month (100-130 EURO) should cover your needs.

Q: CAN I GET A SCHOLARSHIP OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR MY STAY AT INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE’S COLLEGE?
A: International People’s College awards a small number of scholarships itself and also has contact with funding organisations. International People’s College can assist individual students to find suitable financial support for their stay. IPC scholarships are usually given to students from developing countries, because of their often difficult financial situation. Furthermore some support can be given students from the new EU member countries through the IU Grant Scheme. And the Danish government offers some financial support for immigrants or new Danes to promote integration. Find out more about scholarships at our Danish Folk High School here.

Transportation

Q: HELSINGØR (IN ENGLISH ELSINORE) WHERE IS THAT AND HOW DO I GET THERE?
A: Read more about how to get to International People’s College here or read about the location of our Folk High School in Helsingør, Denmark here.

Q: HOW IS THE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IN DENMARK – IS IT EASY TO TRAVEL AROUND?
A: The short answer is: Excellent! The Danish public transportation system is amongst the best in the world. Trains run on time, mostly, and there is an extensive network of busses and trains interconnecting most of Denmark. The public transportation system is not cheap, but most likely the cheapest alternative you will find!