Travel with Purpose
Travel and Development is a program for those who crave new adventures and experiences — and who want to learn more about travel, tourism, and global development. It’s for anyone curious about how tourism shapes the world, and who can handle a few challenges, both physical and mental.
This is the perfect program for you if you dream of discovering new places, meeting people with completely different backgrounds, and at the same time learning more about sustainability, solidarity, and global inequality.
Journeys That Give Perspective
Travel and Development is a program for those who crave new adventures and experiences, and who want to learn more about cultural understanding, poverty reduction, tourism, and global development. You’ll gain insight into the impact tourism has on the world today, and explore how it can contribute to positive development and change.
Reiseliv og Utvikling er ei linje for deg som er lysten på nye eventyr og opplevelser, og som vil lære mer om kulturforståelse, fattigdomsbekjempelse, reiseliv og utvikling, og som er opptatt av hva turismen fører til i verden. Du vil få se eksempler på hvilken betydning turismen har i dag, og på muligheter for utvikling gjennom turisme.
Who is this course for?
This program is for you if you:
- Are open-minded, curious, and enjoy meeting new people
- Are interested in the world, development, and global issues
- Want to travel and learn at the same time
- Are looking for a meaningful and different school year with new perspectives
- May not have much prior experience but are eager to participate
The most important thing isn’t what you already know — it’s your willingness to learn, contribute, and be part of the experience.
A Social and Educational Year
In addition to classes and projects at school, we go on several exciting study trips throughout the year — both in Norway and abroad.
(More information about the trips can be found on a separate page.)
You will become part of a safe and inclusive community, where it’s easy to meet new people and make lifelong friends. We spend a lot of time on collaboration, conversations, and shared experiences — both inside and outside the classroom.
My year at Agder Folk High School gave me new opportunities and experiences. After 13 years of school, getting up in the morning was no longer a struggle because I wanted to enjoy every single day. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made, and I will never regret it.”
— Emilie Aas, former Travel and Development student
Study trip to Thailand
Thailand is a fascinating travel destination because it demonstrates how a country can build a strong tourism industry through good infrastructure, hospitality, and diverse experiences — from cultural and culinary tourism to adventure and eco-tourism.
We will visit both Southern and Northern Thailand.
Study trip Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is located just east of the southern tip of India.
- Tea Picking in Sri Lanka
- Train Ride on the “World’s Most Beautiful Railway”
- Elephant Safari
Study trip The Maldives
The Maldives consists of over 1,000 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka. The climate is tropical and warm year-round.
It is a popular destination, attracting tourists interested in diving, snorkeling, and water sports, thanks to its colorful coral reefs and rich marine life.
For the Travel and Development program, and from a sustainability perspective, the Maldives is particularly interesting because it faces challenges related to climate change and rising sea levels, while tourism remains its main industry.
Study trip Island
Iceland is known for its unique nature, featuring volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, geysers, and waterfalls.
Iceland is also an exciting destination for the Travel and Development program, offering valuable insight into sustainability and tourism. The country has made major investments in renewable energy and environmentally friendly travel.
Study trip to Hovden
Traditionally, we visit the school’s cabin at the winter sports resort Hovden twice during the school year. The first trip usually takes place around the autumn break, often the week right after the holiday, and the second trip happens when the snow has settled on the slopes and trails.
Excursions and Field Trips
During the school year, we go on many excursions and trips in addition to those organized for the whole school.
We often get the chance to visit Under, a restaurant located underwater. A short drive away is Lindesnes Lighthouse, which we also visit.
We explore Mandal and Kristiansand, and at Hennig Olsen Ice Cream Factory, you’ll likely get the chance to enjoy as much ice cream as you can while we’re there. We also take many other excursions around the region, offering a mix of culture, nature, and unique experiences.
Teacher Hi!
Hi! I’m a teacher in the Travel and Development class, and I might be your teacher this coming fall! In this program, you’ll get to explore both the world and yourself.
FAQ Questions
No, ordinary Norwegian outdoor clothing and equipment will be just fine..
We need to protect ourselves against hepatitis A (and B), diarrhea, and rabies. We try to organize this through the program, but it is also possible to arrange it in your hometown. The healthcare system provides recommendations for vaccines, and we follow these.
No, but you should be interested in tourism and in what is happening around us.
It can vary somewhat, but normally about three weeks to Asia. The other trips are shorter—up to a week.
Travel with Purpose
Do What You Love
Love What You Do*