At Agder, we have been teaching Norwegian to international students since the beginning of the 80`s. In our school you have the opportunity to gain fluency in the Norwegian language, get integrated in the Norwegian society and make lifelong friends while exploring the Norwegian culture.
If you want to experience the true beauty of Norwegian culture and be taught by a competent, passionate teacher that goes above and beyond for her students, don`t hesitate to apply. You`ll work hard, play hard and make friends for life!
Loredana Olsen, student from Canada
This is a Norwegian language course based on a beginner’s level and for those who already has some knowledge. We have a strong focus on sustainability, being outdoor and do backpacking journeys.
- 19 hours Norwegian a week
- 2 hours language training with fellow Norwegians every week
- 24/7 Norwegian environment
- 2 weeks of language practice
- Various teaching methods
- Learn and travel program, where all travels are included
- Focus on sustainability
- Outdoor life skills like hiking, cabin life, canoe, hammock, fireplace & hygge
- Unlimited additional subjects at no extra cost
Norwegian Culture
Norway gained independence in 1905 and is based on democratic values, built on trust, freedom, and equality. Throughout your year at Agder, we will visit political, historical and cultural institutions, explore exhibitions at museums and see relevant plays & musicals at the theatre and cinema.
- Skolte Sami Museum, Kirkenes
- Visiting the Parliament in Oslo
- The Sami Parliament in Karasjok
- The Opera House in Oslo
- Ryvingen lighthouse, Southern Norway
- The Freia Chocolate Factory, Oslo
- Kunstsilo, Kristiansand
- Nidarosdomen, Trondheim
Agder, a folk high school with more than 100 years of experience
I always dreamed of living in Norway and my school year was completely mind-blowing for me. There was nothing to worry about, as teachers, students and locals were respectful and eager to help. The nature around school was absolutely fantastic!
Naoki Okamura, Japan
NLC is a special class that teaches everything you need if you want to make a life for yourself in Norway. I learnt enough about the language and culture, social life, work and academic environment, to be able to pursue higher education and a job.
Tommaso Taraldsrud Løkken, Italy
Doing a Gap Year at Agder Folk School was the best decision of my life. I experienced personal growth. Immersed a unique culture. Made friends for life. And experienced the impossible.
Yhan Jimenez Matias, USA
A once in a life-time experience for sure! Agder Folkehøgskole is a safe place to grow, meet new people and be the best version of yourself. Both challenging and rewarding, a year rich in learning, emotions, fantastic trips, and the best teachers!
Ananda Nilsen, Bali, Indonesia
My year at Agder was fantastic! I got to meet many people from around the world, learn about other cultures and travel to so many beautiful places in Norway. The best part was being immersed in Norwegian culture and learning so much just by living!
Anja Kristoffersen, USA
I traveled from a small island in Canada to Agder Folkehøgskole. It was unknown at first, but it became a journey of connections and change. It is a place where adventure and self-discovery happen amidst Norway`s nature.
Brenley Gillis, Canada
Agder fhs was the best decision I made in my life.The school society was so nice, with various trips and activities. It’s an experience that I can’t get anywhere else besides this school. I love NLC and my classmates and teacher – a fantastic class ❤
Malin Bolstad, Thailand
There’s not many opportunities in life where one gets to put everything on pause and just spend a whole year with the specific purpose of just enjoying time as it passes,surrounded by a warm and welcoming community.In the marathon of life; no regrets!
Connor Johan Webb, USA
Agder is a magical place with even more magical people! I have made som many memories and friends I hope to keep and cherish for the rest of my life. I`m already super excited for the next Agder reunion, I can`t wait to see y`all again!
Fenyx Klock, USA
My year at Agder was fantastic! I learned Norwegian and connected with the culture. Exploring Norway`s stunning landscape and making friends from all over the world made it an unforgettable experience filled with personal growth and lasting memories
Aleena Arnstad, Thailand
I had the best year at Agder Folkehøgskole. It was exciting from start to finish. I experienced amazing new things, learned a lot about myself and found friends for life!.
Merete Reichert, Germany
Studying, living, eating, traveling, playing and just relaxing with all the amazing people there who I am lucky to call my International and Norwegian families was one fantastic journey for the whole life. Can I repeat my Agder year over again?
Lilith Movsisyan, Armenia
Agder – a place that, without exaggeration, has become my home for a whole year. Teachers, staff and students became my family. Qualified education in selected specialty, fun, travel, warm and cozy atmosphere. One of the brightest events of my life!
Oleg Vasilljevitsj Busha, Russia
My year at Agder NLC was the best! Learning, exploring, socializing, The school has a nice environment and will make you the best of who you are as a person. Learn Norway at NLC. One thing to expect from Agder is “Agder is not a school, it is a home.
Neil Louise Gacilan, the Philippines
I jumped into the cold water with this year. It was a rollercoaster. The year was chill and demanding. Predictable and surprising. And 100% worth it. I am really glad to have had a year at Agder as part of my life
Pia Vogtländer, Germany
It was more than just a school; a harbor of friendship, joy, and laughter. The memories we created together will always hold a special place in my heart. Dive into an experience like no other, where every moment is a treasure waiting to be discovered
Edna Pajic, Bosnia Hercegovina
NLC was definitely the best year of my life. Why? Because we approached the purity of something beautiful.To be foreigners all together discovering a country and a culture is great. Very hard to leave, but memories and the experience are here forever
Constance Lecornu, France
If you want to experience the true beauty of Norwegian culture and be taught by a competent, passionate teacher that goes above and beyond for her students, don’t hesitate to apply. You’ll work hard, play hard and make friends for life!
Loredana Olsen, Canada
Agder is a place where I have met lifelong friends, explored all around Scandinavia and learnt to speak a new language. There are only a few places in life you get to call home, and I am happy to count Agder amongst them!
Luke Elliot Stevenson, England
Agder is a fantastic opportunity to meet cool people, learn Norwegian, and go on unforgettable trips. It`s the most meaningful and transformative experiences I`ve had. I`m so grateful for the time I spent there and I would not trade it for anything.
Spencer Espelid, USA
Definitely going to Agder was one of the best choices I made in my life. In this wonderful year I learned countless lessons for my life. I`m sure Agder changed the way I see the world. Thank you for showing me how incredible Norway is!
Marcus Vinicius dos Santos, Brasil
Do you want to make international friends and learn about Norway? Travels with northern lights, activities like snowball fight and Norwegian classes has given me the most beautiful memories of my life. NLC at Agder will give you more than you expect.
Bohwa Choi, Korea
My year in Agder was amazing! I got to know people from all over the world, and made many friendships. I had the opportunity to learn Norwegian and visit places all over Norway. My year in Agder was one of the best in my life – if not the best!
Zakarie Boukioud, Marocco
I am incredibly happy with my choice to spend a year at Agder folkehøgskole. On the NLC program, I met amazing people from all over the world and made close friends. We visited many beautiful places, and I learned Norwegian at a high level.
Foroohar, Iran
Agder Folkehøgskole started up in 1885 and is located in Søgne, greater Kristiansand, right by the southern, sunny coast of Norway. The school is relatively small, with eight classes and a maximum of 120 students in total.
As an international student at Agder, you will get:
- A single or shared room with view to the sea on campus
- A kitchen in your dorm group with the necessary utensils
- Access to as many electives as you want to without any extra costs
- A best buddy for your first weeks
- A reading partner throughout the school year
- Social networking with every other class at school
View former students of Agder folkehøgskole:
You are welcome to join our Open Day at Agder folkschool, the 21st – 22nd of March 2026. You will meet staff & students, join our program for the weekend, food & hosting are included, and the offer is for free. However, if is not suitable for you, please contact the school or Marianne and we will find time for you to meet up for a chat and have a closer look at Agder.
Study trips
Norwegian language & culture has an environmental profile with a focus on sustainable travelling. The way we travel together makes it easy to bond between you and your classmates. The course includes several excursions to historical, cultural and natural sites each semester, and we have a “learn & travel” program on our journeys. Throughout the year we cover the North, South, East & West of Norway and often we get a glimpse of Denmark & Sweden as well. All trips are included in the price.
Study trip Northern Norway
The route normally goes through Oslo, where we continue to either Røros or Lillehammer for a night or two. Further on to Trondheim with a visit to the Nidaros cathedral and then the train to Bodø. From here we take the coastal ship “Hurtigruten” over to the scenery islands of Lofoten. We stay for a few days in Lofoten, chill, hike, relax, stay over in a cosy cottage and hopefully see the Northern Lights.
Study TripRyvingen
On an island in the archipelago outside Mandal lies the magical Ryvingen Lighthouse – the southernmost lighthouse of Norway.The M&M ladies . We will take you down to the very south with the minibuses and then we do the fast RIB over to the Ryvingen island. Here we stay. It is a social-media-detox trip, where we leave all mobile phones back at school.
Study tripOslo
We travel with the train to Oslo in the end of November – when the Christmas season start – and we live central for 5 days in the city. We will visit the Parliament, the Nobel Peace Prize Centre, the National Theatre, Freia Chocolate Factory and more…
Study tripHovden
We will take a trip to Agder Folk High School’s own cabin in the Setesdal Valley, located in Hovden. Hovden is a popular ski resort, and there are many cultural sites to visit along the way. Our cabin has 16 beds, five bedrooms, and a large living room.
the TeacherHi!
My name is Marianne Høyland-Eichler. I am a teacher in the Norwegian Language and Culture program (often abbreviated as NLC), and I will be your teacher if you attend this course. In this program, you will learn Norwegian and explore both Norway and yourself.
FAQ
It’s 18 km to the city center.
By car: approximately 20 minutes
By bus: approximately 30 minutes
Small jobs outside of school hours may be possible, but please note that many Saturdays (from 11:30 to 14:45) are regular school days.
The nearest grocery store is Kiwi, about a 15–20 minute walk away.
Letters are sent to the school and placed in your personal mailbox.
For packages, it depends on the type of delivery service you choose. They will either be delivered to the school or to the nearest grocery store.
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The address is Agder folkehøgskole, Høgskoleveien 49, 4643 Søgne, Norway
You can look at our electives her
All NLC students will have language practice as an additional compulsory subject (2 hours per week). In addition, you may choose as many elective subjects as you like, but you will need at least one additional hour.
Yes, we place great emphasis on ensuring that everything is included in the tuition fee..
Yes, each group in the dorm (from 12-16 students) has their own kitchen.
By phone or email. You’ll find the contact information at the bottom of the page about Marianne.
Yes, English skills is required. It will be the language of instruction.
Welcome to Agder folkehøgskole
Do What You Love!
Love What YOu Do*