The language of instruction is Norwegian, and students should prepare by taking an intensive language course or by spending the summer before commencing school living with a Norwegian family. Some folk high schools offer introductory courses in Norwegian for foreigners. Group study within a major subject area with additional electives. Some schools have courses offering Norwegian for foreign students. The Norwegian folk high schools give no professional or vocational training and grant no formal academic credits.
Some schools have a few single rooms.
Tuition is free, but the costs of books, materials and excursions must be paid by the student. Applications must be submitted to the Norwegian Embassy by February 15th. Participants explore the values, culture and history that shape these political systems and Scandinavian strategies for social change. Courses include Urbanization and Sustainable Development, Scandinavia in the World, and Scandinavian Art and Literature. For the fourth course, students either choose Norwegian language or an Independent Study Project.