19 Mar Bringing the world home in your luggage
After another week on the Cultural Journeys, the first teams are now beginning to return home - full of experiences, impressions and new perspectives. From volunteering and cultural encounters to wild nature experiences and community across borders, the students have travelled the world. In this newsletter, you can get an insight into some of the many experiences that have characterised the students' travels before they gather back home at efterskolen.
Happy reading
Alaska
On the Alaska Cultural Journey, students have experienced magnificent nature, wildlife and local communities. They have visited the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre, sailed in Kenai Fjords National Park and hiked in the mountains around Seward and Anchorage. Along the way, they've seen everything from bears and sea otters to eagles and glacial landscapes. The journey also included meeting locals, volunteering with food distribution, and bonding through cooking and activities. After a week filled with experiences, nature and new impressions, the group is now heading home to Denmark.
Brazil
On the cultural trip to Brasilien, the students experienced both the big city of Rio de Janeiro and the lush nature of the Atlantic rainforest. They visited sights such as Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and the Museum of Tomorrow, had surf lessons and met local youth. In Desempenho and REGUA, students worked on nature conservation, learnt about rainforest reforestation and experienced wildlife up close. The trip also included hiking, overnight stays in nature, horseback riding and group activities. The trip ended in Paraty, where the students enjoyed the coastal scenery, boat trips and meetings with locals before travelling home after an eventful week.
Coral Restoration
On the Coral Restoration trip in Zanzibar, students work actively to investigate and restore coral reefs through dives and reef surveys. Underwater, they experience colourful fish, sea turtles and areas where corals are under pressure, giving them a concrete insight into the challenges facing the marine environment. The work requires both concentration and co-operation, and the students contribute to a greater understanding of how coral reefs can be protected and rebuilt. The journey thus provides a unique combination of nature, learning and sustainable work in practice.
Costa Rica
On the cultural trip to Costa Rica, the students combined volunteer work with nature experiences and community. They volunteered at an Animal Rescue Centre and later helped out at a local farm where they participated in daily tasks and learned about sustainable agriculture. The journey has also included hikes through the jungle and along the coast, boat trips, salsa lessons and encounters with local wildlife - both day and night. Along the way, there was time for fellowship and relaxation, while the students experienced nature and life in Costa Rica up close.
Europe Tour
On the cultural trip to Eastern Europe, students experienced both Budapest and Bratislava through culture, art and shared experiences. In Budapest, they visited the Central Market Hall, sailed on the Danube, experienced classical music at a candlelight concert and relaxed in the famous thermal baths. They also visited the Metropolitan University, saw views of the city and experienced a Van Gogh exhibition. The journey continued to Bratislava, where students explored the city, visited the castle and the Slovak National Gallery and had time to experience city life on their own.
Guadeloupe
On the cultural trip to Guadeloupe, students experienced the island's nature, culture and history through a variety of activities. They hiked the La Soufrière volcano, sailed in a catamaran, kayaked in mangroves and explored local towns and markets. They also visited the Mémorial ACTe to learn about the history of the area and attended a local church service to experience the culture first-hand. Along the way, they worked on sustainability, including beach cleaning and learning about plastic pollution. The trip concluded with school visits, shared activities and student-chosen experiences such as surfing and scuba diving before heading home after a week full of adventure.
Japan
On the cultural trip to Japan, students have experienced the country's culture, history and nature through a variety of experiences. They visited Kyoto with temples, markets and samurai and ninja museums, experienced Nara with its free-roaming deer and walked through the iconic torii gates at Fushimi Inari. The trip has also offered a strong historical insight into Hiroshima and city experiences in Osaka, including the aquarium and city life. Along the way, students have explored Japanese food culture, traditions and everyday life - and gained a unique insight into both historical and modern Japan.
China
During the cultural trip to China, the students gained a unique insight into everyday life by staying with host families in Suzhou. They experienced local traditions, visited temples, sailed through the old city and tasted Chinese food culture. The students also accompanied their Chinese buddies to school, where they attended classes and learnt about the Chinese school system. The trip also included cultural activities, shared experiences and meetings with local youth, which gave the students a deeper understanding of life in China.
Malaysia
On the cultural trip to Malaysia and Borneo, the students gained a unique insight into nature, culture and local traditions. They visited the Iban tribe and experienced life in a traditional longhouse, where they participated in daily life, learnt about local customs and gained insight into a strong community. The journey has also included nature experiences such as boat trips in mangroves, wildlife encounters, hiking and river rafting. Along the way, the students experienced rainforest, coast and city life in Kuala Lumpur, where they visited the National Museum and ended the trip with a view of the city from the KL Tower. The trip has given the students a broad understanding of Malaysian culture, nature and society.
Namibia
On the cultural trip to Namibia, the students experienced the country's nature, wildlife and local communities up close. They went on long hikes in desert landscapes, participated in animal projects and worked with nature conservation at N/a'an ku sê and Harnas. Here they have had unique experiences with cheetahs, baboons and rhinos, among others, and gained insight into the work against poaching. The trip also included encounters with local communities, including visits to the San people and volunteering at a clinic, where the students contributed to both practical tasks and fellowship with local children. The trip has given strong impressions and a deeper perspective on nature, culture and living conditions in Namibia.
Nepal
On the cultural journey to Nepal, students have experienced both the forces of nature and the country's rich culture up close. They have sailed on rivers surrounded by jungle, hiked in nature and tried their hand at river rafting in changing and dramatic weather conditions. At the same time, meeting local organisations and people in Kathmandu has given a strong insight into everyday life, community and social conditions. The trip has also offered deep cultural experiences with visits to temples, stupas and religious ceremonies that have triggered reflections on life, death and faith. All in all, an intense and educational journey filled with both adventure and reflection.
New Zealand
On the cultural journey, the students experienced a unique combination of nature, adventure and culture. They have sailed between islands, explored coastal landscapes and ended their days with fellowship and fun at the beach. Along the way, they learnt about Maori culture through language, haka, weaving and traditional activities, which gave them a greater understanding of the country's history and identity. The trip also included action-packed experiences such as river rafting and visits to hot springs. All in all, it was an eventful trip where learning, nature and community went hand in hand.
Panama
During the cultural journey, the students had a unique stay with the Emberá tribe, where they lived close to a completely different everyday life far from modern conveniences. They were greeted with great hospitality and participated in daily activities such as farming, crafts and cooking, giving them a concrete understanding of ways of life and traditions in the jungle. The stay has also offered reflections on the origin of food, community and living conditions, among other things. Through meetings with both children and adults, school visits and cultural activities, the students have gained an intimate insight into a culture where community and presence are at the centre. It has been an intense and thought-provoking experience that has left its mark on the students.
South Africa
During the cultural trip to South Africa, the students gained an insight into life in the townships and the local conditions, while reflecting on the impact visitors from outside can have. Through meeting local young people, including school visits, they have exchanged culture, learnt new dances and made new friendships. The journey has given them a strong understanding of both social conditions and the value of cultural exchange.
South Korea
On the cultural trip to South Korea, students experienced an exciting combination of modern city life, history and culture. They explored Seoul through markets, performances and iconic sights, and gained insight into the country's history through a visit to the border with North Korea. Through school visits, they have experienced the Korean education system up close and have tried their hand at design, cooking and traditional activities. The trip has also offered fellowship and experiences in amusement parks and city life, giving the students a diverse understanding of culture, everyday life and society in South Korea.
Texas Homestay
On the Texas Homestay cultural trip, students have had an authentic experience of life in the southern United States. They have tried horseback riding, experienced classic Texas traditions such as cattle drives and rodeos, and explored local towns and sights. At the same time, staying with host families has provided a unique insight into everyday life and strengthened personal relationships across cultures. The trip also offered shared experiences in nature and cosy days in new surroundings, where community and cultural exchange took centre stage.
Thailand
On the cultural journey in Thailand, students have experienced nature up close and personal through stays in the jungle and boat trips between islands. They challenged their limits, learnt practical skills and experienced how life changes when you're far from everyday comfort. The journey has also offered cultural insights, including visits to a pearl farm and meetings with locals, which have provided new perspectives on both craftsmanship and sustainability. At the same time, community has been at the centre through adventure, collaboration and experiences in nature - from caves and mangroves to stormy nights at sea. A journey filled with challenges, laughter and strong impressions.
US Road Trip West
On the US Road Trip West cultural journey, students have experienced some of America's most iconic landscapes and cities. The trip has taken them through Death Valley with its dramatic natural formations and on to vibrant cities like Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Diego. Along the way, they travelled the historic Route 66, experienced the border region with Mexico and explored both beach life and urban culture in California. The trip was rounded off with a true American sports experience, where the students watched an NBA game - a trip full of contrasts between nature, culture and city life.
Headmaster's column
Dear reader,
We've been on adventures, met countless challenges and experiences. Now we're on our way home from all corners of the world, and fortunately, things are going according to plan. The many videos, pictures and FB stories testify to the incredibly diverse cultural travel experiences of the students. Experiences and cultural encounters that reflect the students' interests, values and courage. Some have lived privately in Texas, others have been dog sledding in Alaska, and many have been to the rainforest.
The Bali team, which ended up in Guadeloupe, also managed to create content with several smaller cultural encounters, school visits, beach cleaning, the Jacques Cousteau nature reserve, kayaking into the mangroves and surfing and sailing within the coral reefs. The rapid transition presented many challenges, but also showed students and parents that it is possible to find new paths if you have an explorative approach to challenges - and great, cool staff!
Stories and pictures will be shared between students over the next few weeks, and after Easter we will organise a Culture and Family Day, where the cultural subjects present their subjects and journeys to the students' families.
Yours sincerely
Olav Storm
Principal
Links to the different travellers' Facebook pages.
Malaysia
Alaska
Brazil Group 1 & 2
Panama
US Road Trip
Coral Rest.(Tanzania)
New Zealand
South Korea
Europe
Costa Rica
Japan
South Africa
Nepal
China
Texas Homestay
Namibia Group 1 & 2
Thailand
Bali (Guadeloupe)
It happens:
Calendar
Cultural travelling 07.03.26 - 22.03.26
Easter holidays 02.04.26 - 06.04.26
Friends weekend 11.04.26 - 12.04.26
Songkran (Thailand) 13.04.26
Culture family day 19.04.26
Music weekend 02.05.26
Summer camps for all ages
If you are between 14-17 years old, this is a unique opportunity for you to socialise, develop new skills and try a lot of fun and challenging activities. It's all about community, experiences and memories for life.
New this year, we're also launching a Grandparents Camp. Here, grandparents and grandchildren can enjoy a week's stay together with good catering throughout the week, exciting excursions and fun activities for all ages.
We will visit the Limfjord Museum in Løgstør and take a historical trip to Livø. In addition, the week offers plenty of activities to enjoy together across generations.
We're looking forward to a summer filled with community and great experiences.
Follow us on social media
Facebook – Instagram – TikTok – YouTube