International Youth Initiative Program – Spend a Year in Sweden for Social Entrepreneurship

Posted on November 24, 2007 by Creatrix Tiara

I was directed to this by recent searches in my blog stats, so hopefully those of you looking for this program will get some leads here.

The International Youth Initiative Program is a one-year social entrepreneurship program in the rural town of Järna, Sweden. It is part of Vårdinge Folkhögskola (Folk High School) and is run in partnership with the Youth Section of the Anthroposophical Society, the same folk behind the Waldorf system of education – a strong example of alternative and holistic education where imagination is key and arts practices are made just as important as the sciences and other subjects.

The school days are split into two – the mornings consist of theory learning, with lectures and classes from changemakers on important issues, while the afternoons contain artistic practice to put theory into work. Each week there will be a different theme, ranging from ethics to politics to cooking. Field trips and project work are also core to the curriculum.

While the program is set in a “high school”, participation is open to anyone ages 18-25 that speaks English (English is the teaching language). Anyone from any country is welcome to apply, and special consideration will be given to ensure fair representation globally. The program is non-political and non-religious.

The year-long program starts in 25th August 2008. Applications aren’t open yet, but you can ask to be notified when they are posted. Scholarships will be made available to cover travel, tuition, and living expenses.

They seem to be a junior version of the Kaospilots (though they do have their own “junior version”, the FrontRunners, for Danish teenagers that could not fit into the traditional school system). It looks like a great idea for a gap year. Continental Europe is often overlooked as an education destination, but there are often many options and the prices are competitive (the KaosPilots in 3 countries worked out to be cheaper than Australia, even including living costs). The possibility of scholarships, the structured yet alternative style of the school, and the international focus make this quite an attractive proposition. Give it a go!

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7 Responses

  1. Nana Ama Numarce, on December 10, 2007 at 9:11 pm said:

    Will be very much interested to participate in teh up coming program in Sweden.
    Please contact me fro registration.
    Thanks

  2. akinjinmi seyi john, on June 2, 2008 at 3:59 am said:

    i will like to take part in the international youth initiative programme in sweden.

  3. Thijs, on April 7, 2009 at 7:47 am said:

    Hey,

    I came across your blog while googlin YIP, and as a student of the program I can honestly say that it’s the most unique educational program that I know of. If you have the chance to, I would certainly apply.

  4. David, on May 26, 2009 at 5:03 am said:

    I am David from Ghana. I would like to take part in international youth initiative programme in sweden.

  5. Bah Armstrong, on July 3, 2009 at 9:14 am said:

    Hello,

    I and some friends are intereted in the upcoming program. Could you please give me details via my email please.

  6. Bhandari Nawa Raj, on August 18, 2009 at 11:58 pm said:

    I, too am very interested to attain your programme. if you think me the appropriate candidate i will provide you my CV and other essential materials. Hope to get your reply soon.

  7. Lisa swaray, on November 6, 2009 at 1:44 am said:

    Im from Liberia nand would like to take part in this program.

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