THE OPEN SOCIETY

A Folkhögskola is surely a special place to be. Though not being an academic faculty, its students often have great qualities in many different fields such as music, journalism or graphical design. We believe in the combination of theory and practice.

Normally, Södra Vätterbygdens Folkhögskola, SVF, has around 300 students attending courses in music, journalism, bible studies or graphical design, apart from all those getting a second chance to finish their secondary school studies. The students are all above 18, which means that all teachers are experienced in communicating with adults.

SVF is situated in Jönköping, which is one of the fastest growing cities in Sweden, an expansion based on entrepreneurial spirits and creative minds....

SVF has hosted students from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine before. In 2005 a summer course was held for the first time at SVF with 30 students from the countries mentioned above, financed by the Swedish Institute. For the last three spring terms, we have also had around five students from the same countries, taking part in our long courses along with Italians, Swedes, Americans, Hungarians, Chinese and Indians!

Thanks to the Swedish Institute, which finances the course, we will now be able to offer you the opportunity to take part in the Summer Course 2009.

Name of the Course: The Open Society

Date: 23 June to 8 July 2009

Number of students who will be admitted: 25

Origin of students: Russia, Belarus and Ukraine

Needes qualifications: Three years of university studies, for example in the fields of International Relations, Social Science, Economics or Media. The applicant may also be studying at teaching academies. Fluency in English and thorough interest in international work and issues of democracy is also important.

All classes will be held in English.

Costs: The visit in Sweden is free of charge. Board and lodging is included in your scholarship and you will also get an extra scholarship, SEK 3000, to cover your travelling expences. If we are to pick you up by bus, a part of that sum might be excluded. You will get this extra scholarship at SVF. 

The participants will stay at the dorms of SVF in double rooms. Four meals per day will be served, including coffee. They will also have access to library, newspapers and computers.

Apart from the courses mentioned below, a number of study visits are also planned. See schedule for more information.

In the middle of the course, all participants will be invited to the homes of the teachers for a nice, if the weather allows it, barbecue evening! The very last evening an internatinal party is planned for all students and teachers.

The contents of the course might subject to minor changes. Check on website continuously for information.

Your application forms are to be sent to:

or e-mail your application to: 

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Use the application form on the website. We need your application no later than 15 April 2009. No later than 12 May, you will know whether you have been admitted or not.

The framework of the schedule is set, but we will put a lot of effort into listering to your opinions before and during the course. If you want us to change some details and if we can - we will. You will also be asked to take part in a web based evaluation, which results will be presented to you at the end of the course.