A unique opportunity to study in English, travel and explore your future

Do you want to gain eligibility for higher education in a different way and through experiences? Then the English Pre-Academic Year is the course for you. With lessons of all type in English, a trip to the United Kingdom and personal influence on your education, this is a unique opportunity to obtain qualifications for university studies in Sweden or abroad.

Apply to the course

Course information

Length: 1 year
Number of students: 15

Start: August 18
End: June 5

Entry requirements

Swedish upper secondary school courses Swedish 1 and English 5, or their equivalents

Description

Light information about the course

  • Teaching at upper secondary grade and eligibility for higher education
  • Possible to apply for CSN (Swedish student subsidy and loan)
  • Trip to the United Kingdom
  • All lectures will be in English (excluding Swedish 2 and 3)
  • One-year course (extendable if needed)
  • Global exchange via various platforms
  • CAP = Creativity, Activity, Project; customized to each student
  • Boarding available

English is a global language and necessary for communication in the world of today. We have taken this into account and therefore offer the course English Pre-Academic Year, where you study for eligibility to higher education at university or college. It is normally a one- year course but can be extended to two if needed.

The academic year will be educational, filled with experiences, and offer opportunities for you to grow as a person, all while studying towards the gymnasium diploma.

Apply to the course

Travel

A trip to the United Kingdom will be conducted with the class during the course. The length of the trip may vary slightly but the stay is approximately one week. The trip takes place during the second half of the course, accompanied by staff with extensive experience in traveling to the UK. The student will be accountable for some amount of the costs for their own trip.

Subjects

In addition to the standard subjects such as mathematics, English, Swedish, natural sciences, social studies, religion, history, and physical education, there is a personal customized part of the course: CAP – Creativity, Activity, and Project. CAP is based on each student’s needs and interests.

  • Creativity could involve working practical with various materials or developing skills as a writer, speaker, organizer, and so on. There is also the opportunity to focus on one of the standard subjects to meet the eligibility requirements when taking creativity.
  • Activity focuses on physical and mental health. For example, it can be about different sports or physical exercises, (the school has its own gym), or learn more about healthy food options and nutrition. It could also be focusing upon learning more about mental well-being. Students are welcome to come up with ideas of their own, or with the support of a teacher.
  • Project can vary across a spectrum with a focus on what you are curious about and want to learn. The core idea is that you should gain insights and knowledge regarding areas that can benefit you in your future studies or career choices. Together with a teacher who supports you in your work, you will find ways to explore and learn more about what interests you. There are also opportunities to combine the project part with some of the standard subjects to ensure reaching the eligibility requirements for any of those subjects.

International Exchange

The course English Pre-Academic Year is characterized by an exchange with other English-speaking parts of the world. In addition to the trip to the United Kingdom, we aim to communicate via platforms with other schools and people throughout the course. Our ambition is also to have an international exchange and welcome visitors to our school in Glimåkra, sharing experience and knowledge concerning Swedish society, culture, and nature with our guests.

Boarding school

A positive aspect of the education is the chance to live at the boarding school. This allows those who wish to spend more time with newly made friends after school hours to do so.  It also works nicely if you prefer to withdraw for moments of solitude at your dormitory. Read more about the boarding school here.

Community at the school

During the school year social activities take place for the entire school. This can include excursions, lectures, festivities etc. On Mondays, there is also a gathering with information and exchange of experiences for the entire school. All these occasions are conducted in Swedish.

Finances for students

The education at Glimåkra folkhögskola is free of charge, except certain fees apply e.g. the trip to the United Kingdom, which is partially financed by the student. You can read more about insurance, finances, the possibility of receiving subsidy, loans, and more here.

Admission Criteria

The following requirements are mandatory and must be met to be accepted into the course English Pre-Academic Year.

  • Age requirement: 18+. Students who turn 18 during the admission year are welcome to apply. Exceptions may be made due to municipal agreements.
  • Minimum grade from Swedish upper secondary school courses Swedish 1 and English 5, or their equivalents.
  • Apply no later than April 15. Applications received after this date will only be reviewed if there is an open position.
  • Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited. In the case of former misuse, you need to have been clear of drugs for at least one year prior to admission.
  • You must be able to reflect upon your own role within a group, as well as recognise and respect the needs of others.
  • You must have sufficient physical and mental health to participate in the mandatory components of the course, e.g. an international trip.
  • You must be capable of benefiting from the overall learning experiences offered by the course.

The school conducts phone interviews with eligible applicants to establish they have met the admission criteria. The school will also verify with two references. Finally, a personal visit to the school and cover letters may also be requested.

 

Selection Criteria

If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available openings the school will prioritize those who meet the following criteria:

  • Applicants who have the greatest need to take the course, e.g. those who have not completed their upper secondary studies.
  • Applicants who would benefit from the teaching methods and social training offered at Glimåkra folkhögskola.
  • Are motivated to live at the dormitory of the school and take advantage of the opportunities that it gives when it comes to affinity, responsibility and personal growth.
  • Applicants who demonstrate motivation and interest in studying in the English Academic Year and can articulate their goals for undertaking the course.
  1. Complete the application form available here.
  2. Attach the following documents:
    • Transcripts of grades from upper secondary school or equivalent.
    • Population registration certificate or/and passport.
    • Contact details for two references (e.g. teachers, employers, colleagues), including their names and phone numbers.
    • A personal statement. In your statement, honestly describe yourself, any specific needs we should consider and your reasons for undertaking the course.
  3. A teacher from the school will get in contact with you and your references for a brief phone interview. This process starts in February or March and is ongoing until further notice.
  4. The admission process is ongoing from February 1 and the course might fill up before the application deadline.
  5. If you meet the admission and selection criteria you are accepted to the course and will be notified no later than May 15. If you meet the admission criteria but do not secure a place you will be placed on a waiting list and informed accordingly. If you do not meet the admission criteria your application will be declined, and you will be notified.
  6. The decisions regarding admission are made by the course leader. If your application is declined and you are unsatisfied with this outcome you may dispute by appealing to the headmaster. Additional information on how to appeal can be found here.
  7. Upon receiving your admission letter, you will be required to confirm your place by paying a deposit fee of SEK 300 within 10 days. This amount will be deducted from your first invoice for the semester. When the deposit has been paid your admission to the course will be confirmed.

Contact information

Marie Wetterqvist

Course Leader

marie.wetterqvist@glimnet.se