Frequently Asked Questions

About us

What is your mission statement?

Nurturing individuals into active global citizens through immersive programmes that follow solidarity, learning, and meaningful transformation.

WHAT ARE THE VALUES OF DRH LINDERSVOLD?
  • Equality: At DRH Lindersvold, there is no traditional hierarchy; instead,  we hold the core belief that everyone comes with unique knowledge and  abilities that are innately valuable. As such, you’ll have the opportunity to  work closely with your teachers and contribute to making the programme  experience the best it can be. 
  • Empowerment: We believe that one of the best ways to learn is by doing,  and at DRH Lindersvold, we strive to facilitate a safe environment for  students to try new things and develop new skills.
  • Responsibility: “If not me, who? If not now, when?” This quotation does  well to express our approach here at DRH Lindersvold. We strive to help  our students become skilled problem solvers who find solutions for  challenges – big or small – and take actions.
  • Collective action: Knowledge for the sake of knowledge isn’t enough;  instead, we seek to empower our students to use their knowledge,  privilege, and abilities to take actions collectively and make a change. 
What does DRH stand for?
  • DRH is short for ‘Den Rejsende Højskole’ or ‘The Travelling High School’ in  English. DRH schools were first established in Denmark in the 1970s, giving  students the opportunity to travel the world and learn about different people  and cultures with open hearts and minds. Currently, there are DRH schools in  Denmark, the UK, the US, and the Caribbean.
Who are DRH Lindersvold’s partners?

Humana People to People: 
The Federation of Humana People to People (HPP) works in over 46  countries, working on development projects that focus on  education, health, community development, agricultural training,  relief aid, and income-generating activities. It is through HPP that  our students are matched with projects in Zambia, Malawi, and  India* for the Volunteer for Change programme.  *Please note, that these are the countries we have agreements with  at the time of writing (September 2023). The list may be subject to  change and more countries may be added in the future.

Richmond Vale Academy:
Richmond Vale Academy is a nongovernmental organisation and  DRH school located in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, dedicated to  contributing to a more sustainable future through economical  farming, environmental projects, and volunteer programmes. It is  through Richmond Vale Academy that students have the  opportunity to participate in our Nature Now programme.

Requirements for our programmes

What does it take to be an international volunteer?
  • You are over the age of 18
  • You speak a basic level of english
  • You are interested in learning about different people, cultures, values,  and traditions
  • You want to contribute to sustainable and ethical development work with  our partners, Humana People to People and Richmond Vale Academy,  working with projects focusing on education, public health, agriculture,  community development, or climate
  • You have decided not to drink alcohol or take drugs for the entirety of the  programme
  • You are willing to share your experiences, stories, and what you’ve  learned with the public after your travels
What are the age requirements to participate in our programmes?

Volunteer must be 18 years or older. The majority of our students are between  the ages of 20-30, but we’ve had people of all ages enjoy volunteering in our  programmes. Many of our students are taking a gap year or sabbatical, are in  between educational programmes, are looking to change careers, or are hoping  to try something new.

Do you have to be a EU citizen to participate in our programmes?

Unfortunately, it is our experience that individuals who do not have EU citizenship, dual nationality with an EU country, hold a residence permit in an EU country, or come from a country that has special visa relations with Denmark  (visa-free countries) will not get a visa to be able to join our school. To see where  your country fits with Danish visa policies, visit the website New to Denmark. Please know that we fully support and stand in solidarity with people who are  affected by unjust visa policies. We as a school continue to advocate for change  in the world through our programmes and are working towards a more inclusive  and equitable society.

Are couples, friends, and family members able to do the programmes together?

Yes, couples, friends, and family members are able to do any of our programmes  together as long as each person complies with the necessary requirements to be  eligible for the programme. 

Application process & Finances

Why does it cost money to volunteer?

It is actually free to be a volunteer! Our partners cover the expenses associated  with international volunteering which includes flights to and from the project, vaccinations, housing, and food; however, our partners require that the  volunteers coming to their projects are trained and ready to volunteer with  ethics and sustainability at the forefront of their minds; in turn, our volunteers  spend time studying and developing practical skills at DRH Lindersvold to  prepare for the project period – this is what the programme costs go to.

What do the programme fees go to?

The cost of each of our programmes goes towards the mandatory training  period. The fees cover the student’s housing, food, tuition, reading  materials, and field trips during this time.

HOW IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS
  • Sign up with your email to get started.
  • You’ll have a few meetings where we’ll provide important programme details for you to consider.
  • If you want to continue, you will need fill out an application form.
  • The last step is signing a contract and paying the required fees. Once this is done, you’re officially enrolled.
WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO APPLY

We accept admissions year-round. However, the Volunteer for Change programme begins in January, April, August and October.

Training and Skills

What skills can I expect to develop as an international volunteer?

Through the different periods and elements of our programmes, you will have  the possibility of developing the following skills: 

  • Community Development

  • Perseverance & Innovation  

  • Critical Thinking

  • Leadership & Teamwork

  • Social Entrepreneurship

  • Reflection & Self-Growth

  • Global Citizenship 

  • Networking

  • Self Awareness

  • Intercultural Communication

  • Project Management

  • Problem Solving 

What is the training period like?

During the training period, our students will develop both theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills needed to succeed at the project destination. On the theoretical side of the training, students will make a variety of courses and studies that include topics such as long-term sustainability, global warming and climate change, the impacts of imperialism, as well as the history, culture, and politics of the project country the students are preparing to go to. Students will take courses, have discussions, watch documentaries, and carry out investigations. On the practical side of the training, our students will have numerous opportunities to learn new skills or develop their practical abilities so they are ready to hit the ground running at the project site.

Can I work or go to school while doing the programme?

No, our programmes are a 24/7 commitment and will require your full attention  during the programme. It’s also important for the success of your team that each  student is 100% all-in, and that the team works together at all stages of the  programme. 

Can I take holidays during the course of the programme?

Students will not be able to take holiday during any of our programmes. The only  exception is for our teams whose programmes run through the Christmas  holidays. In turn, these students have the opportunity to go home for Christmas and return after New Year’s. Students who do not leave for the holidays are  welcome to stay on campus and celebrate at the school.

Why do we ask our participants to agree to our no drugs and alcohol policy?

At DRH Lindersvold, you will be a part of a community striving to be an example  of international cooperation and development. In such a context, alcohol and  drugs get in the way as they divide the community, distract us from our  objectives, and put our safety at risk.

The Project Period

Which countries do I have the opportunity to volunteer in?

For the Nature Now programme, you have the opportunity of volunteering in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean. For the Volunteer for Change programme, you have the possibility of volunteering in India, Malawi, or Zambia*. That being said, it is not possible to choose which of these countries  you will go to for the Volunteer for Change programme as this is dependent on  the time of year, the needs of the local communities, and other relevant factors.
*Please note, that these are the countries we have agreements with at the time  of writing (September 2023). The list may be subject to change and more  countries may be added in the future. 

Can I choose which project I volunteer with?

Our students have the opportunity to work on projects focusing on education,  public health, agriculture, community development, or climate. Project availability/placement is based on a variety of factors such as needs of the local community, the background of the teams, and the students’ interests. Our experience is that regardless of the project area, our students enjoy the  volunteer period and learn a lot no matter which project they focus on supporting.

How will I be able to contact my friends and family during the project period?

You will be able to contact your friends and family through texting, calling, emailing, or using social media. Keep in mind that you may be in areas with limited internet connection. We recommend that you get a local sim-card, which is very accessible, so you can be easily reached.

Will I be safe overseas?

Yes, we care deeply about the safety of our participants. The countries where  we work have safe working environments and the projects you’ll have the opportunity to work on are well-established by our partners, Humana People to People and Richmond Vale Academy. Prior to the project period, you will also get to review the safety regulations of the project country you will go to – this  includes emergency contacts, the nearest medical centres, etc.

Support

How can I support your work?
  • Become a Volunteer: one of the best ways to support our work is to join  a volunteer programme! In becoming a volunteer, you commit to  expanding your worldview, working shoulder-to-shoulder with  communities around the world, and developing your knowledge and skills as a global citizen. In turn, you’ll be able to take what you’ve learned and  experienced and bring it back to your own community and make a greater impact – this is what we strive for in running our programmes.
  • Share the opportunity with others Do you have a friend, family member, colleague, or acquaintance who might be interested in doing an  international volunteer programme? If yes – we’d love to connect with  them! Feel free to share this life-changing opportunity with others.
  • Outreach: Interested in having a representative of DRH Lindersvold come to your school, university, organisation, or business? We love connecting  with the community and are able to give presentations on a variety of  global issues and international volunteer programmes. To book a speaker,  please contact info@lindersvold.dk. 
  • Speaking Opportunities: Do you have a relevant background in international development, political science, international relations, sustainability or similar topics? We’re always looking for guest lectures to come and share their knowledge with our students, so we welcome you to send us a proposal at info@lindersvold.dk. 
  • Sponsor a scholarship: One of the most direct ways you can support our  work and make a difference in another’s life is by sponsoring a  scholarship. In doing so, you are able to create a life-changing opportunity for a student who might have otherwise not been able to participate. If you feel inspired by our mission and want to support our students, we welcome you to consider donating towards a scholarship.