EfterNian – A Year at Folk High School
16th August 2027 – 24th May 2028
EfterNian is a year at folk high school for young people who have completed comprehensive school and want to use an extra year to grow, try new things and find their own path forward.
Maybe you need more time to think about what you would like to study or do in the future. Maybe you want to explore different subjects before making your choice. Or perhaps you are tired of school and need a breather – and the chance to do something a little different before moving on.
During the year, you will have the opportunity to strengthen your knowledge, develop your life skills and study skills, and explore what you would like to do after comprehensive school. You will also have time to grow as a person and be part of a safe and supportive learning community.
From autumn 2027, we will offer EfterNian in both Borgå and Helsinki. The shared EfterNian programme is available at both locations. In Helsinki, you can also choose a special language option – EfterNian-Swedish.
Akan is a folk high school, which means that people of different ages and backgrounds study with us. Some of our students come from other countries, making our learning environment quite international.
We vary the school days by combining classroom teaching with learning outdoors and in the local community. We organise excursions and place a strong emphasis on practical activities. EfterNian also includes a work placement, where you get the opportunity to try working in an area of your own choice.
During your year at EfterNian – the folk high school year for students in compulsory education – you will also receive support in finding your future path in education or working life. The programme includes individual guidance based on your own needs.
At Akan, we place great emphasis on community and participation in everything we do. Everyone contributes in their own way, and when we have fun together, everyone learns better. We want everyone to feel safe, welcome and free to be themselves.
Welcome to Akan!
Studiernas uppbyggnad
The programme is taught on campus, with a minimum of 25 lessons per week. At the beginning of the term, each student creates an individual study plan together with the teachers. The plan is reviewed and updated throughout the academic year. At the beginning of the school year, students focus on the common subjects and work together as a group. Later, the elective subjects are added to the programme.
The academic year runs for 36 weeks, from August to May, with a longer Christmas break and a winter holiday.
Teaching methods vary depending on the subject and activities. Some teaching takes place in the classroom and includes practical exercises, while other learning takes place outside the classroom, for example through excursions and visits. The programme also includes a two-week work placement.
Lunch and a snack are served daily, prepared in the school’s own kitchen.
During the year, the school and the student council organise various events and activities. Students have plenty of freedom to develop and carry out their own ideas together with other students at the folk high school. Community and participation are important parts of the school’s values.
At EfterNian, you will study both general subjects that strengthen your basic skills and study skills, as well as subjects based on your own interests and choices.
The programme is free of charge for students covered by compulsory education.
The aim of EfterNian is to give students the opportunity to explore different subject areas before choosing their future path in education and working life. The programme strengthens students’ life skills and study skills and gives them time to grow, mature and gain clarity about their future plans.
Other important goals are to support students in finding motivation for their studies and to strengthen their self-confidence and belief in their own abilities. At Akan, everyone is respected for who they are.
You will have time to try new things, get to know yourself and others, and think about what you would like to do next.
Together, we find ways forward – towards further studies, working life and a future that feels like your own.
Find the option that’s right for you
– Creativity, Culture, Community and Personal Growth
In Borgå, you can join our creative and inspiring EfterNian programme. During the year, you will have the opportunity to explore subjects such as art, creative writing, drama, music, culture, nature, the environment and geography.
You will develop your skills through practical and creative activities while also exploring your options for future studies and working life.
Read more about EfterNian in Porvoo ⇓
– The Same EfterNian – Two Options to Choose From
In Helsinki, you can choose our creative and inspiring EfterNian programme, with a focus on culture, creativity, nature and personal development.
We also offer EfterNian-Swedish in Helsinki – a special study option for those who want to strengthen their Swedish and prepare for further studies in Swedish.
Read more about EfterNian in Helsinki ⇓
Applying to EfterNian
Applications to EfterNian – the folk high school year for students in compulsory education at Akan – are submitted through the Joint Application (Gemeensam ansökan) on Studyinfo.fi from 16 February to 16 March 2027.
Akan has a separate application option for Porvoo and another for Helsinki, so make sure you apply to the location you are interested in.
After the official Joint Application period, there will also be an opportunity to apply through a supplementary application directly via Akan’s website.