Our Mission & Values

Empowering individuals through accessible, democratic education that transforms lives and communities.

Democratic Education

Education by the people, for the people. We believe in collective learning and shared knowledge creation.

Universal Access

Education is a right, not a privilege. We ensure our programs are accessible to all, especially marginalized communities.

Liberal Values

We foster critical thinking, intellectual freedom, and democratic values through our educational approach.

Popular Education

Learning through shared experiences and collective wisdom, embracing diverse knowledge sources.

Global Community

Building an international network of learners and educators committed to social transformation.

Empowerment

Providing tools and knowledge for personal growth and social change through education.

Our Educational Approach

Inspired by the Scandinavian Folkhögskola model and popular education principles

Participatory Learning

Students and educators co-create knowledge through active dialogue and shared experiences.

Critical Consciousness

Developing awareness of social realities and the power to transform them.

Community Integration

Learning experiences connected to community needs and social movements.

Key Features

  • •
    Flexible learning paths adaptable to student needs
  • •
    Integration of theory with practical experience
  • •
    Emphasis on collective knowledge and wisdom
  • •
    Democratic decision-making in educational processes

Academic Programs

Transformative education programs designed to empower and create positive social change

Social Justice Studies

  • • Critical Theory
  • • Community Organizing
  • • Social Movement History

Environmental Leadership

  • • Ecological Justice
  • • Sustainable Development
  • • Climate Action

Cultural Studies

  • • Community Development & Support
  • • Indigenous & Decolonial Wisdom
  • • Community-Led Knowledge Systems

Our community of change-makers and social innovators

Student Stories

Our diverse community of learners and change-makers

MK

Maria Kwiatkowski

Social Justice Studies

"This university's approach to education has transformed not just my learning, but my entire perspective on social change. The collaborative environment and emphasis on practical application make every lesson meaningful."

Warsaw, Poland

JN

James Nguyen

Environmental Leadership

"The democratic approach to education here is revolutionary. We're not just learning about environmental issues - we're actively working with communities to implement sustainable solutions."

Hanoi, Vietnam

AL

Amara Lamine

Cultural Studies

"Being part of this global community has opened my eyes to the power of collective knowledge. The emphasis on indigenous wisdom and decolonial thinking is transformative."

Dakar, Senegal

94%

Students Report Transformative Learning Experience

86

Countries Represented in Our Community

89%

Engage in Community Action Projects

Our growing global network of change-makers

Meet Our Professor

Learn from our dedicated educator committed to democratic and transformative education

Lead Professor

Professor Per Emil Renström

Leading expert in Popular Education and Democratic Learning Methods

Pioneer in Scandinavian Folkhögskola educational model

10+ years experience in democratic education

PER

Our Global Community

A diverse network of learners and change-makers from around the world

Global Reach

Students and educators from 86+ countries creating a truly global learning environment.

Europe Asia Africa Americas

Cultural Exchange

Rich cultural exchange through collaborative projects and shared learning experiences.

Languages Traditions Perspectives

Community Impact

Making real-world impact through community-based projects and initiatives.

Local Action Global Change Solidarity

Community Map

Our Global Presence

Community Events

OCT 15

Global Student Summit

Virtual gathering of students from all continents

NOV 3

Cultural Exchange Week

Celebrating diverse traditions and perspectives

DEC 1

Community Action Day

Global coordinated community service initiatives

Admission Process

Our inclusive admission process reflects our commitment to accessible education for all

Initial Application

Share your story, aspirations, and commitment to social change

1
2

Community Discussion

Engage in dialogue with current students and faculty

Project Proposal

Present your ideas for community action and social change

3
4

Welcome & Orientation

Begin your journey in our global learning community

Application Deadlines

Fall Term: June 1st
Spring Term: November 1st

Required Documents

Personal Statement
Community Engagement History

Support Available

Application Guidance
Financial Aid Consultation

Our admissions team is here to help with the admission process

Research Initiatives

Advancing knowledge through participatory research and community-driven inquiry

Popular Education Methods

Investigating and developing innovative approaches to democratic learning and knowledge co-creation.

  • • Participatory Action Research
  • • Democratic Pedagogy
  • • Knowledge Democracy

Social Justice & Liberation

Exploring the intersections of education, social movements, and transformative change.

  • • Critical Theory
  • • Liberation Pedagogy
  • • Social Movement Learning

Community Development & Support

Empowering communities to develop their own solutions while respecting and integrating indigenous wisdom.

  • • Community-Led Solutions
  • • Local Knowledge Integration
  • • Sustainable Development

Featured Research Projects

Democratic Education in Practice

A global study on implementing democratic education principles in diverse cultural contexts.

Led by Prof. Per Emil Renström

Community Knowledge Networks

Mapping and connecting grassroots educational initiatives across continents.

International Collaborative Project

Research Community

Our research community includes participants, collaborators, and student researchers working together to advance educational knowledge.

Resources & Support

Comprehensive support systems ensuring every student has the tools to succeed

Academic Support

• Peer Learning Groups
• Writing Center
• Research Mentorship

Financial Resources

• Scholarships
• Financial Planning
• Emergency Funds

Wellness Services

• Counseling Support
• Health Services
• Mindfulness Programs

Digital Learning Resources

Online Library

Access to global academic resources and research databases

Virtual Labs

Interactive learning environments for practical skills

Study Tools

Collaborative platforms and learning management systems

Resource Hub

Centralized access to educational materials and guides

Support Information

Our support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any questions or concerns.