Danish public broadcaster DR published a set of advice for the roughly 30,000 young people starting efterskole on August 9, 2026. The piece collects tips from a former student, a head teacher and an education consultant.
The advice article was published on the morning of August 8, 2026, one day before the boarding school year begins. DR reports that about 30,000 young people are due to start at an efterskole, Denmark’s residential schools for the final years of lower secondary education.
According to DR, the organization Børns Vilkår, which runs the child helpline Børnetelefonen, hears from young people worrying about whether they will make friends. Homesickness and doubts about whether the choice was right are also common themes before the first day.
The article presents three sets of advice from three named sources. They are Johanna Lilibet Verup, a former student who took 10th grade last year at Københavns Idrætsefterskole, Bitten Schjødt Kjær, head teacher at Dronninglund Efterskole, and Lone Smidt, an education consultant at Børns Vilkår.
Verup’s advice centers on being open and curious, taking part in social events and showing a willingness to make friends. She also recommends staying at the school when nerves or homesickness set in, and speaking to a contact teacher if things become difficult.
Kjær suggests practicing small conversation starters in advance, such as asking about hobbies or family. As stated by the head teacher, everyone arrives equally nervous, and planned activities like room visits and local excursions are designed to connect students from the start. She adds that courage can come gradually and that differences are accepted at an efterskole.
Advice for parents
Smidt’s three points are to take one day at a time, to talk about nerves with a trusted adult, and to use the school community. Per Børns Vilkår, saying worries out loud can make them smaller, and efterskole teachers are experienced in helping new students.
DR also includes a bonus section for parents who receive an unhappy phone call after the first days. According to Smidt, parents should listen and let the child vent, acknowledge that homesickness is hard, and contact the school if they become worried themselves.
Kjær’s advice to parents is to listen, but not endlessly. As noted by the head teacher, parents should thank the child for sharing and then ask about the next activity on the schedule. She says parents should avoid taking over the child’s feelings and can pass the child on to the adults at the school.
The timing is tied directly to the first day of the efterskole year. DR published the piece on August 8, 2026, describing the 30,000 young people as starting the following day. The article is one of several DR pieces on the start of the year in Danish schools.
