Change of guard at The International

Establishment is the only 100 percent English-speaking efterskole in Denmark

Lucie Rychla

Alexander Mason is the new head of studies at the International, Denmark’s only 100 percent English-speaking efterskole, an academy and boarding school for pupils in between public school and gymnasium.

The newly-appointed head will commence his post in August when the school, which is located in western Jutland, reopens after the summer holidays.

“I have often dreamt of starting my own efterskole in England one day, and as such I have kept a close eye on The International’s development,” said Mason.
“The internationalisation of education and the development of intercultural understanding are, in my opinion, essential factors in education today.”

International experience
Mason, 34, has an MA in international relations and European studies and a bachelor degree in Scandinavian studies and Danish.

In 2004, Mason relocated to Denmark from England and started working as a teacher at Rejsby Europæiske Efterskole. Four years later, he was promoted to head of studies.

Mason has been a member of the Efterskole Association’s International Committee and has many years of practical knowledge and experience working within the field of international education.

Construction starting soon
Meanwhile, The International is getting ready for the official start of the long-awaited construction of the new school building.

The ceremony will take place on August 6 in the presence of the education minister, Esben Lunde Larsen, who will make the first dig with an excavator.
The new building is scheduled to open its doors in August next year and will stand as an independent department within Vedersø Idrætsefterskole, the current residence of The International.

The international academy and boarding school is based on the Danish efterskole model, preparing students for gymnasium, while providing all teaching in English at a high academic level.


Schools News in Brief

Danish way of parenting
Danish parents raise happy children who grow up to be happy adults, believe Jessica Alexander (American, married to a Dane) and Iben Sandahl (Danish), the authors of ‘The Danish Way of Parenting’. Recently published as a paperback, their easy-to-read parenting guide stresses the importance of play, authenticity, empathy, togetherness and hygge if you want your children to be happy and resilient. There is a reason why Danes are constantly ranked some of the happiest people in the world, and Alexander and Ibsen believe the secret is in their upbringing.

Esbjerg IS expanding
The Esbjerg International School has announced the planned expansion of school facilities at the EIS campus in Guldager. The 19 million kroner project has been made possible thanks to a donation of 15 million kroner from the AP Møller Foundation. The expansion will include four new classrooms, a new staff room, new offices and a renovated welcome reception area. The work will begin as soon as the remaining funds are sourced, and it is planned to be completed during the 2015-2016 school year.

Parent get-togethers
Have you just relocated to Denmark with your family and are looking for friends with similar interests and struggles? Joining a meetup group for international parents could be a great way to socialise, get support and rant about your day-to-day challenges with children and the Danish authorities. In Copenhagen, there are several options to get together, whether you are an experienced mum (international mums in the capital), an expectant mum (Copenhagen bumps and babies), or a dad who thinks he’s cool.

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