Adult education
The Nordic Countries have an advanced tradition of adult education. The idea originates from the Danish pastor Grundtvig who lived during the second half of last century. Grundtvig had highly original ideas regarding education for adults and the general public. A number of open universities are run in the Nordic countries. They work according to Grundtvig's ideas and principles to increase possibilities for those who have not had the opportunity to gain an education. Various courses ranging in duration from a few months to three years and covering a wide range of subjects are open to everyone.