Experiential Learning Youth Program
The program invites young adults to deepen their understanding of a chosen subject through practical experience, service, and study through Anthroposophy
About the program
The Goetheanum Experiential Learning Youth Program offers continuous education for young adults (18–28) who wish to deepen their understanding of a subject through experiential learning, service, text study and seminars based on Anthroposophy.
Offered by the Youth Section at the Goetheanum, the program integrates practical work, artistic or social projects, and seminar-style study. Students join one of the lines of learning, designed to help develop skills through practical experience, study, reflection, conversation within the context of a related project which can focus on artistic, social or service learning.The program supports both personal growth and the development of capacities for cooperation and dialogue.
Learning Lines
Students choose one of the three learning lines described below, each offering a distinct path of study, experience, and service.
“Aesthetics” through the New Pegasus Project
This project explores the artistic, aesthetic, and synesthetic relationships between color and sound through text study, seminars, and the creation of an interdisciplinary work. Students receive an introduction to color and form theories, modern visual music, and live painting or projection techniques, alongside basic musical elements such as tones, intervals, harmony, melody, rhythm, and historical modes. Through study, conversation, and studio practice, color and sound are examined both independently and in relation to one another. The program concludes with an interdisciplinary public sharing of the student’s work and learning.
Learning in Context through Service
This project centers on experiential learning and service through practical activities on the Goetheanum Campus and related seminars. As a place that hosts cultural events, gatherings, and educational programs, the campus offers young people hands-on opportunities to engage in meaningful work while deepening their understanding of specific fields. Examples include supporting the maintenance of the campus’s unique buildings while studying elements of architecture, or helping prepare meals for large groups while learning about agriculture, food systems, and nutrition.
Gift Economy through the Global Access and Project Fund
This line introduces students to fundraising processes that support a youth scholarship and grant fund designed to explore social ideas such as interdependence, cooperation, and mutual support. Alongside learning about fundraising, networking, and collective decision-making at the end of each funding cycle, students study social theory, engage in discussion, and test these ideas in practice. Through this action-oriented work, they gain experience in solidarity, cooperation, and responsibility.
As an action-research project, each cycle concludes with reflection on the approach. Students in all three learning lines also attend daily morning classes on Rudolf Steiner’s basic texts to ground their practical work in anthroposophical study.
Admission
Admission begins with a written application and an interview, offering space for the student to share their interests and motivation. The faculty will evaluate the student’s openness to the program’s activities, engagement with the chosen subject, and readiness to participate in seminar-style discussions.
How the program works
Before starting, each student meets with the Program Director to explore current opportunities on the Goetheanum Campus and identify a project that aligns with their interests. Students join an ongoing learning line or begin with a new project, entering through a quarterly introductory seminar that presents the program’s goals, provides orientation, and supports students settling into a new environment.
Throughout the program, students engage in experiential learning through regular participation in activities, seminars, field trips, and related events. At the end of their stay, a concluding seminar offers space to reflect on their experiences, consider next steps, and bring closure to their time with the cohort.
General information
Course duration
The course will span a maximum of 9 months. The tutor reserves the right to make modifications to this information throughout the course. The student will be notified of any changes.
Tuition fees
Tuition fee: 1400 CHF per trimester
Admission fee: 50 CHF (one-off payment)
Goetheanum Pass: 150 CHF for two or 300 CHF for three trimesters.
Learning materials are included in the tuition fee.
Application timeframe
Students can incorporate themselves to the program in October, January or April.