Programs Around the World
While the Youth Section network organises new initiatives every year, there are also independent programs that run annually, drawing on the ideals of the youth section, to support the spiritual striving of young people.
Association for Youth Programs and Orientation Years
In 2024 the Youth Section co-organized the “Youth Education Days” in the Netherlands with the Iona foundation and the De Bildung Academie.
This involved bringing together teachers and students in youth programs, colleges and learning centers to talk about youth pedagogy. Following the many conversations with leaders of youth programs and orientation years, inspired by aspects of anthroposophy, a circle formed to establish an association to continue working together.
The next gathering "Embodied, Contemplative, Relational: Pathways to Youth Wisdom", will take place from October 30. to November 1. at Unernehmen Mitte in Basel, Switzerland.
Hosts:
| Matthew Briggs - Trust Head, Hiram Education and Research Team (Ruskin Mill Trust) |
| Saar Frieling - Faculty Leiden University of Applied Sciences |
| Katrina Hoven - Youth Section at the Goetheanum |
| Jacob Hundt - Director & Faculty at Thoreau College, Driftless Folk School and Microcollege Podcast |
| Lukas Schaaf - Faculty and Coordinator at the Freies Jugendseminar Stuttgart |
| Nathaniel Williams - Director of the Youth Section at the Goetheanum |
Programs on Campus
Anthroposophy Study Programs (DE/EN)
As part of the General Anthroposophical Section, the Goetheanum’s Department for Further Education offers programs for those interested in studying Rudolf Steiner’s work and its contributions to the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.
Anthroposophy is a path to understanding the human being and our relationship to the world. Studying in a diverse community at the Goetheanum is a unique experience that brings the possibility to expand one’s perspectives, enhance the ability to think creatively and gain new insights.
Introduction to Anthroposophy (DE/EN)
Introduction to Anthroposophy is a full-time, one-year course for young adults (18–26) in search of a genuinely human way of knowing. It is located near the Goetheanum in Aesch, Switzerland, taught by over twenty teachers with a strong focus on applied Anthroposophy. Classes are held in German, with English interpretation as needed, though the more German you know, the closer you get to Rudolf Steiner's own language. The next course begins September 20, 2026
Eurythmeum Eurythmy Training (DE)
A four-year, university-level professional training in Eurythmy, near the Goetheanum. The focus is on building real skill. Students work toward a Bachelor-equivalent diploma that connects into internationally recognised Master's programs. Alongside their studies, they perform publicly as part of a stage ensemble made up of teachers and young eurythmists doing an artistic stage year, staging seasonal festivals and public programs throughout the year. The training is also part of a wider network of Eurythmy programs at the Goetheanum, with international work days and conferences to keep teaching connected across schools.
Programs Worldwide
The International Youth Initiative Program (EN)
YIP is a societal entrepreneurship training, offering a holistic educational program that promotes an expanded global and personal awareness aiming to strengthen young people’s capacity to take initiative in the face of current global challenges. 20-40 participants, between 18 and 28 years old, from all over the world, live, learn and work together for 10 months. YIP provides a platform for young people to develop their fullest potential, expand their understanding and find their authentic task in society and the world.
Freies Jugendseminar Stuttgart (DE)
At the Freies Jugendseminar you can spend a year without putting pressure on yourself and address questions that really interest you: Who am I? What inspires me? What do I want to achieve? The Jugendseminar is a meeting place where you will meet with peers (19 to 28 years old) from all over the world, who want to engage, like yourself, in the same topics about life and work. Here we offer courses, work projects and excursions: You can expand your social skills, show creative initiative, and gain experience for your life and future work career. Instead of premature professional specialisation, the balanced intellectual, artistic, social and practical training fields enable you to nurture your entire personality.
Camphill Academy (EN)
A US-based training in Inclusive Social Development: the field of building community life together with people of all abilities, including adults with developmental disabilities. Students live as full members of one of several Camphill communities across the US, learning through daily life alongside academic study, artistic practice, and close mentorship. The program can run anywhere from one to five years depending on how far a student takes it, and it's tuition-free; costs are covered by the host community.