Sustainable Smart Cities
Your Sustainable Smart Cites program in Copenhagen lasts 12 weeks and provides an in-depth look at how Denmark's capital is using innovative urban design solutions to prepare for the future. You will enroll in at least one sustainability course that explores how urban planning, technology, and public policy contribute to sustainability in Copenhagen while also enrolling in your choice of business, communications, STEM, language, and other courses. This program offers a wide range of CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities related to sustainability. Live and learn in Copenhagen!
Unique Experiences
Visit the Copenhagen Urban Innovation Lab
to discover how city planners and researchers collaborate on smart energy management and data-driven urban planning
Tour the Climate Action Center
to understand how digital platforms and data-driven polices support
Participate in a Smart City Strategy Workshop
to engage in a dynamic, student-led workshop in collaboration with Danish policymakers and tech innovators
Your Destination
Copenhagen is Denmark's sustainable smart city celebrated for its world-class cycling infrastructure, innovative urban planning, and commitment to carbon neutrality. As a leader in renewable energy, the city offers smart solutions, efficient transit, and eco-friendly design. Explore Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, and vibrant startups. Whether you are studying environmental science, business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Copenhagen is the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Featured Courses: Choose from a set of related courses that explore how innovative cities utilize digital technologies and modern strategies to prepare for the future and impact the environment.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in networking events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to develop integrated sustainable solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Copenhagen will open doors for you to explore Denmark’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Tour Ørested and Amager Bakke to observe how state-of-the-art waste-to-energy technologies transform everyday waste into renewable power
- Participate in the Urban Data Initiative to explore a cutting-edge digital hub and interact with live data dashboards
- Join networking events with local urban farming initiatives to meet sustainability advocates and community leaders of the city’s green spaces
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: COPENHAGEN
BEST FOOD TO EAT IN COPENHAGEN When in Denmark, delight your palate with the country’s national dish stegt flæsk (fried pork belly). Cut ¼-inch thick, pork belly strips are lightly... keep reading
5 Best Places to Study Abroad for Psychology
If you’re studying psychology , or if you’re passionate about the field, consider studying psychology abroad to learn all about this fascinating discipline from another country’s perspective. Perhaps you're a... keep reading
The Bike Trip That Didn't Happen (Yet)
Written by Catherine Ripsteen student from Open Campus Spring Block 3 2025: The Bike Trip That Didn't Happen Date: 4/02/25 Copenhagen is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Copenhagen offers two different housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. Housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to efficient and green public transportation, shops, cafés, grocery stores, and anything you’d need to live like a true Copenhagener.
Standard Housing: Includes a double room in a residence hall or a shared room in a shared apartment, within a 35-minute commute to CIEE Center.
- Residence Halls: The double rooms are equipped with a kitchenette and an en-suite bathroom. Residence halls provide shared common spaces with a larger, communal kitchen, multiple study/hangout areas, and gym facilities.
- Shared Apartments: Apartments feature double and/or triple rooms, with shared living areas, bathrooms, and a full kitchen.
Select Housing: Includes a single room in a residence hall or a single room in a shared apartment, within a 35-minute commute to CIEE Center.
- Residence Halls: The single rooms are equipped with a kitchenette and an en-suite bathroom. Residence halls provide shared common spaces with a larger, communal kitchen, multiple study/hangout areas, and gym facilities.
- Shared Apartments: Apartments feature single rooms, with shared living areas, bathrooms, and a full kitchen.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
Residence Hall and Shared Apartments: Meals are not included. Students prepare their own meals in their own kitchenette or the residence hall’s shared kitchen facilities. CIEE provides basic cooking utensils and cleaning supplies. There is also a wide range of restaurants and cafes located nearby.
Academics
CIEE Copenhagen: Study in the heart of Denmark's capital, roughly one block from the historic Rosenborg Castle in one direction and the iconic Round Tower in the other. CIEE Copenhagen boasts five classrooms, and a stunning study space overlooking the public square below, a student life office, and an academic advising.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Featured Courses
The Sustainable Smart Cities program offers a diverse range of courses that explore how urban development, policy, and sustainability intersect. Students will explore important topics such as sustainable business practices, green urban planning, global environmental challenges, and the future of food systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, these courses equip students with the tools and insights needed to tackle pressing sustainability issues and create meaningful change in cities worldwide.
| CIEE Courses (in-person) | ASU Courses (online) |
Building Sustainable Cities Sustainable Development in the 21st Century Business & Sustainability Engineering, Sustainability & Society Sustainable Tourism | Introduction to Sustainability Sustainable World Pathways to Sustainability |
Academic Projects
Biological and Physical Sciences
Social Sciences
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
History, Philosophy, Religion
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
Academic Projects
Biological and Physical Sciences
Social Sciences
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
History, Philosophy, Religion
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $9,956 ** |
| Housing | $4,500 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $14,950 |
Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Housing Fee | $600 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $1,065 † |
| International Airfare | $1,250 †† |
| Local Transportation | $130 |
| Personal expenses | $200 ††† |
| Total Costs | $2,645 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $9,956 ** |
| Housing | $4,500 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $14,950 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $1,065 † |
| International Airfare | $1,250 †† |
| Local Transportation | $130 |
| Personal expenses | $200 ††† |
| Total Costs | $2,645 |
*non-refundable fee
**Direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Olsi Kusta
Academic Director
As Academic director for CIEE Copenhagen, Olsi Kusta brings a diverse professional career that blends practice-oriented research skills with problem solving approaches in logistics and education. He engages with researching...
Pola Koba
Program Coordinator
Pola is a Program Coordinator with a master's degree in psychology and a master's in international relations studies. She takes a personal approach to student support, ensuring that individuals feel...
Get Started
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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