Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship
About the Program
The Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship is a prestigious program for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students passionate about environmental sustainability and intercultural learning. In its inaugural cohort, eight (8) exceptional student leaders will travel to Copenhagen, Denmark from May 19 to July 12, 2026, for an immersive internship. While abroad, interns will gain a deep understanding of environmental sustainability in the Danish context while developing practical skills and insights that will enhance their employability and career readiness.
Co-sponsored by CIEE and Scan Design Foundation, the fellowship award covers each intern’s full program cost, airfare, and a living stipend. Rooted in Scan Design Foundation’s mission to advance Danish American relations through cultural exchanges focused on environmental sustainability, interns will study Denmark’s commitment to transitioning to a sustainable, low-carbon, resource-efficient society. From learning core Danish approaches to discovering sustainable practices, the interns will compare how Denmark and the U.S. approach environmental sustainability.
During the program, participants will intern with a Copenhagen-based host company focused on environmentally sustainable business practices that aligns with their skills and career goals. To complement their internship placement, interns will also complete a 6-credit internship seminar, participate in networking events, and attend professional development workshops, all while exploring local Danish culture. Interns will round out their experience by developing a network of international contacts that will prepare them for a successful future finding innovative and sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Sponsor
How to Apply
Applications are now open!
Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship applicants must:
- Be a current undergraduate or graduate student from an accredited institution and be returning to their institution in the 2026-27 academic year
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident
- Be Pell Grant-eligible
- Have a demonstrated interest in environmental and sustainability fields
- Submit a complete application no later than November 21, 2025
- The Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship is a prestigious summer internship program taking place in Copenhagen, Denmark that includes an immersive work placement and an academic internship course.
- The Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship is fully sponsored by CIEE and Scan Design Foundation.
- Eight (8) students will be selected.
- Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship participants will be selected based on:
- their demonstrated interest in gaining real-world work experience in Denmark;
- their passion for environmental sustainability;
- their interest in developing problem-solving, intercultural communication, and leadership skills; and
- their commitment to finding innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
What will the Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship participants study?
Interns will be placed in an immersive internship with a Copenhagen-based host company focused on environmentally sustainable business practices and participate in a 6-credit academic internship seminar. Interns will also explore environmental sustainability in the Danish context, learning about Denmark’s commitment to sustainable, low-carbon, resource-efficient practices.
Where will the Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship participants study?
The interns will study in Copenhagen, Denmark.
What are the dates of the program?
The 2026 cohort will study from May 19 to July 12, 2026.
Is the Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship a full scholarship?
Co-sponsored by CIEE and Scan Design Foundation, the fellowship award covers the full program cost, airfare, housing, workshops, networking events, excursions, and an academic internship seminar taught by CIEE. Meals and recreational activities are not covered. Participants will also receive a stipend while on program.
Who is eligible for the Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship?
Applicants must:
- Be a current undergraduate or graduate student from an accredited institution and be returning to their institution in the 2026-27 academic year
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident
- Be Pell Grant-eligible
- Have a demonstrated interest in environmental and sustainability fields
- Submit a complete application no later than November 21, 2025
How do I apply?
Applications open on September 2, 2025, and close on November 21, 2025. Submit your application here.
What should I know about the application?
You must complete the application by November 21, 2025. We suggest that you request your letter of recommendation well in advance of the deadline. You must secure this recommendation from a college/university president, faculty member, or administrator who is familiar with you and your leadership skills. Additionally, we suggest you complete your video submission early, as it is a critical component of the selection process.
How many students will be selected for the Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship?
Eight (8) students will be selected.
Is the Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship competitive?
Yes, this is a prestigious and competitive internship program, but a one-of-a-kind immersive experience for exceptional students. If you’re not selected for the program after submitting a completed application, all eligible applicants will receive a $1,500 CIEE grant that can be used toward any of CIEE’s summer and semester study abroad programs through summer 2027.
When is the application due?
Completed applications must be submitted by November 21, 2025. Late applications will not be considered for any reason and all application tasks must be finished in their entirety.
When will the selection of the Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship participants be announced?
Mid December
Where can I find more information?
Email SCANDesign@ciee.org.
Scan Design Foundation Scholars Grant
The Scan Design Foundation Scholars Grant is awarded to all qualifying applicants who submit a completed application for the 2026 Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship – and meet all eligibility requirements – but are not selected for the program.
The $1,500 grant can be used toward any of CIEE’s summer and semester study abroad programs through summer 2027. CIEE will contact grant recipients with information on how to use their grant.