First Year Abroad in Copenhagen
Unique Experiences
Experience Denmark’s Natural Marvels
From its 406 islands to expansive coastlines and unique landscapes
Take an Architectural Journey Through Time
through Copenhagen’s blend of historic and modern design
Discover Denmark’s Happiness Formula
And why it ranks among the world’s happiest countries
Your Destination
Copenhagen is Denmark’s forward-thinking capital, known for its innovation, sustainability, and rich cultural heritage. Spend 12 weeks cycling along scenic canals, relaxing in the colorful Nyhavn harbor, and savoring smørrebrød at food markets. Whether you’re studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Copenhagen is the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
Tutoring + Academic Support: Receive personalized one-on-one tutoring to help you excel in your courses and stay on track with your studies.
First Year Workshops: Participate in a life skills workshop led by experienced on-site staff to develop your communication, self-management, and personal skills. (Required; non-credit bearing; 1.5 hours/week, including dinner.)
Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic interests.
Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
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. Each semester typically includes two day trips and one overnight trip.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Explore the National Museum and see how Copenhagen transformed from a 10th-century fishing village to a world leader in sustainability and innovation
- Visit one or more of the sites listed on UNESCO World Heritage list, like the Wadden Sea or Stevns Klint
- Take a short train trip across the bridge to Sweden and explore the young city of Malmø
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.
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 clean public transportation, shops, cafés, grocery stores, and anything you’d need to live like a true Copenhagener.
Standard Housing: Includes a single room in a residence hall or a shared room in a shared apartment, within a 35-minute commute of CIEE Copenhagen.
- Residence Halls: The single rooms are equipped with small kitchens and an en-suite bathroom. Residence halls provide shared common spaces with a larger, communal kitchen, multiple study and 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 double room at a residence hall located within a 15-minute walk from CIEE Copenhagen or a single room in a shared apartment within a 35-minute commute.
- Residence Halls: Located in the heart of the city, double rooms are equipped with a kitchenette and an en-suite bathroom, along with shared common spaces including a larger, communal kitchen, multiple study and 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 four classrooms, a library and study space, a student life office, and an academic advising office.
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.
Transcripts: Tulane University is CIEE’s School of Record for First Year Abroad. Tulane ensures that our academic programs meet the highest standards of quality and, upon completing your program, they will issue you an official U.S. transcript for any First Year Abroad courses you've successfully completed abroad (with the exception of CIEE x ASU online courses;). Students taking ASU courses online will receive an Arizona State University transcript.
Course Information
Course Notes
Block Numbers
During the Fall semester, the courses below will be listed as available in Blocks II & III, rather than Blocks I & II. This is because the First Year Abroad program runs during the final two blocks of the Fall semester which is otherwise split into three blocks on CIEE’s Academic Calendar.
Language Classes
During course selection, students interested in a non-introductory language course will be instructed to take an online language assessment to determine their proficiency level. Enrollment will be finalized on site and is based on assessment outcomes.
You have the flexibility to choose from a selection of in-person courses taught by CIEE instructors and from over 3,000 asynchronous undergraduate ASU Online courses.
In the table below, you can explore some of the exciting courses we offer. On the left are examples of the in-person First Year Abroad classes you can take with CIEE. On the right are just a few examples of the thousands of ASU Online courses available to you while you're abroad.
| Sample CIEE Courses (in-person) | Sample ASU Courses (online) |
|
|
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, online coursework at no additional charge.
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.
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.
Interested in an academic year program? CIEE offers exciting customizable First Year Abroad programs in select locations. Talk to your Enrollment Coordinator if you're interested in any of these combinations, and please note that visa and departure requirements may vary depending on your chosen program combination.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fall 2026 12 weeks | Start Date | End Date | ||
| Program Spring 2027 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*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 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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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
Robert Cassidy
Center Director
Robert Cassidy draws on a diverse background in neuroscience and leadership in higher education. Originally from New Orleans, Rob pursued studies in biology and neuroscience in Washington, D.C., followed by...
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...