High School Abroad in Denmark
Bike-friendly streets, music festivals, and college-town culture make Denmark a big draw for students from throughout the world.
With its peaceful atmosphere and friendly population, Denmark is consistently ranked as “the happiest place in the world.” English is spoken widely here and it’s easy to meet international students as well as local peers. Youth from throughout Europe are drawn to its music scene and many festivals, featuring everything from pop, jazz and classical to heavy metal and techno.
Cobblestone streets, canal boats, green spaces on every corner, and colorfully painted wooden buildings create a picture-perfect backdrop for your studies. Here you’ll live with a local homestay and be fully immersed in the Nordic culture — shopping, helping prepare meals, and dining most evenings together.
Explore amazing food markets, bakeries and cafes all around. Tuck into a traditional Danish smørrebrød (open sandwich), followed by a mouth-watering pastry. Embrace hygge and get cozy with a good book in a traditional Danish woven cardigan. Visit open-air museums and art galleries. Watch artisans engaged in glassblowing, bread baking, sculpting, or whatever floats their boat. Ride a bike, be happy, experience the Danish way of life.
The Take-Aways
Global Citizenship
After immersing yourself in unfamiliar practices and customs, you’ll become better equipped to interact with people from other cultures — in school, on the job, or in your personal life.
Language Proficiency
Although knowledge or proficiency in the Danish language is not needed, our program provides students with plenty of exposure to the language , which means they'll be better prepared to make transitions, take control of new situations, and appreciate challenging experiences for what they are: opportunities to learn and grow.
College Readiness
Studying abroad gives you the kinds of life skills that can’t be learned in a classroom — and shows college admissions reps that you’re already one step ahead in terms of initiative, maturity, and independence.
93%
said their experience made them more aware of global issues.
79%
said their experience with CIEE helped shape their college applications.
96%
said they regularly use the knowledge and skills they acquired while abroad with CIEE.
The Destination
The “happiest place in the world” is known for its environmental sustainability, world-class architecture and design, medieval castles, colorful houses, and four-star food scene.
Copenhagen is home to our CIEE Center. The city is noted for being a very safe, clean city with more bicycles than people! It’s easy to get around and there are many parks for relaxation. Visit Amalienborg Palace, the official residence of the Danish Royal Family to catch the changing of the guards every day at 12 noon. At night, head to Tivoli Gardens, the historic park that inspired Walt Disney, to see its dazzling display of twinkling lights.
Your “home” in Denmark may be Copenhagen or one of the country’s smaller towns in the countryside or on the coast—where Danish hygge is in high supply! Join a local sports team or club and practice your Danish language skills with the locals.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter where you choose to study abroad with CIEE, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.
Your School Experience
Our most common placements in Denmark are in Danish public schools. All CIEE students are placed in grade 10-11 of Gymnasium depending on their age and availability of placements at the school.
In most placements, the language of instruction will be Danish, so we recommend familiarizing yourself with the language and culture prior to your study abroad experience.
CIEE students who are 16-17 years of age can expect to be enrolled in the first or second year of Gymnasium. Depending on how long you are in Denmark, you may be enrolled in study program based around four key fields of study: natural sciences, social sciences, languages, or arts. In many cases, you will be able to choose individual courses in subjects of interest. Depending on your placement, you may get to see what it is like to take an end of year exam, but in most cases you will not receive any credit or a grade for your coursework.
Sample Activities & Excursions
Orientation will take place upon arrival and will be based in the historic and beautiful city of Copenhagen. During orientation, you will meet up with your program peers. CIEE Center staff in Copenhagen will facilitate a three-day and two-night orientation designed to prepare you for your program and provide access to all the wonders of Copenhagen through a series of activities and tours.
Most students will be placed outside of the city of Copenhagen in communities located throughout the country. Danish high schools do not offer extracurricular activities. Instead, students enroll in sports, clubs, and activities through their local community. Don’t fret—your homestay, friends, and Local Coordinator will be happy to help you get involved!
Looking for adventure? Tuition for this program includes the cost of one day trip and one overnight trip per semester. Trips take place at different times in the semester. These trips vary every semester. Examples of possible excursions include:
Aarhus, Denmark (Overnight Trip)
Visit the second largest city in Denmark on the Danish peninsula of Jutland. Founded in the age of the Vikings, Aarhus is home to Aarhus University, along with major cultural institutions. You can explore the ARoS Kunstmuseum art museum and walk along its rainbow walkway in the sky! Visit Aarhus Street Food and try food from all over the world. Take a walking tour of the city and learn of its history from the Viking era to modern day. Interact with the locals in the streets and shops of Den Gamle By (The Old Town).
Odense, Denmark (Day Trip)
Explore the hometown of Hans Christian Andersen! As the largest city on the island of Funen, Odense boasts a deep history dating back to the Iron Age and the Vikings. In 2021, Odense also opened the H.C. Andersen House, designed by the Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma. You can find the magic of H.C. Andersen’s tales cast around the city, including in the historic district and along the FairyTale Garden.
Malmö, Sweden (Day Trip)
Take the train over the bridge connecting Denmark to Sweden and visit the countries 3rd largest city, Malmö. Walk through Gamla Staden (the old town) and grab something warm to drink in Lilla Torg (the little square). Visit Malmö Museum and learn about the history of the rivalry between the Swedes and the Danes. Experience the multi-culturalism that Malmö has to offer.
Eligibility
- Be between the ages of 15 and 17 when the program starts and cannot turn 18 while on program.
- Be in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th year of schooling.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Demonstrate, through the application process, their flexibility, maturity, adaptability, and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture.
- Although there is no language requirement for this program, students are encouraged to practice their Danish prior to departure. Please note that all classes will be taught in Danish.
High school abroad participants are NOT authorized to volunteer, take jobs, or seek employment during their stay.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$50
Priority deadline discount: Apply to a fall semester or academic year by February 15 and get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by July 15 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from final balance.
Additional information about insurance can be found on the FAQ page.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fall 2025 18 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $16,500 |
| Program Spring 2026 22 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $16,500 | |
| Program Academic Year 2025 44 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $19,750 |
| Program Academic Year 2026 43 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Fall 2026 18 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2027 22 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.
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...