High School Abroad in Denmark
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
Our program provides students with 150 language contact hours in just a few weeks, 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 medieval castles, major music festivals and four-star food scene.
Copenhagen: Copenhagen is where our CIEE Center is located. 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. tocatch 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.
Ribe: Ribe is located on the western coast of Denmark and is the country’s oldest town. It ishome to a Viking museum and a well-preserved medieval center. Climb to the top of Ribe's cathedral tower for an unforgettable view.
Aarhus: This is Denmark’s second largest city. It features the Old Town, a major open-air museum of urban history and culture. It is also a hot spot for foodies, having won and the title as European Gastronomic region in 2017, and has food markets and festivals for sampling local fare.
Your “home” in Denmark may also be in 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.
With any placement, our goal is for all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Denmark.
Your School Experience
Our most common placements in Denmark are in Danish public schools. Based on your age, you will either be placed in a 10th grade school (Efterskoler) or in grades 1-2 of Gymnasium (high school).
In most all placements, the language of instruction will be Danish, so we recommend familiarizing yourself with the language and culture as much as possible prior to your study abroad experience.
These schools are non-mandatory programs for students 15-16 years old. These schools offer project-based learning in specific areas such as outdoor activities, art and media, and music. Danish Efterskoler do not have semesters and you do not typically receive grades. However, these programs provide a unique opportunity for CIEE students to gain specialized knowledge, and build critical life skills including independence, resilience, language proficiency, and cultural awareness.
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 complete an exam at the end of the school year. But in most cases, especially for semester students, you will not receive official grades.
In rare cases, we can find placements in international schools in Denmark. However, these schools tend to have long waiting lists and are very location specific.
Program Blogs
Coast Towns of Fyn
Coast towns of Fyn I’m living on Fyn(foon) this year, it’s the central island of Denmark, located between Jylland (you-land) and Sjæland(shelland) I live in Odense(o-en-suh), the biggest city on... keep reading
What to Take?
Essentials in Denmark After being in Denmark for 2 ½ months, I think I have a pretty good idea of some of the essential items. -A chip card-every card reader... keep reading
School In Denmark
I've been here for almost two months and it feels like a lot less and I've settled in although Danish is still tricky. I'm able to participate in one way... keep reading
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 up to three hours away. 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 will take place earlier in the semester to allow trimester students the opportunity to participate. These trips vary every semester and may also be adjusted to mitigate COVID-19 risks. 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! Or learn about history through the evolutionary stairway at Moesgaard Musuem and interact in the streets and shops of Den Gamle By.
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.
Malmo, Sweden (Day Trip)
Travel across the Oresund Bridge to visit the third largest city in Sweden. Just a short train ride will take you to this diverse, vibrant city. We will visit the old district and see Saint Peter’s Church, a 14th century Gothic church and explore the modern architecture of the city, including the world’s first twisted skyscraper in the world—the Turning Torso.
Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback.
Dates & Fees
Eligibility
- Be in their 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th year of schooling and between the ages of 15 and 17 at the time of the program start and cannot turn 18 while on program.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Please note High School Abroad participants are not authorized to volunteer, take jobs or seek employment during their stay
- 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.
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.
Program fee includes iNext travel insurance. Full inclusions are found online.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2024 23 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $15,250 |
| Program Academic Year 2024 44 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2025 23 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Fall 2024 19 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Academic Year 2023 43 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $18,500 |
| Program Fall 2023 17 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $15,250 |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.