First Impressions in Copenhagen on a High School Summer Abroad 

On the first few days after arrival, the jetlag is still hitting, we're going through the nitty gritty orientation details, and the new food, new streets, and new peers for the next few weeks is just that: new! But, after just one week in Copenhagen, CIEE’s high school summer study abroad students, Lara and Lena, have let their curiosity lead their days and have been surprised by the welcoming Danes and the city's uniquely clean and quiet streets, despite being a major city.  

From the California Bay Area (Lara) and Tokyo, Japan (Lena), each have found pieces of home in Copenhagen, Denmark during the beginnings of the “Taking Climate Action” high school summer study abroad program. They shared their experiences and first impressions after one week during a conversation with me:

What were your first impressions of Copenhagen when you arrived?  What surprised you? What felt familiar or totally new? Did it meet your expectations? 

Lena: My first impression of Copenhagen was that it is very clean and similar to Tokyo in a way. There’s not much garbage around. I also thought that Copenhagen was really beautiful, architecturally as well. 

Lara: I also really thought it was similar to my home, and I also noticed that it's really quiet. I was expecting it to be a lot louder because it's a big city. The walking culture is really cool. I just noticed people were on their bikes and just hanging, that’s cool.  

Was there a moment so far that has helped you realize “I'm really abroad" or “I’m really in Copenhagen?” 

 Lara: On the second day during the walking tour, I was like “getting into it,” thinking this feels like I’m in Copenhagen. 

Lena: Oh yeah, the walking tour was definitely an eye-opener.  

What's one thing that has helped you start to feel more comfortable or at home in the city? Maybe it's something that's familiar or a person you've connected with.  

Lara: I think overall, just how peaceful the city is. And also the people are really nice. I feel like in other European countries, they treat you like tourists and they will ask where you're coming from. That's nice, but I think it felt really like home because no one's really questioning why you're there.  

Lena: It was like they were welcoming you as one of them, not like you're a tourist, they're treating you like a local in some ways [for example, when getting food, going shopping, or other activities].  

Is there one sustainable feature you've already noticed in the city that has stood out to you?  

Lara: Oh, I was just thinking about this in the morning.  

Lena: The fact that Denmark has a recycling system. I mean, we do too, but I don't think it’s as effective. I think it's common in most European countries, but the fact that if you, recycle cans, pop bottles or glass, you can get money back. That’s not really a thing in Japan. It's just recycled, so I thought “oh that’s interesting.” 

Lara: Also, the lights are automatic. They turn on when you're in the room... and off, which is sometimes annoying. I'll be in the hostel, in the closet area and then I'm like sitting on the floor because I'm reorganizing and it just turns off and I have to like wave my hand and it just turns it on.  

Lena: Yeah, but it is a nice feature because it's more eco-friendly.  

Looking forward to the next two weeks, what are you most excited to learn or explore in Copenhagen and its approach to climate action?  

Lena: More about the culture and then a little bit more about the architectural decisions that they've made. Because like it’s a modern city but with older buildings too. 

Lara: I think I'm excited to see the agricultural sustainability when we go to the island of Samsø. I think we're going to the beach and the botanical garden, so I’m excited for that too. 

Interested in spending a summer abroad in Denmark with CIEE? Check out all four of our Copenhagen programs and find the one that's best for you!

About the Author

Hi, I'm Isabella DiPietrantonio! This is my second time in Copenhagen with CIEE! After a semester on the Open Campus College Study Abroad program in Copenhagen, Rome, and Dublin, I returned to Copenhagen as the Center's College Alumni Intern this summer. I am an alum of Hood College, graduating with a degree in Sustainability Studies, and have received my Teaching English as a Foreign Language certification through the CIEE TEFL program. I am passionate about cross-cultural exchange, international education, and am thankful for the opportunity to learn about global approaches to building sustainable systems and look forward to applying learned frameworks in my local communities.