Copenhagen, Denmark

Taking Climate Action

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Information for term Taking Climate Action

Application deadline, and cost information.

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Jun 18 – Jul 8, 2023 (3 weeks)
$6,550

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Jul 9 – 29, 2023 (3 weeks)
$6,550

Overview

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Develop a blueprint for change from your home base of Copenhagen, set to become the world’s first carbon-neutral capital by 2025.  

See what it takes to fight for the planet and drive social change. Witness Copenhagen’s decarbonization initiatives firsthand: Learn about the giant wind turbines that dot the city’s picturesque seascape and visit the iconic power plant that not only turns waste into clean energy but also serves as a year-round ski slope! Discover the evolution of climate policy in Denmark and delve into advocacy strategies for influencing public opinion. Participate in executing an impactful climate-forward campaign by making street art with a local activist. Develop your own policy proposal and advocacy strategy to tackle the biggest challenge of our time.   

Talk about climate change, the green youth movement, and Danish culture with local teens. Soak up Nordic nature, and swim in one of Copenhagen’s clean harbor pools. Discover the countless parks and canals and get a taste of Danish beach life. Outside the city, explore the renewable energy island of Samsø while enjoying farm-fresh strawberries!

The Take-Aways

  • REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE

    Understand climate change policies and initiatives in Denmark and develop skills on evidence-based advocacy. Come home ready to influence public opinion on climate change.

  • CREDENTIALS FOR YOUR FUTURE

    Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, and an Advocacy Strategy to document your skill at driving change.

  • LIFE SKILLS AND NEW FRIENDSHIPS

    Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and friends of different backgrounds from across the U.S.

  • HOURS OF EXPERT INSTRUCTION

    45
  • WEEKS PURSUING YOUR PASSION

    3
  • LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE

    1

Location & Culture

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Welcome to Copenhagen, Europe’s green haven. 

When you think green, think Copenhagen! This eco-friendly city is hard at work becoming a sustainable place to work and live. It’s rated the most bike-friendly city in the world and thrives on organic produce, open spaces, green oases, and clean water. A cruise down its pristine waterway envelopes you in the relaxed atmosphere the city is known for. 

Cosmopolitan and progressive, Copenhagen also retains an old-world, small village feel–with cobblestone streets and canals. Its castles and bell towers are a feast for the eyes. And there’s so much to do! Listen to the sounds of jazz in Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s entertainment district along the canal. Stop for smørrebrød and photograph the brightly colored houses that line the harbor. Enjoy the rides, games, concerts, ballet, and musicals at Tivoli Gardens, the world’s second-oldest amusement park and the inspiration for Disneyland. Experience Copenhagen’s foodie culture in Reffen, an artsy street market featuring food from all over the world. 

Here in Copenhagen—culturally rich and environmentally conscious—you’ll find the ideal place to learn about climate action. 

CULTURAL AWARENESS

CIEE wants 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 Copenhagen.

Daily Life

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Daily Life

Monday–Friday 

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places. 

  • Breakfast at the dorms or a local cafe  
  • Hands-on classes with expert instructors and local activists  
  • Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators  
  • Out and about for a Cultural Activity  
  • Dinner at the study center or out in the city

Weekends 

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites  
  • Quality time with friends 

Check out the blog posts to discover more about daily life and excursions on program.      

  • Housing

    Dorms, shared rooms with other Global Navigators

  • 24/7 SUPPORT

    1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Weekly Learning Goals

Week 1

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Settle into Copenhagen. Discuss the origins of climate change and assess current practices in waste management and energy conservation. Discuss climate and culture with Danish teens at Youth Island. Select a climate-related issue to tackle and start developing a strategy for action.    

Week 2

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\Debate environmental policies and sustainability challenges for both the government and the private sector. Meet with local businesses, non-profit organizations, and activists fighting climate change. Take an overnight trip to Samsø, a local island and model community for renewable energy.  

Week 3

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Put your experience into practice and advocate for climate change. Finalize your strategy and present your proposal in a creative and evidence-based way.  

Program Blogs

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Program Blogs

Activities

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Sample Activities

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Tour the colorful landmarks of Copenhagen—tag along with a Danish language instructor to learn how to recognize street names and important words for finding your way in the city.   
  • Loop through Copenhagen’s canals and harbor—duck your head when you come to a low bridge!—and see people living on boats, the modern Opera House, a retired Danish submarine, the famous Little Mermaid statue, and palaces straight out of a fairy tale.  
  • Climb Copenhill, a man-made trash incinerator turned into a ski hill, and take in gorgeous views of the city.  
  • Swim at Amager Strandpark, Copenhagen’s largest beach, known for its sand-sational manmade lagoon, promenade, water sports, and swans.  
  • Travel to Aarhus, among Denmark’s oldest cities, and walk through time—literally! Visit The Old Town living museum and meet Danes from the 19th century, 1920s, and 1970s.  

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.   

What People Are Saying

  • "It really helped me develop as a person and meet others from all over the country who are passionate about Climate Change."

    Aleeza S., Global Navigator Alum
  • "I loved all of our academic excursions: we went to an NGO, a climate activist group's headquarters, UN City, and several other places. Those were some of the most valuable academic experiences because it showed us what we could do as jobs or post-college options if we pursued climate change activism/policy."

    Mackenzie G., Global Navigator Alum
  • "CIEE was a life-changing experience for me, and I’m glad to have met so many friends along the way that I will forever cherish. It’s an awesome experience, and I’d easily recommend it to anyone."

    Jason T., Global Navigator Alum
  • "It was exceptionally well run, incredibly organized, and an extraordinary experience for our daughter."

    Parent of Global Navigator Alum

Dates & Fees

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Dates & Fees

ELIGIBILITY

  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. 
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our Scholarship page.

APPLICATION FEE

$25 Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Summer Session I 2023 3 weeks Deadline Passed Jun 18, 2023 Jul 8, 2023

$6,550

Summer Session II 2023 3 weeks Deadline Passed Jul 9, 2023 Jul 29, 2023

$6,550

Looking for funding?

What's Included

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What's Included

Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to Local Phone and WIFI
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection
24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Our Staff

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Ready to change your life?