Copenhagen, Denmark Berlin, Germany

Engineering & Sustainability in Europe

STEM

From prototype to pitch—design a greener future in Europe’s innovation capitals.

Explore how engineering and innovation can help solve today’s biggest environmental challenges. In Copenhagen, a “living lab” for clean energy and urban sustainability, and Berlin, a hub for creative reinvention, you’ll see how forward-thinking cities are building greener futures. Alongside fellow Global Navigators, you’ll work in teams to design and pitch a tool that supports a real sustainability initiative.

Through hands-on projects, site visits, and expert workshops, you’ll dive into the design-build process and apply core engineering principles to create and test your own prototype. From Denmark’s waste-to-energy systems to Berlin’s creatively repurposed spaces, you’ll see how smart engineering shapes the world and get inspired to design your own solutions.

There’s plenty of time to explore, too. Wander through Berlin’s flea markets and snap pics against Berlin Wall murals. Laugh your way through a kayaking adventure under Copenhagen’s low bridges. On an excursion to historic Potsdam, you’ll see green ideas in action. Your summer in Europe will sharpen your problem-solving skills and give you a head start on a future career in sustainability, design, or engineering.

A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future

Explore

Have fun discovering Northern Europe and a whole new perspective on sustainable energy.

Network

Meet new friends and engineers. Build your own community.

Get Inspired

Launch your future today! Develop career-ready skills and experience as you develop and pitch an original green innovation to professionals in the field.

The Destination

Welcome to Berlin and Copenhagen—two innovation capitals where sustainability takes shape in very different ways.

Take a look at two powerful paths to sustainability: Berlin leads with repurposing and creative reuse, while Copenhagen shines with future-forward design and green innovation.

In Berlin, a complex past fuels creative transformation. This city doesn’t erase its history; it reworks it. You’ll find factories turned into tech labs, bunkers reimagined as parks, and graffiti-covered remnants of the Berlin Wall woven into everyday city life. Tour iconic sites like the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie, then grab a currywurst or pretzel with friends before heading out to explore the city’s bold street art and buzzing cultural scene.

Copenhagen feels like a city from the future—in the best way. Known for its thoughtful urban planning and clean design, it leads the way in sustainable systems and eco-friendly living. Ride bike highways to zero-waste energy plants, float past colorful buildings on a canal tour, and explore how Danish design makes sustainability seamless. After class, snack on smørrebrød or fresh pastries, and spend the evening riding rollercoasters at the amusement park that inspired Disney Land, Tivoli Gardens.

Cultural Awareness

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.

Social feed above may feature posts from all CIEE Study Abroad programs, including college programs.

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 hostel/hotel 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

Housing

Hostel/hotel, shared rooms with other Global Navigators

Sample Activities

Cycle through Copenhagen’s bike-friendly streets to learn about the city’s sustainable architecture.
Tour a cutting-edge waste-to-energy plant in Copenhagen and see how the city turns trash into clean electricity. There’s even a ski slope on the roof!
Spend an afternoon riding rollercoasters, bumper cars, and spinning swings at Tivoli Gardens—Copenhagen’s vintage amusement park that feels like stepping into a storybook.
Walk through Berlin’s complex past on a city tour of the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Jewish Memorial—sites that trace WWII, the Cold War, and Germany’s reunification.
Paddle through the leafy canals of Kreuzberg, Berlin’s trendiest neighborhood, gliding past bold murals, historic bridges, and hidden cafés—perfect for people-watching and soaking up the city’s creative vibe.

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Eligibility

Participants must be 14 years old and above.
Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.  
For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility

Ready to change your life?

Enroll Today or Contact Us

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 WIFI

(No international data plan or SIM card included)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Our Staff

Andrea Adam Moore

Regional Director of Operations for Europe

Andrea holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.

Program Leaders

Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

Start an Application

You're on step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

Enroll Today

Connect with your Teachers or Parents

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about enrolling.

Engineering & Sustainability in Europe

From prototype to pitch—design a greener future in Europe’s innovation capitals.