HSA Denmark
Denmark

High School Abroad in Denmark

Tentative Dates

-

44 weeks

Application Deadline

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Tentative Dates

-

23 weeks

Application Deadline

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Tentative Dates

-

19 weeks

Application Deadline

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Dates

-

23 weeks

Costs

$15,250

Extended Deadline

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Dates

-

17 weeks

Costs

$15,250

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

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Dates

-

43 weeks

Costs

$18,500

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

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Program Overview

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 jazz and classical to heavy metal and electronica.

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. On weekends you can explore further afield and even enjoy excursions with HSA peers in neighboring Sweden and Norway.

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

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
  • Aerial view of Copenhagen City
  • High school students posing on cobbled street in Denmark
  • copenhagen-city-hall

The Destination

The “happiest place in the world” is known for its medieval castles, major music festivals and four-star food scene.

Throughout Denmark you’ll find towns and villages with an old-world feel and cobblestone streets. Many have buildings dating to the middle ages. In cities you’ll find carefully preserved structures juxtaposed with modern architecture and contemporary art. It is a progressive country with an interesting mix of history and innovation to match.

Copenhagen is a clean and livable city with more bicycles than people! Borrow or rent a bike to experience the city like a local, or get your exercise by walking the well worn paths. It’s easy to get around and there are many parks for relaxation.

At the Amalienborg Palace, the official residence of the Danish Royal Family, you can 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. 

Ribe is Denmark’s oldest town, home to a Viking museum and a well-preserved medieval center. Climb to the top of Ribe's cathedral tower for an unforgettable view. Aarhus 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.  

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 Denmark.

Daily Life

Daily Life

"Being an exchange student has helped me become so much more independent, courageous, outgoing, knowledgeable, and responsible."

Learn more about daily life on a high school study abroad program by reading our blog posts above.

Explore Program Blogs

Housing

Hotel or hostel during orientation, then carefully screened homestay, found by Local Coordinator

Local Support

Local Coordinator in area available for support, CIEE support staff available 24/7

Program Blogs

Coast Towns of Fyn

By Rosemary M.

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?

By Rosemary M.

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

By Rosemary M.

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

Activities

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:

HSA Aarhus Denmark

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.

HSA Odense Denmark

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. 

HSA Malmo Denmark

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. 

What People Are Saying

  • "It's hard to realize right away how much you grew during an exchange, but now, slightly over a year later, I can really appreciate how my time overseas opened me up not only to others but also to myself. Being in another country, completely out of my comfort zone, helped me recognize which of my opinions and values are at the core of my personality, and which are mainly influenced by my surroundings. I feel more comfortable overcoming obstacles or adjusting, because I can be flexible while still staying true to myself."

    Jacqueline R., CIEE High School Abroad Alumna

  • "I learned things that aren’t taught in schools: what is really important to me, what I want out of life, and how to be more open-minded and confident."

    Sophie R., CIEE High School Abroad Alumna

  • "Everyone is shocked to hear that I studied abroad when I was 15 years old. I’m shocked myself — yet, quite frankly, I’m shocked that it isn’t more common to study abroad in high school. CIEE gave me an opportunity that most people have never heard of. The program transformed me into the person I am today, with impeccable people skills and the ability to adapt to any environment. I owe a huge thanks to the CIEE program. I am proud to be a CIEE alumnus!"

    Alex A., CIEE High School Abroad Alumnus

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Eligibility

Be in their 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th year of schooling and between the ages of 15 and 18 at the time of the program start.

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.

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 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 Spring 2024 23 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $15,250
Program Fall 2023 17 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Costs $15,250
Program Academic Year 2023 43 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Costs $18,500

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

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