Summer Study Abroad Programs in Denmark

During summer in Denmark, you’ll get the best of both worlds: a fine education and the best summer of your life. Summer is the best time of the year to study abroad in Denmark, because the weather is warmer than other seasons (but relatively cool) and the sunshine lasts longer, so you’ll be able to make the most of every day.

Danish professors offer high-quality education, and truly value hands-on learning and putting concepts into practice, so you’re sure to explore the outdoors without worrying about it getting dark at 4 p.m. Most summer study abroad programs in Denmark are also flexible with course choices in the summer, from architecture to gender studies to environmental science, and you can choose to study in Denmark for a couple weeks or for the whole summer.

English is the de facto second language of Denmark, so you won’t need to worry too much about a language barrier. However, seriously cultured students might choose to participate in a summer Danish language course, nothing wrong with feeling worldly! A little bit of Danish slang can go a looooong way, especially when you attend one of Denmark’s summer music festivals with your new Danish buds!

With more islands making up this country than the number of times it’ll take you to properly pronounce rødgrød med fløde (sweet fruit dish), you can easily hop on a canal boat to spot the infamous Little Mermaid statue or lie on the beach in the warm summer sunshine. But where should you hit the books during your summer in Denmark?

Copenhagen. Denmark’s bicycle-friendly capital city will make you feel like you’re immersed in a storybook land, thanks to its watercolor-hued townhouses, network of cobbled streets, and church and castle towers. Once the bell marks the end of the day, have a whirlwind of fun at Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. It has a century-old roller coaster (Bonus: you can attend free rock concerts here in the summer evenings!). If you’re feeling adventurous, you’re just a ferry ride away from Oslo, Norway, and a train ride away from Sweden and Berlin, Germany.

Located northwest of Copenhagen and north of Hamburg, Germany, the harbor town of Aarhus will have you in awe. Its picturesque fishing villages and architectural styles range from Renaissance to Nordic classicism. The Aarhus International Jazz Festival is a summer experience you don’t want to miss; this eight-day festival offers talented musicians from local areas and around the world.

After some exploration and relaxation, meet up with your classmates at an outdoor café and discuss the mysteries of the world while sipping a hyldeblomst saft (elderflower drink). Wherever you choose to spend your summer studying in Denmark, you’ll soak in the sights and smells of this sophisticated country.

Slow down there, you ugly duckling! Keep in mind a few tips for your summer program in Denmark (we’re not actually calling you ugly, we just wanted to throw in a Hans Christian Andersen reference!). Trade in your sea legs for a good pair of shoes because the best way to explore this country and embrace the sunshine is on foot. Commuting to and fro campus is common as well; ride your bike to feel the salty, summer ocean air or ride clean, punctual public transportation to take a rest. 

Choose from a variety of housing options for your summer abroad in Denmark. Living in kollegiums, or co-ed residential buildings, offer you the chance to meet other Danish and international students. Living in student housing can be a bit pricey, however, so explore the option of a homestay experience, which will help you not only save money on food with home-cooked meals, but also practice your Danish and learn more summer tips from locals. 

Come hungry for strawberries! These juicy, red jewels (though tinier than what you’re probably used to) come alive in the Danish summer. These can be enjoyed any time of day, and that’s a good thing, considering there are days when the sun doesn’t set until after 10:30 p.m. Don’t take those extra daylight hours for granted!

Before you venture off to study in Denmark during summer term, consider that it is quite an expensive European country and take some time to reel in some kroner. Summer is a busy tourist season in Denmark, which means higher airfare, but summer study abroad scholarships are available to help you “afjord” the costs.

• DIS offers summer scholarships up to $1000 based on financial need, merit, and diversity. The scholarships require a personal statement and a letter of recommendation, and while you can apply at any time, preference is given to those who apply by March 1st.
• If you’re interested in taking Danish summer language courses, you can consider applying for a summer study abroad scholarship through the Ministry of Higher Education and Science. The selection criteria is strict and requires a recommendation letter, but accepted students can receive free room and board and tuition. Pretty soon it will be raining Øre!

Every bit counts, so be sure to request scholarship information from your summer study program in Denmark. You can also go to GoAbroad.com’s Scholarship Directory to find lots of available Denmark summer study scholarships. Just be sure to meet all those deadlines! 

Summer study abroad in Denmark guarantees short-term courses and small class sizes, so you’ll be able to have more one-on-one time with your professors and other students. Pour a well-chilled koldskal as you meet locals and gain European perspectives that will come in handy for future job interviews. Employers will be impressed with the international knowledge you gained from your summer abroad in Denmark. 

While Danes may be in an even better mood than usual in the summer, being polite, blending in, and avoiding superficiality is standard etiquette. Danes favor neutral or black clothing even in the summer, but if you’re okay with standing out in the crowd on your class excursions, you can wear bright, colorful clothing. You do you!

From stuffing your face with your pre-class Danish breakfast pastry all the way til you clink Carlsbergs with your classmates at night, you’re bound to feel hyggelig (coziness) while experience that sweet Danish summer.