Denmark

Overview

Denmark is located in Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic and North Seas, on a peninsula north of Germany. Denmark, a Scandinavian country slightly less than twice the size of Massachusetts, is originally known as the home of Viking raiders. However, it is now thought of as a modern, prosperous nation that plays a large role in the political and economic integration of Europe. Danes pride themselves on progressive social policies, a strong cultural heritage and competitiveness on the global economic market. Denmark makes the list of the world’s least corrupt countries and has one of the highest per capita incomes and highest levels of income equality in the world.

Travelers should be sure to explore some of the Best Places to Visit in Denmark. Recognized as a World Bank High-Income Country, the average Numbeo Cost of Living in Denmark is 24% higher than in the United States (aggregate data for all cities, rent is not taken into account). If you plan on renting, expect monthly costs for a single person to be around 8% lower than in the U.S. On the micro level, the average cost for a three-course meal for 2 at a mid-range restaurant is between $66-111USD (about 400-700 kr -Danish Krones or Denmark currency) while a meal at an inexpensive one might cost about $19USD. Travelers can also enjoy a movie for around $15USD.

Cities & Education

Denmark offers an array of private and public education options and Jewish, Christian, and Muslim schools. Some Danes opt to pay and send their children to English-language international schools and French and German-language schools. Regardless of what type of school it is, all schools are required to follow the national government's basic requirements for primary education. Aftering completing primary school, children take an exam to determine what kind of secondary school they will attend, academic or trade school.

Full-time students in Denmark attending tertiary education are eligible for Statens Uddannelsestøtte, or SU, limited income support from the government to help pay their expenses while studying. Many students intern or take on apprenticeships in their field of future professional work while still in school.

One out of three Danish adults (age 25-64) are enrolled in some kind of continuing education course. Danish citizens benefit from workplaces paying for professional development such as training and attendance of public and private classes that help build business and professional skills. Unemployed individuals in Denmark are often required to take courses that will prepare them to return to the job market.

Copenhagen is a top destination for American students and international students alike looking to pursue a degree or spend a semester in Denmark. In addition to its high quality of life standards there are other characteristics that attract students to Copenhagen including initiates for green energy, quality production of foods and goods, its bio and medical technology industries.

According to the Institute of International Education (IIE) Open Doors Report 2017, almost 4,632 students from the United States studied abroad in Denmark in 2015/2016, this is a roughly 15% increase from the previous year record provided.

For opportunities to study in Denmark, consider the following resources:

• Denmark in the USA
• American Scandivanian Society
• DIS Abroad

Check out this packing guide video created by a DIS Abroad program participant:

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6IUzLvaVI4

Events & Tourism

Denmark does not experience extreme temperatures. The climate includes mild winters with average temperatures lingering around 35°F and cool summers averaging around 62°F. Winters can be cold but they are less frigid than other Scandinavian countries. July through August is a popular time for tourists in Denmark. Although the weather is comfortable and warm, these are also the wettest months of the year. March through May and September through October are also nice times to visit as they are not during the peak season. If you like winter and Christmas, Denmark is a festive and fun destination to be during this time. From the Christmas markets to festive attractions like Tivoli, you’ll surely enjoy your time during this off peak season. Who wouldn’t want to admire Copenhagen’s castles covered in glittering snow?

Copenhagen is an environmentally friendly place that balances the feeling of being in a cosmopolitan city with that of a small, intimate and cultural town. Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and a destination few skip out on when traveling to Denmark. Whether it's chilling on a beach, on a canal cruise or wandering through a castle, Copenhagen’s charm will capture your adventurous spirit. Whether it is fashion week, a jazz festival, or a cooking festival, you’ll surely find something fun to do during your time in Copenhagen. Check out the local Eventbrite webpage for the most up to date information on events. Lonely Planet named Copenhagen as the world’s top city for travelers in 2019. Once you arrive, you’ll see for yourself why Copenhagen has received such an honor. The Danes own twice as many bicycles compared to cars! If you're a biker or looking to pick up a new habit of biking, Copenhagen is definitely the perfect destination!

Aarhus is the second largest city in Denmark and also a popular destination for tourists and students studying abroad. Den Gamie By is a popular tourist destination for locals and internationals alike, as it is an open air museum inclusive of authentic historic buildings and a cast of re-enactors who make you feel like you just stepped into a time machine. There are many museums you can visit to learn more about the history of the Danes. Aarhus is a walkable city with many free things to do and many sights to enjoy while on a walking tour.

Off the radar but easy to fly to destinations in Denmark include Faroe Islands and Bornholm. The Faroe islands are located between Scotland and Iceland in the North Atlantic, and include 18 beautiful islands. There are six main islands that are well connected by sea tunnels and bridges, while the rest can be reached by ferry. Those seeking scenic hikes and waterfalls often hop on a short airplane ride to these beautiful islands. Bornhold is another island that is reachable by a short plane ride. Bornholm’s coast is scenic and is adorned with white-sand beaches, fishing villages, and the crumbling ruins of Hammershus Castle.

Additional resources:

• Visit Denmark
• Visit Copenhagen

Best Times to Visit Copenhagen, US News

Diversity & Inclusion Climate

Capital: Copenhagen

Population: 5,605,948 (July 2017 est.)

Language(s): Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German (small minority)

Note: English is the predominant second language.

Religions: Evangelical Lutheran (official) 76%, Muslim 4%, other (denominations of less than 1% each, includes Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Serbian Orthodox Christian, Jewish, Baptist, and Buddhist) 20% (2017 est.)

Ethnic groups: Scandinavian, Inuit, Faroese, Turkish, Polish, Syrian, German, Iraqi (2017 est.)

Although Danes are friendly, travelers and student bloggers have shared a consensus that Danes are not generally sociable in public with strangers. Unless you know someone personally, they will not strike up a conversation with you. Small talk is common in the U.S. but in Denmark you will likely not encounter many situations where you will engage in conversation with a random stranger.

Since Denmark is characterized as majority homogeneous, many people of color who have traveled to and lived in Denmark believe that race is often the elephant in the room. Some individuals have had experiences of feeling othered or have experienced discrimintion based on the color of their skin. Some people of color including, black people and Muslims, who were born and grew up in Denmark, have had experiences of feeling like outsiders who do not belong. Some feel like they are not “Danish” enough while also feeling not rooted in their cultural roots and religious faiths. Race is a topic that does not come up enough in conversations in Denmark. Some also believe that Denmark functions as a colorblind society, ignoring the racism that does exist.

With anti-immigrant settlements coming from groups like Danish People’s Party (DF) and public comments made by politicians, xenophobia is growing and making immigrant communities fearful of their safety. In 2019, the government passed a burqa ban, “even though fewer than 0.1% of Muslim women in Denmark wear veils, and a law requiring parents in neighborhoods designated as “ghettos” to submit their children to extra schooling in “Danish values” (Time). Additionally, a gesture considered to target conservative Muslims, in 2019 it was required for new citizens to shake hands with the officials during the naturalization ceremony, regardless of their beliefs about physical contact with members of the opposite sex.

Additional Resources:

• The Danish Institute for Human Rights
• Danish Muslims feel backlash as immigration becomes election issue, Reutgers
• “No ghettos in 2030”: Denmark’s controversial plan to get rid of immigrant neighborhoods, Vox
• 'From one day to another, we're criminals': Muslim women speak against Denmark's burqa ban, The Local
• After the killing of a biracial man, activists say Denmark is unaware of racism in its midst,
  Los Angeles Times

Half of Danes say racism not a problem in Denmark – survey, CPH Post

Staying Healthy & Safe in Denmark

Health

Visit the CDC’s website to learn more about the recommended vaccines you may need before traveling to Denmark. As with travel abroad, if you take prescribed medications or wear contact lenses for example, make sure you pack sufficient supplies of what you need for the duration of your time abroad. Although you will be able to seek medication attention abroad and have access to pharmacies in Denmark, they may not have everything you need or there may be a different means of obtaining medication. Do your research and make sure you have a doctor’s note for any medication that is necessary for your health and well-being.

Safety

As a pedestrian you should always obey traffic laws. In Denmark, everyone follows traffic signs and rules. There are many cyclist paths in cities so you should always be alert and keep an eye out for cyclists whether or not you are walking or driving. If you plan to cycle while in Denmark, make sure to do you research on the laws for cyclists

Local emergency assistance number in Denmark for ambulance, police and fire services: 112

For non-emergencies, you can reach the police at: 114

In the case that you need to contact the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen, you can refer to this website.

Information about travel safety and risks related to traveling to Denmark can be found on the following links:

• U.S Department of State Travel Risks
• Safe Travel to Denmark
• How Safe is Denmark for Travel?, Travel Safe - Abroad
• Cyclists laws in Denmark, Donkey Republic
• Crime and Scams in Denmark: Tips to Stay Safe, World Nomads

Local Laws in Denmark: How to Stay Out of Trouble, World Nomads

Funding & Scholarship Opportunities

There are many scholarships to fund your study abroad experience. Here is a list of Diversity Abroad scholarships available for study in this country:

Diversity Abroad Overseas Ambassador Scholarship

Diversity Network Summer Scholarship

Diversity Abroad & CISI Planning Scholarship

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a U.S. Department of State funded grant program. The program provides scholarships to students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad. U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university are eligible to apply. Applicants

Considering a program in Denmark with DIS Abroad? They have a variety of scholarships students can apply for to help alleviate the cost of studying abraod. Visit their website to see which scholarships you are eligible for.

Planning to study Danish? Check out this opportunity: the Danish Summer Language Scholarships funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

For more scholarships, visit https://www.diversityabroad.com/scholarships