Learning Abroad Center
Teaching a group of students

In the Field: Teaching & Learning in Danish Schools & Communities

Europe
LAC Program

Copenhagen presents a unique learning environment to be explored. Gain firsthand experience in Danish schools and develop a greater understanding of Danish communities.

Program Details

Location
Location
Copenhagen, Denmark
Term
Term
May Session
Housing
Housing
Apartment
Languages Taught In
Languages Taught In
English

Program Eligibility

Student Type
Student Type
UofM Students
Non UofM Students
Student Year
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Graduate Students
GPA
GPA
2.5

About

Copenhagen presents a unique learning environment to be explored. Gain firsthand experience in Danish schools by observing classrooms, participating in field studies, and hearing from local educators. Develop a greater understanding of Danish communities through exploring lively cultural centers such as Kronborg Castle and Tivoli Gardens. Explore the connection between Viking history and Minnesota.

Program Model

Global Seminar
Instructor-Led

Housing & Meals

You will live in shared housing with other program participants. Welcome and farewell meals, as well as some additional meals are included in the program fee. Additional meals can be prepared in the housing or purchased at local restaurants.

Excursions

Cultural excursions may include:

  • Visit to the Kronborg Castle
  • Historical canal tour
  • Odense- home of Hans Christian Andersen 
  • Forest Kindergarten

Flight

All program participants will take the coordinated group flight to and from the program site. The cost of the group flight is included in the program fee that will be posted to your student account. Do not book your own flight; you will receive information from the Learning Abroad Center about your seat on the group flight once your participation has been confirmed.

It might be possible to deviate your return flight. Inquire with your program contact if interested.

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify and reflect on aspects of intercultural sensitivity and development
  • Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
  • Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches
  • Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting

This seminar also offers you opportunities to:

  • Expand knowledge of school systems beyond the US through direct observation
  • Experience diverse perspectives and appreciation of Danish cultures through immersion in schools and the larger community
  • Identify, reflect, and communicate the impact experiences abroad might affect you personally, academically, and professionally
  • Develop independence and self-awareness while exploring new places, spaces, and culture

In addition, students will gain field experience (up to 35 hours) that can count towards Minnesota teacher licensure requirements.

Faculty & Staff

This program is led by Dr. Kathy Seifert, senior lecturer and and Director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Educational Psychology, College of Education & Human Development. Dr Seifert is a Morse Distinguished University Teaching Professor.

Charissa O'Neill is the Field Placement Coordinator (US based) for this program. Charissa will be the main contact responsible for coordination and tracking of the hours and experiences in Denmark.

Program Structure

Program Level
3000 level coursework
Courseload

One 3-credit course

Global Seminars are 3-week study abroad programs led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff that feature:

  • Intensive learning in a location that illuminates the topic
  • Small groups of 15–25 students
  • No prerequisites or language requirements
  • Included excursions and cultural activities
  • Instruction in English

Coursework

This program appeals to students looking to engage with Danish culture and education as it exists in Copenhagen. While abroad, work hands-on in classrooms guided by Danish teachers to gain an understanding of Danish academics and special education. Outside the classroom, enjoy immersive cultural experiences in the Copenhagen area.

This opportunity is open to any and all majors across the university and other university students.

Coursework will be largely discussion and experience centered, including a fieldwork portfolio of materials created while abroad and a daily experience journal. Students will receive credit for Community Engaged Learning (CEL).

Syllabus for In the Field: Teaching & Learning in Danish Schools & Communities

Receive credit for: EPSY 3705 (including field experience hours for many professional programs)

Academic Registration

Confirmed students will be registered for their course by the Learning Abroad Center once registration opens for your term abroad. Make sure you have no holds that would prevent registration.

If you haven't already, communicate with your academic adviser(s) as applicable to review the course for your major, minor, or college requirements. University of Minnesota students should use the Academic Planning Form, located on your confirmation checklist.

COVID-19 Information

Although a COVID vaccination may not be required to enter your host country or or an exemption is granted by an onsite partner, local regulations still apply. Admission and participation in areas of this program may require accessing venues or public transportation which require proof of COVID-19 vaccination/booster. Participants will be required to present valid proof of vaccination/booster to gain entrance or will not be able to participate in this portion of the program. Participants are responsible for working with leaders to find an acceptable alternative. Refer to the Apply tab for further details.

Dates Details

Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:

Term Program Dates Priority Application Deadline* Final Application Deadline
May Session 2023 May 14–June 4, 2023 February 1, 2023 March 1, 2023
May Session 2024 May 12–June 2, 2024- tentative February 1, 2024 March 1, 2024

Program dates are subject to change.

If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.

Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 25 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Some programs may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.

Information Sessions

Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on this website.

Date Time Location
TBD TBD Zoom only
TBD TBD Zoom only

Orientation Dates & Locations

Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation, which is mandatory for all students, and an in-person, program-specific session. You will receive more information about the online orientation via email. Failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad.

See below for tentative dates and times for your in-person session. You will be notified of the official date and time via email. Participants will receive applicable orientation materials via email approximately 1 week prior to the in-person session.

Term Abroad Date/Time Location
1st Orientation Meeting Friday, April 28th // 4:30pm TBD
2nd Orientation Meeting Thurs., May 5th // 4:30–5:30pm TBD
3rd Orientation Meeting TBD TBD

Priority Deadline

If you apply by the priority deadline and confirm within the allotted time you will receive the published program fee. Applying after the priority deadline and/or not confirming within the allotted time means you may be subject to an airfare increase.

Fees

May Session 2023 Cost of Participation

May Session 2024 Cost of Participation forthcoming

Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. The program fee generally includes tuition, group flight airfare, airport transfers, in-country program related transportation, housing, some meals, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, program administration, and international health insurance.  Generally, program fees range between $6,500-$8,000. You must also budget for passport and passport photos, some meals, textbooks, independent travel, and miscellaneous living expenses.

If a student is required to isolate during the program dates, due to Covid-19, there may be an additional cost for the isolation period. Additional housing costs might also be covered by the onsite partner's insurance plan. In some cases, with agreement by students and prior approval from the university, roommates, apartment-mates or students who are in close contact with each other and who both test positive, may share a room in quarantine housing, in accordance with local regulations. This information is subject to change and will be updated accordingly.

If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.

Billing & Payments

Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

Cancellation Policy

Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.

May Session 2023

Global Seminar In the Field: Teaching & Learning in Danish Schools & Communities

May Session 2023

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $4,879
International health insurance $50
Housing and/or mealsWelcome/farewell meal provided. $856
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $1,415
Total Program Fee $7,600
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $-500
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $7,100

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteGroup flight $0
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents $0
Travel clinic/immunizations*Visit your travel clinic and consult for any costs $50
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $200
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $0
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeAdditional cost of housing in case of the cost of required quarantine not included here. Contact the LAC to have this added to your SACE. $750
Essential daily living expensesphone credit/charges, etc. $200
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $950

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $8,250
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $300
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Prepare

Be aware: Learning Abroad Center programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.

COVID-19 Information

A COVID-19 vaccine & booster and negative COVID test before departure (own expense) may be required on arrival in country or at various venues in this location.  This may change before departure. Participants are also expected to follow local and governmental COVID-19 guidelines and requirements such as masking, social distancing, or curfews. Admission and participation in areas of this program may require accessing venues or public transportation which require proof of COVID-19 vaccination and these requirements could be updated before departure or during the program. Participants will be required to present valid proof of vaccination to gain entrance or will not be able to participate in this portion of the program. Visit the CDC International Travel and the LAC COVID-19 Protocols or LAC COVID Policies pages for updated information.

U.S. Consulate in Denmark COVID-19 site (current updates on entry/exit and local requirements).

More information can be provided during advising sessions and pre-departure orientation with the program contact in the LAC.

Apply

The COVID-19 vaccine and booster are required by the host country and/or on-site partners and facilities for most study abroad programs. Complete your COVID-19 vaccine doses immediately.

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Complete

After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:

  • Application Essay

Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.

If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit an additional essay. It will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when it has been added.

Next Steps

After your application checklist is complete, your application is reviewed by our program team. You will be notified of an acceptance decision by email. If accepted, you will be assigned a confirmation checklist, which you will complete to confirm your participation in the program. If you decide not to continue with the application process, log into the online application system and submit a Cancel Request.

After You Apply

Before your program begins, review these resources.

Health & Safety

Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.

Power of Attorney

Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.

Student Identity

Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.

Travel Resources

Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.

Program Contact

For further information or questions about this program, send an email to

Jemma Lund or call at 612.625.8827