Learning Abroad Center
Teaching a group of students

Field Experience in Denmark: Exploring Community, Culture, & Education

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
Dormitory
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. A welcome and farewell meal is 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
  • History museum
  • 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, you will gain field experience (up to 35 hours) that can count towards Minnesota teacher licensure requirements.

Faculty & Staff

This program is led by Charissa O'Neill, Field Placement Coordinator in the Education Department.

Program development is assisted by Dr. Kathy Seifert, senior lecturer 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.

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

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 of 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. You will receive credit for Community Engaged Learning (CEL).

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

Sustainability

The Learning Abroad Center is committed to sustainability and incorporating this into our programs. This course can be tied to Sustainable Development Goals through course content and program activities including:

  • #4 Quality Education

This global seminar has a large focus around inclusion laws and instruction of students with special needs. You will work with local students, teachers, administrators, and other invested people in Denmark on how best to support students in classrooms as well as exchange ideas on how to create more accessible, equitable, and effective learning environments for all everywhere.

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

Approved for the Global Perspectives liberal education requirement.

Academic Registration

If confirmed, you will be registered for your 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 (PDF), located on your confirmation checklist.

Dates Details

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

TermProgram DatesPriority Application DeadlineFinal Application Deadline
May Session 2024May 12–June 2, 2024February 1, 2024March 1, 2024
May Session 2025May 18–June 8, 2025 (tentative)February 1, 2025March 1, 2025

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 our events page.

DateTimeLocation
TBDTBDTBD

Orientation Dates & Locations

Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation—which is mandatory—and in-person or online program-specific session with program leader(s). All meetings are required and failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad. The online orientation module is found on your application checklist and is due by your first orientation session.

You will be notified of the official date and time of required orientation sessions or will be contacted to send availability in order to schedule sessions. Reach out to your program leader directly for any concerns about orientation session date and times. You will receive applicable orientation materials from your program leader either in advance or after the orientation session(s).

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 2024 Cost of Participation

May 2025 Cost of Participation forthcoming

Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. Generally, program fees to these locations range between $7,500–$9,000. 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. You must also budget for passport and passport photos, some meals, textbooks, independent travel, and miscellaneous living expenses.

Recent increases in international airfare and accommodation costs have impacted all instructor-led program fees. The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.

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.

This program is considered part of summer enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.

 

CEHD Study Abroad Scholarships

CEHD scholarships range from $1,000–$10,000 for study abroad experiences.

May/Summer Session application deadline: February 14, 2024

Learn more and apply for CEHD study abroad scholarships.

Contact CEHD at [email protected] with any questions.

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 2024

Global Seminar: Field Experience in Denmark: Exploring Community, Culture, & Education

May Session 2024

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 $4,444
International health insurance $50
Housing and/or mealsShared housing with kitchen facilities. 2-3 group meals provided. $791
Transportation (if required and included in program fee)group flight $1,530
Total Program Fee $7,215
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $-500
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $6,715

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 site $0
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documentsETIAS visa for US citizens $10
Travel clinic/immunizations*Consult with your physician or travel clinic $50
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $210
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $0
Housing and/or meals not included in program fee $900
Essential daily living expensesphone charges, etc. $200
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $1,100

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $8,025
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.

Apply

The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.

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

  1. After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
  2. Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
  3. If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
  4. Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
    • Passport Information
    • Emergency Contacts
    • Health Information Form
    • Online Health & Safety Orientation
    • Release & Waiver
  5. You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.

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 at [email protected], or call at 612.625.8827