Focus on Denmark

  Denmark

Copenhagen

Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Dates: Inquire for specific dates

Description: Denmark is a small country (approximately 5.4 million people) that has a lot to offer within easy reach: beautiful landscapes, informal culture, modern cities, and a large physical presence - its easily recognizable peninsula juts straight into the North Sea, serving as a literal bridge between Scandinavia and continental Europe. A continuous stream of cultures have gone back and forth over this land bridge for hundreds of years (including the Vikings), making the country an integral part of European history. Today, it is a member of the European Union and prides itself on its highly developed public schools, higher education, and health services. The climate is temperate with mild summers and snowy winters. Most AFS Participants attend public school, and a high level of maturity and responsibility is expected. Danish teenagers play sports or belong to outside organizations and clubs after school.

Danish children are encouraged to be independent, but are expected to take responsibility for schoolwork and household chores. This is a normal part of a culture that promotes personal responsibility and oplysning, which means "enlightenment toward lifelong learning".

Highlights: A four-day orientation teaches you about Danish culture, history, customs, daily life, and language. Then you'll have a full week with your host family before school begins. There are extra classes to help you with your Danish and to acclimate to the culture, which won't be too difficult since the Danish people are very friendly and most speak English. School runs from August through June, with breaks in October and at Christmas and Easter. You'll probably live in a rural area, but towns are close together and there is an excellent public transportation system. Denmark is more than just a peninsula: there is the exciting possibility of being placed in Greenland, an unspoiled country full of adventure, indigenous people, and breathtaking landscapes; or the Faroe Islands, located north of Scotland, providing spectacular scenery and friendly close-knit communities.

Cost in US$: $9,900

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

AFS Intercultural Programs's Mission Statement: AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded: 1947