Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, founded in 1167, is the capital of a modern, affluent, democratic society. The city is a study in contrasts: old world charm combined with the hustle and bustle of an efficient modern economy; pedestrian-only walking streets with outdoor cafes combined with an extensive public transportation system; a sparkling European metropolis of nearly 2 million people offering an abundance of culture, yet projecting friendliness, intimacy and safety; home to a university dating from 1479, yet a modern educational center with several colleges and universities, lots of students, and a vibrant youth culture.
Within walking distance of DIS facilities you’ll find the main universities and research libraries of the country, parliament and government offices, European Union agencies, Denmark’s Central Bank, and superb art and history museums.
About the Program
Hobart and William Smith Colleges maintain an affiliation with DIS to offer off-campus programs in Copenhagen, Denmark and Stockholm, Sweden. Denmark is among the most socially progressive countries in Europe and Copenhagen, the capital and financial center, is universally recognized as one of the "greenest" cities in the world. At DIS Copenhagen students can take classes (over 200 courses are offered) taught in English by an outstanding group of faculty and can participate in study tours to other European countries (UK, Germany, the Czech Republic, and other parts of Northern Europe and Scandinavia).
Students on this program may choose from among a variety of integrated housing options, each offering a different cultural immersion experience. A challenging academic environment, coupled with Copenhagen’s cosmopolitan appeal, creates an opportunity for a unique off-campus experience.
Students who participate in this program can select courses from the arts and humanities, religious studies, social sciences, education and child development, environmental studies, marine biology, economics, computer science, media studies, medical policy and practice, and pre-architecture. All students must take a "Danish Language and Culture" course in Copenhagen (this may be taken as a 4th or 5th course.) For specific information about courses and the program, please pick up a copy of the DIS Catalog from the Center for Global Education or click here.
ACADEMIC FOCUS
Due to the wide range of courses offered through DIS, this program can accommodate students from a variety of disciplines. It will be of particular interest to those studying architecture, biology and environmental science, pre-health, psychology, social sciences, and those involved in the education program.
This program is open to all juniors and seniors in good academic and social standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Please note that this is a highly competitive program with limited program spots available and those applying are strongly encouraged to apply to multiple programs. Also note that DIS Copenhagen and DIS Stockholm are considered to be separate campuses of the same program, so while students may apply to both doing so does not qualify as having applied to multiple programs. Due to the challenging nature of study abroad, student academic and disciplinary records will be carefully screened.
Housing options include: 1) a local homestay, with hosts carefully chosen for their interest in hosting an international student 2) a furnished residential hall (Kollegium) with Danish and other international students or 3) a "Living and Learning Community" with other DIS students, organized around a particular theme/shared interest (note that LLC residents are expected to participate in weekly activities and events relating to their community theme). Other housing options are not available to HWS students.
Options 2 and 3 are self-catering and students will need to plan to do their own food shopping and to share a kitchen. Those who choose options 2 or 3 should budget an additional $1800-$2000 for food.
DIS offers a variety of excursion opportunities. Elective courses include field studies to relevant sites in and around Copenhagen, while core courses include course-integrated study tours to regional destinations as well as locations throughout Europe. Exploration Elective courses also include a study tour component at no additional cost.
Students will be charged standard HWS tuition and fees, room and board fees, and a $600 administrative fee. This will cover tuition for a four-course semester, health insurance, rental of a complete set of textbooks, all designated field study events, complete use of DIS facilities including library and computer lab, and housing. Students selecting the homestay option will also receive a full meal plan. Please note that the Kollegium and flat options do not include a meal plan. Students choosing one of these options receive a $600 stipend to help cover meal expenses but will need to budget additional funds for meals —approximately $1800–$2000 for the semester, above and beyond the stipend.
Additional expenses not covered include airfare, visa, other course-related materials and personal expenses (laundry, entertainment, ground transportation and independent travel). We estimate airfare for this program at $1100-$1200 from the East Coast, visa at $350, and course-related materials at $150. It is difficult to give an accurate estimate of personal expenses because student spending habits differ considerably. We would suggest a minimum of $1500 (for those who do not choose the homestay option, this $1500 is above and beyond meal expenses). However, students on a tight budget should be able to manage with less. You will also have a two-week break during the semester so you may want to budget an additional amount for travel. If you are concerned about finances, we strongly encourage you to talk to the CGE staff who can offer information and advice based on your specific situation.
HWS students must complete all components of the Global Education application in order to be considered for admission to this program.
- This program is offered every semester.
- All components of the application must be submitted online by the published deadline. Specific deadline dates are set each semester and typically will be in late September/early October (for Fall programs) and late February/early March (for Spring programs).
Program Handbook
IMPORTANT: The handbook(s) below is/are the most recent handbook(s) published for this program. A new version, with updated information, will be made available each semester. Program participants will receive their updated handbook approximately 2-3 months prior to their program’s start date.
FALL HANDBOOK / SPRING HANDBOOK
Please DO NOT MAKE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS until you have received final confirmation of the program start/finish dates for the specific semester you are attending. Dates included in versions of the program handbook intended for previous semesters do not necessarily apply to future programs.
NOTE: The information above is subject to change. Please see the CGE for more information.
Resources for Smart Travelers
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