Gap Year in Denmark: Velkommen!

Language Study:

Though travelers know Denmark as a very English friendly country, it still provides an optimal opportunity to study Danish. You can choose to challenge yourself by diving into an immersion study where you will only be allowed to speak Danish for maximum learning. If that sounds like too much, you can always try study at a local high school, where there will be people who willing still speak to you in English. Either way, you'll be sure to learn a lot from gap year here!

Copenhagen, Denmark

Internships:

Denmark has its foot firmly in the door of research and development and industry, so you're going to have no problem finding internship in those (and other related) fields. Most of these internships will be offered in Denmark's capital city of Copenhagen, which is known to be a bustling city that features beautiful architecture everywhere you look. If living in the city isn't what you had in mind, know there are internship opportunities all over the country including opportunities in the countries agricultural field.

Planning Your Gap Year in Denmark

Cost of Living in Denmark:

Denmark is an expensive country anyway you look at it. Most should plan to budget around 550 to 700 euros a month for their gap year adventure. If you plan on living in a major city like Copenhagen or Odense, plan to spend on the high side of that range, if not more. Of course, this will depend mostly on personal spending habits and the type of program you choose to undertake.

Culture and Etiquette in Denmark:

Etiquette is pretty standard in Denmark. You are expected to greet others using a firm handshake and direct eye contact. You should always be punctual, as being late will not be accepted. Other tidbits to know are to only seat when told as there are sometimes seating assignments when visiting a family and to always eat everything you are served (though it's okay to refuse food).

As a culture, Danes are modest people so it may not help to boast of any of your accomplishments. They, as a whole, are very courteous and expect the same from the people they encounter.

Beautiful Copenhagen

Health and Safety in Denmark:

Health and Safety is not something you have to worry about in Denmark. It is known to have one of the best health-care systems in the world so you will be in good hands if you are to ever get sick. In addition, crime rates are very low in practically every part of the country.

Why Take a Gap Year in Denmark?

Denmark presents a wide range of opportunities for your gap year. Whether that means interning at a large company or finally learning Danish, you will find the perfect program for you. Or maybe you just want to come and see what makes the Danes some of the happiest people in the world, it really is up to you!

Contributed by Raj Patel

Raj, originally from Connecticut, is a freshman at UC Berkeley. He's known to be an avid golfer, who is ready to play anytime you ask him to. His other hobbies include traveling, watching movies and trying different restaurants in the Bay Area.