School Immersion in Denmark – Age 16-18 – 3 months to 1 academic year
This programme is available to motivated students aged 16 to 18 who wish to spend 3 months to 1 academic year in a Danish high school and have a unique and unforgettable experience in what is renowned for being the “coolest country in the world”.
Participants attend a Danish high school while sharing the life of a host family. This programme allows a cultural and linguistic immersion into the Danish life.
No previous knowledge of Danish is required (beginners welcome), but a good command of English is.
Life in Denmark is fun and easygoing, and the country has repeatedly been nominated to be one of the happiest countries in the world. The living standard is high, and here you find everything you need for a pleasant exchange experience, such as great schools, transportation, and interesting culture.
A life among bicycles, minimalist design, and tasty Wienerbrød is waiting for you. Improve your languages skills in Danish , get a true insight into the hygge lifestyle and live a unique exchange experience off the beaten track!
Why study in Denmark ?
- High ranked education, a long history of academic excellence
- Students encouraged to think independently and critically
- High standards of living
- The country of “Hygge”, the Danes art of living
- Sustainability and environmental issues are a priorty here
- Danes are cheerful and friendly people who love nature and being outside during all four seasons
- Everybody speaks English
Denmark
- 5,8 millions inhabitants
- Capital city : Copenhagen
- Defined as one of the happiest countries in the world by the United Nations “World Happiness Report”
- A country for bicycles with 12,000 km of cycling paths – 75% of the population cycles even in winter
- Maritime country where it is impossible to be located more than 52 km from the sea
- Renowned worldwide for design, omnipresent in the daily life of all Danes: the Copenhagen School of Design is one of the most valued in the world
- Country of the famous LEGO® game creator
- The Danish lifestyle: “Hygge” (pronounced “hoo-ga”, a concept that encompasses a feeling of cozy contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life
Placements take place all over Denmark. Your stay may take place in an average sized town or even a small village.
All Danes speak English, but the High School classes will be taught in Danish. It is then strongly recommended to follow an online Danish course prior to departure to prepare your immersion in the best way possible.
You will attend a Danish High School (Gymnasium) where you will be placed according to your host family’s place of residence.
International students are most likely placed in 1rst or 2nd grade according to their age and academical achievements. However, the final decision will be made by the school’s headmaster. You will be part of one class group for the duration of the year, with usually 20-30 people per class. This means that you will become very close to your classmates as you will meet them on an everyday basis.
The school year is divided into 4 terms. The year starts by mid-August and ends in late June/early July. Classes usually start at 8.00 and never end later than 16.00. Apart from language classes, all other lessons are conducted in Danish.
Students generally follow about 9 subjects (same subjects all year long). The number of subjects vary according to each school. Some subjects are mandatory such as Mathematics, Danish, English and History. Others will be selected based on your language ability, your line of study, your academic achievements and, of course, the availability.
A lot of subjects are on offer : Foreign Languages, Danish, History, Social Sciences, Economics, Art, Music…
Danish Lessons
An online Danish course is highly recommended prior to departure and during the first part of your stay in order to prepare your immersion in the best possible way. Your host family and local coordinator will advise you for the best options.
In Denmark, education is mandatory between the age of 6 and 16. From age 16 to 20, students attend a Gymnasium (equivalent of High School). The Gymnasium prepares for University and offers general teaching.
The Danish educational system is known for its academic excellence and encourage to think independently and critically. It aso gives students a lot of freedom. Teachers are usually very open and relaxed. The relationship between students and teachers is much more informal than in other countries and is based on mutual respect and trust. However, with this freedom comes a lot of responsibility for students to finish their work on time without strict supervision.
Local schools usually don’t offer any sports or leisure activities, but students can join local clubs and associations outside of the school setting. We recommend to practice at least one activity outside the school and host family. It is a great way to make new acquaintances and to get to know more people so as to understand better the Danish society.
School holidays take place as follow : 1 week in October/November, 2 weeks during Christmas and New Year, 1 week in February and 1 week in April.
Host families are without a doubt the most important element of the whole programme. This is why we attach great importance to their careful selection.
Danish host families are volunteers. They choose to host students because they want to share their lifestyle and culture. They are also keen on learning more about the country and culture of their young hosts.
Your host family will choose you according to your own description and their own appreciation on how they think you would fit into their family life.
You will be considered as the newest family member. As the Danes prefer an intimate and stable family life, families are generally small.
Danish families generally divide housework among family members equally, so as a member of the family you will have to take on responsibilities (such as helping in the kitchen, the laundry and cleaning) , you will also be in charge of keeping your room clean and tidy.
The local coordinator is an experienced person who selects the host families and keeps in regular contact with the students. He or she is your main contact all throughout your stay to act quickly in the event of a problem occurring.
He or she will be present to answer any questions that may arise once you are in the country and to assist you in all the steps you need to take. Regular communication is also maintained with your host family and the school to ensure that the experience runs as smoothly as possible.
You will also be given an emergency number in case of any major problem you may encounter during your stay.
An orientation course of 4 days/3 nights is suggested at the beginning of the stay.
This course is a good preparation for Scandinavian life and culture and an opportunity to meet the other international students participating in the programme. Visits are also included in the course !
The course will normally take place in Copenhagen (it may be relocated depending on any COVID-related restrictions that may apply at that time.
Timetable based on the 2020 course (subject to change and only given as an example).
Accommodation in a youth hostel, shared bedroom.
The orientation course price includes :
- 3 nights at a youth hostel
- 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners
- Guided walking tour in Copenhagen
- Entry to Tivoli Gardens (but not to the amusement rides)
- Transfers between the airport and the youth hostel
- Preparation meetings prior to your stay
The price does not include :
- The lunches
- Transport from Copenhagen to the closest station/airport from the host family’s home
- Personal expenses
Dates 2021-2022
Orientation courses dates : August 11 to 13 2021 or January 05 to 07 2022
- Academic Year : August 21 2021 to June 25 2022
- Autumn/Winter Semester : August 13 2021 to January 08 2022
- Winter/Spring Semester : January 05 to June 25 2022
- 3 months programmes : August 13 to November 14 2021 or January 15 to April 10 2022
Prices 2021-2022
| Scolarité, logement et repas, stage d'orientation, tous frais d'inscription compris | |
|---|---|
| Durée | Tarif |
| 1 semestre scolaire | € 7.620 |
| 1 année scolaire | € 8.250 |
Prices include :
- Preliminary interview
- Local school enrolment fees
- Homestay accommodation, half-board during school weeks and full-board on weekends and school holidays
- Personal assistance, constant support and attendance from our local correspondent during the stay
- Regular contact and monthly evaluation
- Official certificate of participation
- Airport/Rail Station meet & greet and transfer to the host family place of residence
Prices do not include :
- Round-trip flight to the closest airport from the host family’s place of residence
- Local transportation
- Lunches at the school cafeteria
- Pocket money – about €200 per month recommended
- School books (it is possible to borrow them)
- School material and other fees such as locker fees
- After school excursions and activities
- Return airport transfer (the host family often look after this part)
