Community College Program

  Denmark

Term: Fall, Summer 
Dates: Varies, depending on the program

Description: YFU USA offers several options for US college students, at least 18 years of age, to participate in college-level academic exchange programs for two weeks or one semester in Denmark. These programs include college level coursework in Denmark with options to focus on issues in agriculture, energy, or Danish and European culture and politics. Students live with host families or experience a combination of dormitory life and weekends with a mentor host family.

Program: International Perspectives in Sustainable Energy
Country: Denmark
Length: 17 Days
Dates: May 29 - June 14, 2008
Accommodation: Host Family
Application Deadline: March 1, 2008
Cost: $2,980 (includes int'l airfare from select U.S. cities)

Program: International Perspectives in Sustainable Agriculture
Country: Denmark
Length: 17 Days
Dates: May 29 - June 14, 2008
Accommodation: Host Family
Application Deadline: March 1, 2008
Cost: $3,105 (includes int'l airfare from select U.S. cities)

Program: Academic Semester
Country: Denmark
Length: 10 Weeks
Dates: Fall 2008
Accommodation: Dormitory/Mentor Host Family
Application Deadline: April 1, 2008
Cost: TBA; see website

Highlights: Program: International Perspectives in Sustainable Energy
This course is intended to provide an international perspective on energy and its use. Students will travel to Denmark to study and compare that country's approach to energy use with that of the United States. The international oil Cartel embargo of the 1970's demonstrated how significantly dependent western economies were on imported oil. This course is intended to compare how other governments have dealt with their energy needs since the 1970's. Areas of comparison will include: energy use, energy waste, energy production, energy and the environment and the economics of energy. Course participants will be expected to observe Danish culture while living with a Danish host-family for approximately two weeks. The course will include a pre and post component of study at the student's home college to enhance and reinforce the Danish experience. College level reading, writing and mathematics skills are required.

Program: International Perspectives in Sustainable Agriculture
This course is intended to provide the student with an international perspective on Danish Agriculture production practices and cultural understandings. Students will also tour and become familiar with sustainable energy generation and utilization used by Danish business and industry. Wind powered electric generation and Manure utilization for methane production as well as other aspects of creative and inventive uses of alternative forms of electric, heat and power usage will be explored. Students will work side by side with Danish farmers and develop an understanding and appreciation for the Danish cooperative system of agriculture production. Students will live with the Danish farm family and develop an insight to the Danish Family structure and culture.

Program: Semester Program
Participants will attend Ronshoved Hojskole, a traditional "folk school" learning institution that is unique to Denmark's system of higher education. The students will earn 12 credit hours of transferable college or university credit through Southern Maine Community College. In addition to the credited courses of Danish Language, Culture and Society, and Denmark and the EU-National Questions in Europe and Denmark: A Cultural Immersion Experience, students will also participate in the folk school's other activities and classes such as physical education, outdoor life, nature experiences, mythology, and music. Participants will live in the Ronshoved Hojskole student housing complex and will also spend time with YFU selected mentor families in the community. Eligible participants will be recent high school graduates or college or university students between the ages of 18 and 22.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: Varies

Short-term programs cover:

    * Round-trip international airfare to/from Denmark
    * Pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
    * Host family placement arrangements
    * Local transportation
    * Most meals
    * On-going support
    * Medical and liability insurance

Semester program covers:

    * Pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
    * Tuition and dormitory fees
    * Host family placement arrangements
    * Local transportation
    * Most meals
    * On-going support

Experience Required: yes

Applicants must demonstrate the following in order to be accepted: * Graduation from a secondary school * Good standing with current college * College level reading, writing, and math skills * Commitment to the host or mentor family experience * Self-responsibility, self-direction, and maturity * Readiness for a cross-cultural exchange experience

This Program is open to American Participants.

Participants Travel to Denmark in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Youth For Understanding USA's Mission Statement: Youth For Understanding (YFU) prepares young people for their responsibilities and opportunities in a changing, interdependent world.

Year Founded: YFU in 1951