Ecology + Sustainability
Your Ecology + Sustainability program in Copenhagen lasts 12 weeks and is designed for you to engage with the world's most pressing environmental challenges in a local context. You will enroll in a combination of sustainability- and discipline-focused CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU, to develop your understanding of the ecological, social, economic, and political contexts of environmental sustainability in Copenhagen. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary co-curricular and extracurricular activities related to sustainability and the environment. Live and learn in Copenhagen!
Unique Experiences
EXPLORE MIDDELGRUNDEN
TO DISCOVER THE FUSION OF INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING AND REAL-TIME DATA ANALYTICS AT ONE OF COPENHAGEN’S ICONIC WIND FARMS
DIVE INTO “THE BLUE PLANET”
TO INVESTIGATE THE DYNAMICS OF MARINE ECOSYSTEMS AT DENMARK’S LARGEST AQUARIUM AND EXPLORE INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS THAT SHOWCASE AQUATIC BIODIVERSITY
EXPLORE THE AMAGER BAKKE PLANT
AND WITNESS THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF WASTE CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY AT THIS PIONEERING WASTE-TO-ENERGY FACILITY
Your Destination
Copenhagen is Denmark’s innovative, eco-friendly capital, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, extensive cycling infrastructure, and ambitious carbon-neutral goals. The city seamlessly blends historic charm with modern green initiatives, offering iconic landmarks like the colorful Nyhavn harbor, the Tivoli Gardens, and the cutting-edge architecture of CopenHill. With world-class museums, cozy cafés, vibrant waterfront spaces, and a strong emphasis on clean energy and sustainable living, Copenhagen provides an inspiring environment for students. Whether you are majoring in environmental science, business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Copenhagen is an ideal destination to study abroad.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Copenhagen.
Program Highlights
- Featured Courses: Choose from a set of theoretical and practical Ecology and Sustainability courses that explore today's pressing environmental issues.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities and volunteer work on local farms, natural reserves, field stations, and more while applying real-life solutions to challenges in the fields of energy, waste management, and conservation.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in a directed independent research project to take a deep dive into Denmark’s integrated sustainable solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Copenhagen will open doors for you to explore Denmark’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Discover how advanced digital platforms and real-time data analytics empower policymakers to design resilient, eco-friendly urban solutions at the Climate Action Center
- Visit the Natural History Museum of Denmark to explore the country’s rich biodiversity and ecological evolution through immersive, technology-enhanced exhibits
- Participate in hands-on green initiatives, eco-workshops, and community projects like attending urban garden soil health and composting demonstrations
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
4 Things I learned While Studying Abroad
By: Aja Tsutsumi Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to explore the world and experience life in a foreign country but can also be very daunting! For many, study abroad... keep reading
Top 10 Danish Slang Words & Phrases You Must Know
Known for its rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and relaxed vibes, Denmark has a lot to offer. Teach yourself some essential Danish slang words and phrases that will have you... keep reading
Hygge: One of the best parts of Danish culture
Written by: Grace Beaster a student from: Open Campus Sring Block 1 2025 One of the best parts of Danish culture that I’ve discovered while here is a concept called... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Copenhagen offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From student residence halls to shared apartments, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing has convenient access to plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and sustainable public transportation.
- Standard Housing: Includes well-equipped single rooms with ample common facilities located approximately 35 minutes by metro from the city center and CIEE Copenhagen. Alternatively, shared apartments with a similar location and commute are occasionally available.
- Select Housing: Includes well-equipped double rooms with ample common facilities located in the heart of Copenhagen, a 10-minute walk to CIEE Copenhagen. Alternatively, a single room in a shared apartment with approximately a 35-minute commute to the Center is available. These accommodations are limited. Select Plus housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive.
Meals
Meals Students are responsible for meals, either preparing them at home or eating out in one of many restaurants and cafés in the city.
Academics
CIEE Copenhagen: Study in the heart of Denmark's capital, roughly one block from the historic Rosenborg Castle in one direction and the iconic Round Tower in the other. CIEE Copenhagen boasts four classrooms, a library and study space, a student life office, and an academic advising office.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Featued Courses
The Ecology + Sustainability program offers a rich curriculum that investigates the vital links between ecology, sustainability, and environmental policy. Students will explore diverse topics like energy solutions, ecosystem resilience, and the role of social justice in environmental action. With a focus on both theoretical and practical application, these courses provide students with the essential knowledge and multidisciplinary insights to confront the urgent environmental challenges facing our world today.
| CIEE Courses (in-person) | ASU Courses (online) |
Principles of Ecology Global Change and The Environment Global Environmental Policy Sustainable Tourism | Systems Thinking Sustainable Ecosystems Basic Energy Science |
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
- Principles of Ecology
- Global Change and the Environment
- Global Environmental Policy
- Sustainable Tourism
- Building Sustainable Cities
- Sustainable Development in the 21st Century
- Business and Sustainability
- Engineering, Sustainability, and Society
- Urban Ecology
- Culture and Cuisine in Denmark
- Literature and Life of Hans Christian Andersen
- The Study of Scandinavian Happiness
- Cross-Cultural Psychology
- Vikings in the Conquest of Europe
- Internship Seminar
- Service-Learning Project
- Directed Independent Research
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Ritzmann Tropical and Marine Ecology Scholarships
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2026 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Robert Cassidy
Center Director
Robert Cassidy draws on a diverse background in neuroscience and leadership in higher education. Originally from New Orleans, Rob pursued studies in biology and neuroscience in Washington, D.C., followed by...
Olsi Kusta
Academic Director
As Academic director for CIEE Copenhagen, Olsi Kusta brings a diverse professional career that blends practice-oriented research skills with problem solving approaches in logistics and education. He engages with researching...
Get Started
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Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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