Sustainable Smart Cities
Your Sustainable Smart Cites program in Copenhagen lasts 12 weeks and provides an in-depth look at how Denmark's capital is using innovative urban design solutions to prepare for the future. You will enroll in at least one sustainability course that explores how urban planning, technology, and public policy contribute to sustainability in Copenhagen while also enrolling in your choice of business, communications, STEM, language, and other courses. This program offers a wide range of CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary cultural and extracurricular activities related to sustainability. Live and learn in Copenhagen!
Unique Experiences
Visit the Copenhagen Urban Innovation Lab
to learn how city planners and researchers work on smart energy management, data-driven urban planning, and green technology integration
Tour the Climate Action Center
to understand how digital platforms and data-driven polices support Copenhagen's commitment to a resilient, eco-friendly future
Participate in a smart city strategy workshop
to engage in a dynamic, student-led workshop in collaboration with Danish policymakers and tech innovators
Your Destination
Copenhagen is a sustainable smart city celebrated for its world-class cycling infrastructure, innovative urban planning, and commitment to carbon neutrality. As a leader in renewable energy and green technology, the city integrates smart solutions, efficient public transport, and eco-friendly architecture to enhance urban living. Students can explore historic canals, iconic landmarks like Nyhavn and Tivoli Gardens, and a thriving startup scene. Whether you are studying environmental science, business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Copenhagen offers an inspiring and forward-thinking study abroad experience.
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 related courses that explore how innovative cities utilize digital technologies and modern strategies to prepare for the future and impact the environment.
- 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 networking events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts.
- 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:
- Tour Ørested and Amager Bakke to observe how state-of-the-art waste-to-energy technologies transform everyday waste into renewable power
- Participate in the Urban Data Initiative to explore a cutting-edge digital hub and interact with live data dashboards that drive urban sustainability
- Join networking events with local urban farming initiatives to meet sustainability advocates and community leaders of the city’s green spaces
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 within a 35-minute metro commute of 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 in the heart of Copenhagen, a 10-minute walk to CIEE Copenhagen. Alternatively, a single room in a shared apartment approximately 35 minutes from the Center is available. These accommodations are limited. Select 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
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 five classrooms, an amazing student lounge, and a student life 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
Featured Courses
The Sustainable Smart Cities program offers a diverse range of courses that explore how urban development, policy, and sustainability intersect. Students will explore important topics such as sustainable business practices, green urban planning, global environmental challenges, and the future of food systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, these courses equip students with the tools and insights needed to tackle pressing sustainability issues and create meaningful change in cities worldwide.
| CIEE Courses (in-person) | ASU Courses (online) |
Building Sustainable Cities Sustainable Development in the 21st Century Business & Sustainability Engineering, Sustainability & Society Sustainable Tourism | Introduction to Sustainability Sustainable World Pathways to Sustainability |
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
- Building Sustainable Cities
- Sustainable Development in the 21st Century
- Business and Sustainability
- Engineering, Sustainability, and Society
- Sustainable Tourism
- Urban Ecology
- Principles of Ecology
- Global Change and the Environment
- Global Environmental Policy
- 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
- 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...
Pola Koba
Program Coordinator
Get Started
1
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
You might also like
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Study Program
Explore Copenhagen through a local lens as you tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges during your semester abroad.
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Study Program
- Full-Time Internship
Your CIEE Semester Global Internship program in Copenhagen lasts 12 weeks and features three key components: A full-time internship with an international organization (30-40 hours per week), an internship seminar, and a 3-credit academic course taught by CIEE faculty.
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Study Program
- Full-Time Internship
Copenhagen has undergone a transformation in the past decade and has emerged as a “must-stop” destination in Europe.