Copenhagen water and buildings
Copenhagen, Denmark

Taking Climate Action

Social Change

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,950

Highlights

Daily cultural activities

Global citizenship

Hostel/hotel

Weekend excursions

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,950

Highlights

Daily cultural activities

Global citizenship

Hostel/hotel

Weekend excursions

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview
Develop a blueprint for change from your home base of Copenhagen, set to become the world’s first carbon-neutral capital by 2025.

See what it takes to fight for the planet and drive social change. Witness Copenhagen’s decarbonization initiatives firsthand: Learn about the giant wind turbines that dot the city’s picturesque seascape and visit the iconic power plant that not only turns waste into clean energy but also serves as a year-round ski slope!

Discover the evolution of climate policy in Denmark and delve into policies as well strategies for influencing public opinion. Talk about climate change with students from The Green Youth Movement. In the end, develop your own advocacy strategy to help tackle the biggest challenge of our time. 

Soak up daily life in Copenhagen and get to know Nordic nature. Swim in one of Copenhagen’s clean harbor pools. Discover the countless parks and canals and get a taste of Danish beach life. Outside the city, explore the renewable energy island of Samsø while enjoying farm-fresh strawberries!

Why Choose This Program?

Explore

Have fun discovering Copehagen through its carbon-neutral initiatives.

Network

Meet new friends and local activists. Build your own community.

Get Inspired

Develop skills on influencing public opinion on climate change. Collaborate on your own advocacy strategy.

Destination
  • Girls in Copenhagen
  • Group shot of young people
  • Bike resting in Copenhagen

The Destination

Welcome to Copenhagen, Europe’s green haven. 

When you think green, think Copenhagen! This eco-friendly city is hard at work becoming a sustainable place to work and live. It’s rated the most bike-friendly city in the world and thrives on organic produce, open spaces, green oases, and clean water. A cruise down its pristine waterway envelopes you in the relaxed atmosphere the city is known for. 

Cosmopolitan and progressive, Copenhagen also retains an old-world, small village feel–with cobblestone streets and canals. Its castles and bell towers are a feast for the eyes. And there’s so much to do! Listen to the sounds of jazz in Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s entertainment district along the canal. Stop for smørrebrød and photograph the brightly colored houses that line the harbor. Enjoy the rides, games, concerts, ballet, and musicals at Tivoli Gardens, the world’s second-oldest amusement park and the inspiration for Disneyland. Experience Copenhagen’s foodie culture in Reffen, an artsy street market featuring food from all over the world. 

Here in Copenhagen—culturally rich and environmentally conscious—you’ll find the ideal place to learn about climate action. 

Cultural Awareness

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.

 
Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

Objective

You will settle into Copenhagen and begin to discuss the origins of climate change and assess current practices in waste management and energy conservation. You will talk about climate and culture with Danish teens at Youth Island. You will also select a climate-related issue to tackle and start developing a strategy for action. 

Highlights*
 

  • Canal boat tour
  • Visit to a waste management facility in Copenhagen
  • Rosenborg Castle 
  • Unlimited rides at Tivoli Gardens 
  • Visit to the National Museum of Denmark

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will debate environmental policies and sustainability challenges for both the government and the private sector. Meet with local businesses, non-profit organizations, and activists fighting climate change. You will take an overnight trip to Samsø, a local island and model community for renewable energy. 

Highlights*
 

  • Visit to the Danish Architecture Center
  • Day trip to Youth Island
  • Metro travel to Den Blå Planet

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will put your experience into practice and advocate for climate change. You will finalize your strategy and present your proposal in a creative and evidence-based way. 

Highlights*
 

  • Visit to KOST Studios, a food development studio
  • Walk through the Botanical Gardens
  • Final project presentation

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Monday–Friday 

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places. 

  • Breakfast at the hostel/hotel or a local cafe  
  • Hands-on classes with expert instructors and local activists  
  • Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators  
  • Out and about for a Cultural Activity  
  • Dinner at the study center or out in the city

Weekends 

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites  
  • Quality time with friends 

Housing

Hostel/hotel, shared rooms with other Global Navigators

Check out the blog posts to discover more about daily life and excursions on program.  

Activities

Top Rated Activities

denmark-field.jpg

Sustainable Farming on on Samsø Island

The earthy crunch of tilled soil beneath your feet and the sight of sun-dappled fields welcome you to Yduns Have, an eco-farm nestled on the island of Samsø. As part of your three-day stay on this serene island, you explore the farm’s vibrant crops, pasture-raised chickens, and rolling fields, immersing yourself in a living example of sustainable agriculture. This peaceful setting offers a chance to slow down and connect with the land while discovering how farming can nourish both communities and the environment.

At Yduns Have, you’ll learn directly from passionate farmers about cultivating the land in harmony with nature. Together with your friends, you’ll pick ripe strawberries, help tend the soil, and care for animals like cows and hens. Each hands-on activity offers insight into the delicate balance of biodiversity and the innovative practices behind sustainable farming.

This experience fosters an understanding of how food systems can drive sustainability and inspires you to think critically about ecological solutions. You leave not only with dirt on your hands and stories to share but also with a fresh perspective on how you can shape a greener future.

denmark-skyscraper.jpg

Climbing Toward Climate Action at CopenHill

The distant hum of Copenhagen blends with the crisp, fresh air as you arrive at CopenHill, a stunning example of sustainability and innovation. Rising above a state-of-the-art waste-to-energy facility, this architectural marvel features an outdoor ski slope, hiking trails, and panoramic views of the city’s waterways. As you ascend the slope, the thrill of the climb is matched by the awe of knowing the energy powering the city comes from the waste processed beneath your feet.

This visit introduces you to Copenhagen’s unique approach to sustainability. At Hofor, the city’s primary water utility, you explore the intricacies of waste and water management. With hands-on activities, you learn how clean water is supplied and how climate-friendly solutions drive urban systems. The teamwork at Hofor brings you closer to your peers as you collaborate to survey the local ecosystem, sharing discoveries and insights about plants, animals, and the role of clean water in combating climate change.

By combining recreation with environmental responsibility, this experience highlights Copenhagen’s innovative spirit. You leave inspired by the possibilities of sustainable urban design and equipped with new ideas for taking meaningful climate action in your own community.

Testimonials

What People Are Saying

  • "It really helped me develop as a person and meet others from all over the country who are passionate about Climate Change."

    Aleeza S., Global Navigator Alum

  • "I loved all of our academic excursions: we went to an NGO, a climate activist group's headquarters, UN City, and several other places. Those were some of the most valuable academic experiences because it showed us what we could do as jobs or post-college options if we pursued climate change activism/policy."

    Mackenzie G., Global Navigator Alum

  • "CIEE was a life-changing experience for me, and I’m glad to have met so many friends along the way that I will forever cherish. It’s an awesome experience, and I’d easily recommend it to anyone."

    Jason T., Global Navigator Alum

  • "It was exceptionally well run, incredibly organized, and an extraordinary experience for our daughter."

    Parent of Global Navigator Alum

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Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. 
  • This program involves engaging in moderate physical activities. Students are expected to walk 3-5 miles/day.
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee

$25 Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,950
Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,950

Ready to change your life?

What's Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to WIFI

(No international data plan or SIM card included)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Staff

Our Staff

Robert Cassidy

Center Director

Robert Cassidy brings a background in neuroscience and extensive leadership experience in higher education. Originally from New Orleans, Rob studied biology and neuroscience in Washington, D.C., before conducting research in...

Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.

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