Program Details
| Program Length | Start | End | Program Cost | Age on Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange Year | Early July | Early August | US$8,000 | 15-17.6 |
Age Explanation: Age on Departure reflect both the years and month(s) of the age of the applicant at the start of the program. For example, if the age is listed as 16.1 the applicant should be 16 years and 1 month at departure.
Denmark Details :
The notion that good things come in small packages serves very true for Denmark. It makes up for its small population (approxiamately 5.4 million inhabitants) by having a huge phyiscal presence—its easily recognizable peninsula juts straight into the North Sea, serving as a literal bridge between Scandinavia and continental Europe. A continuous stream of cultures have gone back and forth over this land bridge during the past several centuries and the benefits are evident in today’s Denmark: modern, cosmopolitan cities; simple, historic architecture influenced by Nordic tradition; and fairy-tale villages of town markets, country churches, and castles. The climate in Denmark is temperate with mild summers and snowy winters.
Most AFS Participants will attend public school and a high level of maturity and responsibility is expected. Danish teenagers are engaged in sports or belong to organizations and clubs after school. The most popular sports are soccer, handball, and badminton. You’ll find that parents, children, and siblings express a very informal relationship and you’re sure to be heartily welcomed into this boisterous family atmosphere. Children are encouraged to be independent from a young age. Teenagers generally enjoy much freedom but are also expected to take responsibility for schoolwork and household chores.
Year :
When you arrive, there will be a four-day orientation discussing Danish culture, history, customs, daily life, and language. Then you’ll have a full week with your host family to orient yourself with your community before school begins. There are also extra language classes to help you with your Danish and to acclimate you to the culture, which won’t be too difficult since the Danish people are very friendly, and most speak English.
The program focuses on constant learning, inside and outside of school. Danish culture encourages independence, personal responsibility, and oplysning, which means “enlightenment toward lifelong learning.” School runs from August through June, with breaks in October and at Christmas and Easter. You’ll probably live in a rural area, but towns are close together and there is an excellent public transportation system. There is the exciting possibility of being placed in Greenland, an unspoiled country full of adventure, indigenous people, and breathtaking landscapes, or the Faroe Islands, located north of Scotland, providing spectacular scenery and welcoming close-knit communities.
