Why Study Abroad in Denmark? Study Abroad in Europe - Why Denmark?

Denmark – Where Europe is a Little Different

With so many Study Abroad Programs in Europe, you may ask yourself "why study in Denmark"? For adventurous international students looking for something a little out of the ordinary or seeking a novel experience, Denmark offers a real alternative. While for those looking for a study abroad program that combines travel with academia, DIS and Denmark offer high educational standards and excellent student facilities.

Denmark has a geographic location and infrastructure that makes other European destinations easily accessible – and that's without the integrated Study Tours offered as part of your DIS Study Abroad Program! Modern, safe, exciting and with the etchings of European history and architecture around practically every corner, Denmark is an ideal country for your study abroad program.

A Little about Denmark

With 5.5 million inhabitants, Denmark is a modern democracy and the world’s oldest existing monarchy, making for a charming blend of tradition and modernity. A free market economy and a social welfare system with relatively low social inequality contributes to the low crime rate. Globally competitive industries, a sophisticated service sector, top-notch research in clean technologies and pharmaceuticals, fashion design and high-quality agricultural exports contribute to making international trade and foreign investments key elements of Denmark’s economy.

A Modern European Country

Denmark is the only Scandinavian country with both European Union (EU) and NATO membership. It contributes considerably to UN peacekeeping and is one of the biggest donors per capita to development programs. Environmental protection is high on its political agenda. The European Union’s Environmental Agency is located in Copenhagen, a short walk from DIS.

Denmark's small size and open society where abundant information and academic resources are easily accessible, and where history, culture, design, and international perspectives are integrated into everyday life – make it an ideal place to study abroad. And of course, there is a certain challenge in studying abroad in a country where English is not the national language (Danish is) – but where the vast majority of people speak English fluently.

A Little about Europe

Denmark is located in north-central Europe, on the pivotal point where Scandinavia and the mainland meet – which gives the country a unique cultural and historical balance and has opened it up to diverse influences.

Europe is the second smallest of the world's continents in terms of landmass, but home to one-eighth of the world's people. Europe's diversity of landscapes (mountains, plains, beaches, forests, lakes, rivers, fjords) is matched by its huge diversity of cultures, politics, ethnicities, religions and languages, all in a relatively small space. The European Union, which Denmark joined in 1973 as one of the first nine member states of the then-called EEC (it now comprises 27 countries), is slowly bringing together European states to form an increasingly unified entity, though true unity remains a long way off.

Denmark and the EU

The European Economic Community (EEC) was formed by the Treaty of Rome in 1957 with six members: France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Denmark joined with Ireland and the UK in 1973, after a referendum where 63.3% voted in favour of membership. Six more nations had joined by 1993, when the Maastricht Treaty established the European Union (EU).

Following a referendum on the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 and 1993, Denmark secured several opt-out clauses from EU policies, which include the areas of monetary policy, justice, home affairs and defense. The UK, Denmark and Sweden are the only original members not using the euro currency. In 2000, a referendum was held on whether or not to adopt the euro –the outcome was a 53.2% ‘No’ vote.

Debate continues over whether the EU should move toward increased political union, i.e. a United States of Europe, or remain simply a trading block. Denmark and the UK are the strongest opponents of the move toward federalism. However, Denmark is committed to the enlargement of the European Union from 15 to 27 members.