Child Diversity & Development

The Child Diversity & Development program is designed for students majoring in human development, psychology, child development, education, sociology, social work and related fields. The core courses and study tours offer you an understanding of children in the Danish context through hands-on experience with daily life, pedagogical philosophies, educational systems, and social policy. Practicum and seminar integrate interaction with children and child development professionals with reflective and analytical skills. Students link theory with practice to gain real-life insight into the complex challenges of diversity and inclusion.

Choose Your Core Course

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A unique combination of a seminar course (3 credits) and a practicum experience in Danish settings for care and education (3 credits). Depending on the track you choose, you will focus either of the two: how multiculturalism is perceived and study relevant pedagogical practices or how children with special needs are viewed and examine Danish inclusive practices.

Students are required to obtain criminal clearance before arrival to work with children in Danish settings. You will receive more details regarding this after you've been accepted to the program.

Study Tours

The study tours, which are covered by the DIS tuition, form an integral part of the core course. London’s vibrant multicultural landscape provides dynamic approaches to integration over the last many decades. Tallinn’s revival and Stockholm's progressive ideology serve as unique perspectives on inclusion.

The study tours explore and compare challenges facing childhood, care, pedagogical practices and institutions and in the European context.

Elective Courses

In addition to the required core course, you are free to select any combination of courses from the DIS curriculum. Please click here to see a full course and syllabi overview. If you want to take some of your electives in related majors, check out courses listed under Child Development, Education, and Psychology.

practicum: a unique feature

The ‘Child Diversity & Development Practicum’ course is a unique hands-on opportunity for all students to make real relationships that support your learning. Every student has a placement one day per week (total of 45 to 55 hours per semester) in one of the following: a Danish vuggestue (for children age 1-3), a børnehave (for children age 2-6) or an after-school program (for children age 7-12).

Students observe and interact with children under the guidance of a supervisor and draw upon these experiences in the corresponding seminar course.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: CDD students choosing the Practicum option are strongly advised to sign up for the Danish Language & Culture course. It can prove invaluable!

This program really inspired me to view education – and psychology – from a unique cross-cultural perspective. Taking theory coupled with practicum, I have observed encouraging theories utilized in the field of special education in Denmark that I would never have encountered in the United States

Jacob Cash, Bates College
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Denmark: DIS – Danish Institute for Study Abroad. Vestergade 7, 1456 Copenhagen. Phone: (+45) 3311 0144, Fax: (+45) 3393 2624
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