CIEE's Open Campus block model is unique among study abroad programs as it is designed for maximum flexibility and academic rigor. Students take two courses (3 sh each) per six-week block and participate in two or three blocks (12 or 18 sh total) per semester. To focus their studies, students select one of the following seven tracks of coursework: Art and Architecture; Business; Communications, New Media, and Journalism; Global and Community Health; International Relations and Political Science; Language, Literature, and Culture; or STEM and Society. In addition to taking the course(s) in their chosen track, students can enroll in courses from other tracks. All courses, except for Survival Danish, are taught in English. The CIEE Copenhagen Global Institute also offers opportunities for students to engage in internships, research, or service learning projects for academic credit.

This program is administered by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) on behalf of an academic consortium of which the University of Iowa is a member. UI participants on the program join a group of students from other U.S. colleges and universities. University of Iowa students earn resident credit for this program.

Academic Program

Academic Tracks

Students must select one of the following academic tracks:

• Art and Architecture
• Business
• Communications, Journalism, and New Media
• Global and Community Health
• International Relations and Political Science
• Language, Literature, and Culture
• STEM and Society

Block System

UI students must choose two or three academic blocks during either the fall or spring semester. Each academic block is six weeks long. Students need to take at least two courses per block, which typically equates to six semester hours per block.

Two Academic Blocks

• Two courses per block
• At least two courses in the chosen academic track
• Two additional electives
• CIEE Academic Project (research project) is optional and can be used as an elective during the second academic block

Three Academic Blocks

• Two courses per block
• At least two courses in the chosen academic track
• Four additional electives
• CIEE Academic Project (internship, research project, service learning) is optional and can be used as an elective during the second or third academic blocks

Note: Students wishing to participate in an internship or service-learning project must remain in Copenhagen for all three blocks due to visa restrictions.

For updated course offerings, descriptions, and syllabi, visit CIEE's program webpage.

Cultural Activities

Excursions

Ample activities and excursions will be offered to immerse students in Danish culture and historical heritage. They may include dinner with a Danish family to experience hygge, (described as a quality of coziness that engenders a feeling of contentment), a visit to the National Museum to experience Copenhagen's transformation from a Viking fishing village to a world leader of sustainability and innovation, or a day trip to Hamlet's castle in Helsingør.

Volunteering

Students who wish to become involved in the local community can opt to volunteer. This is an excellent opportunity to meet Danish students and become more immersed in the culture.

Program Dates

Fall, Blocks I & II: Mid-August to early November

Fall, Blocks II & III: Late September to mid-December

Fall, Blocks I, II & III: Mid-August to mid-December

Spring, Blocks I & II: Early January to late March

Spring, Blocks II & III: Mid-February to early May

Spring, Blocks I, II & III: Early January to early May

For exact program dates, visit CIEE's program webpage.

For more information

Steps to Studying Abroad

1. Before initiating an application with CIEE, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa. 
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.

Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319-335-0353
Email: study-abroad@uiowa.edu

The CIEE Copenhagen Global Institute

The CIEE Global Institute is in the heart of Copenhagen. Within walking distance is the Rundetaarn (The Round Tower), the National Museum of Denmark, Rosenborg Castle, Trivoli Gardens, and the Lego store. Students learn in modern classrooms at the Global Institute. All courses are taught in English by CIEE faculty.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a modern city with a high standard (and cost) of living. It maintains its historic downtown, with buildings dating back to the 1400s, an interesting contrast to the modern developments full of architectural experiments. A population of two million people may seem large, but in fact the city is quite easy to navigate. This is in large part due to the public system of transportation. Copenhagen is an increasingly multi-ethnic city that attracts people from many different countries and cultures. Students and visitors to the city generally find an open and accepting attitude towards many issues considered controversial in the United States.

Denmark

The country is defined by water: surrounded by the North Sea and the Baltic, the landscape is defined by islands, harbors, and and beaches. The ocean voyages and conquests of the Vikings are legendary, but Copenhagen is also the region’s air transportation hub. Perhaps because of its mix of small and cozy (“hygge”), rural and urban, tradition and modern, Denmark is famously ranked one of the happiest places on earth even though it has the highest taxes in the world. In Denmark, culture has been described by these three aspects of Danish life: simplicity, politeness, and equality.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

CIEE students participating in this program have three housing options: a residence hall, an apartment, or a homestay. Apartments and residence halls are located within 30 minutes of CIEE Copenhagen. The distance between homestay placements and CIEE Copenhagen varies. Although students submit their housing preference, all housing decisions are at the sole discretion of CIEE. 

Residence Halls: Most students live in single or double rooms in residence halls that include other CIEE, international, and local students. Common areas include a kitchen and lounges. No meals are included.

Shared Apartments: Students live in shared apartments in Copenhagen with other CIEE Open Campus students. Students live in double rooms with a shared kitchen and bathroom. No meals are included.

Homestay: Students live in a Danish home with most meals provided each week.

Passport

U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens who do not have a passport should apply for one as soon as possible. More information about how to apply for a passport is available on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. US citizens who need to renew their passport can find more information on the US Department of State’s website. The passport must be renewed before applying for the Spanish visa required for semester or academic year programs.

Expedited processing service is available at an additional cost. UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-U.S. Citizens

Students who are not U.S. citizens should contact UI Study Abroad (study-abroad@uiowa.edu) for information on how to ensure that their passport is valid for the duration of their time abroad.

Travel Arrangements

Students book flights independently. Participants are responsible for being at the orientation site on time.

Local Transportation

Approximately 45% of all people in the capital commute by bike every day. If biking isn’t your thing, Copenhagen has an efficient fully automatic subway and a well-functioning bus and commuter train system.

Eligibility

This program is open to University of Iowa students who fulfill the following requirements:

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA: Student must have at minimum a 2.5 cumulative GPA to participate in this program.
• Good academic and disciplinary standing: Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who, even after being accepted into a program, are put on either academic and/or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad. In these cases, students must forfeit their acceptance, will not be allowed to study abroad, and are wholly responsible for any and all financial expenses incurred.

Program Costs

Costs

The most recent cost sheet for the program is included below. The cost sheet outlines the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid and planning purposes. It includes fees charged on students’ U-Bill (CIEE program fee, Study Abroad Administrative Fee, and mandatory Iowa Regents CISI Travel Insurance), as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Quoted estimates are conservatively high, yet realistic. Please see the respective websites for further details. Contact your Study Abroad advisor with questions regarding the cost sheet.

Cost Sheets

Cost Sheet for CIEE Copenhagen Open Campus, Blocks I & II, Spring 2023

Cost Sheet for CIEE Copenhagen Open Campus, Blocks I, II & III, Spring 2023

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Most financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans) is applicable to study abroad programs. Please check the Study Abroad website for information on financial aid and how it may be applied to studying abroad. You are also encouraged to speak with someone at the Office of Student Financial Aid to explore financial aid options.

Scholarship opportunities exist for study abroad participants. Please explore Study Abroad’s websites for UI Study Abroad Scholarship Opportunities.

How to Apply

Interested students should make an appointment with the designated UI Study Abroad advisor to discuss the program and the application process. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 319-335-0353. During the appointment, the advisor will provide full application instructions. Note: Application materials will not be reviewed unless a student has already met with the advisor to discuss the program.

The application process consists of the following steps:

• Complete the UI Online Application for Study Abroad. Applicants will be charged a $50 non-refundable application fee. As part of the UI Online Application for Study Abroad, applicants will need to upload a copy of their passport picture page and a list of courses to take while abroad.

• Complete the CIEE Online Application.

Post Acceptance

Acceptance into the applicant's chosen study abroad program is made by CIEE directly via an email to the applicant. This acceptance notification will refer the applicant to additional documents posted to the myCIEE account.

Application Deadlines

Fall and Academic Year: Mar. 1

Spring: Sept. 20

Acceptance & Confirmation Materials

Acceptance and confirmation materials will be posted after the next application deadline.

Health & Safety Planning

All students preparing to study abroad should review the following:

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travelform with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Visa

U.S. passport holders enrolling in two academic blocks do not need a visa in order to participate. However, U.S. passport holders enrolling in three academic blocks must obtain a student visa from Denmark in order to participate in the program. U.S. passport holders should follow the visa application instructions provided by CIEE. Students are ultimately responsible for obtaining the necessary visa to enter Denmark.

Non-U.S. passport holders should consult with CIEE regarding their visa requirements.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs online “Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation” course distributed through ICON prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu.

Program-Specific Orientation

This orientation will be facilitated by your study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session.