Make the most of summer 2022 by studying abroad. We have programs – and scholarships – for both graduate and undergraduate students.
Here, Prof. Allison Schnable and Prof Kirsten Grønbjerg share the benefits of studying abroad with a spotlight on Denmark. Interested? Applications are due January 21.
What makes the Denmark program special?
SCHNABLE: The location is amazing. Denmark is regularly named the happiest country in the world. Our program immerses students in the capital city of Copenhagen, and through our study of nonprofit and public organizations, students learn why people in Denmark are able to thrive.
GRØNBJERG: It’s the only study abroad course on nonprofit organizations and the only one located in Scandinavia and in a country with a well-developed social welfare system and where nonprofits play a very different role than in the US.
Why should students study abroad?
GRØNBJERG: We are living in a global world where exposure to and familiarity with other societies is increasingly important, particularly societies with different economic, political, and cultural systems than the U.S.
SCHNABLE: We’re living in a time of tremendous change and upheaval. Studying abroad helps us think creatively about different ways to solve the problems our societies face.
What is one fun fact about both of you?
GRØNBJERG: Not sure how “fun” this is, but I was born and raised in Denmark, but had never spent more than a couple of days in Copenhagen until I began to teach this course.
SCHNABLE: I was the lead singer of a cover band. Alas, this fact has nothing to do with Denmark.
What type of students should apply to study abroad in Denmark?
GRØNBJERG: Students with an interest in nonprofit organizations, civic engagement, welfare states, and understanding different approaches to foreign and domestic policies; those interested in the EU and especially Scandinavia.
SCHNABLE: Our program has a great history with students of all stages—from those who have just finished their freshman year to mid-career graduate students. Anyone with an intellectual curiosity about the nonprofit and public sector will get a great deal from this program.
What is your favorite part of running international programs?
GRØNBJERG: I particularly enjoy trying to explain why and how Denmark is different from the U.S. – and what that means for civic engagement and the nonprofit sector. And introducing our students to Danish food, culture, recreational activities and politics.
SCHNABLE: It’s a joy to see students discover the amazing city of Copenhagen. And I feel energized by that city too, and the exchange of ideas that comes with meeting Danish nonprofit leaders and politicians.
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