Going on this experience made me get a new perspective about my home country and the world. And I think the difficulties, the differences and the travels I went through made me a stronger person. Now my heart is in two places. I have a second home in Denmark and families and friends there whom I will cherish for a long time.
Atinoot Tanparn, participant from Thailand, 2003-2004.
All roads lead to…Denmark!
It is almost eleven years ago I came to Denmark for the very first time. I applied for an AFS exchange-student program, not knowing much where to go. I ended up in a tiny village on the island of Sealand having an unforgettable experience. Today, I find myself with a job in a Danish consulting company, doing what I love, keeping up my Danish and learning from yet another fantastic place in the world!
Mauro Lucardi, architect, participant from Argentina, 1991-92
Denmark, a nation of 406 islands, has less poverty and a narrower disparity between rich and poor than any other country in the European Union. In part, this is because its citizens pay the world’s highest taxes, for which they receive lifelong social security, state-supported medical care and excellent education. Relaxed, tolerant and sophisticated, the Danes welcome all visitors and are avid consumers of world culture. Significantly, Denmark’s publishers produce 12,000 new books a year, an astonishing output for a population of only 5.4 million.
Geography and Climate
Denmark is about the size of the U.S. state of Massachusetts or the Dominican Republic and is made up of the Jutland peninsula and small islands in the North and Baltic Seas. It lies to the north of Germany and south of Sweden across a strait joining the Baltic Sea to the North Sea. The land is relatively flat with some hills and is made up of moors, lakes, farmlands and woodlands.
Denmark’s climate can be unpredictable, and skies are often overcast. Despite the influence of the western trade winds off the north Atlantic, which are warmed by the Gulf Stream, the weather is often windy, and winters can be quite cold. January temperatures average about -1°C (30°F), and July warms to about 18°C (65°F).
Greenland is the largest island in the world. It is a part of Denmark, but its home government handles all internal affairs. Most of Greenland is covered by glaciers, and its climate is mostly arctic.
The Faroe Islands are located in the north Atlantic about 1,200 km (800 mi) from Denmark. They enjoy home rule within the Kingdom of Denmark. The islands are volcanic in origin, and the climate is typically oceanic: stormy, changeable and wet.
Population
Denmark has a population of 5.4 million.
Language
Danish is Denmark’s official language. In Greenland, the predominant language is Greenlandic, which is closely related to languages spoken by the Inuits of northern Canada, Alaska and Siberia.
Government
Denmark is a constitutional monarchy. Legislative authority is held jointly by the sovereign and the parliament, or Folketing. The Folketing consists of 179 members who serve four-year terms.
Religion
Most Danes belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, but only about 5% of them actively attend services.
Before You Go
AFS programs in Denmark
AFS Denmark offers the following AFS programs:
- School program – year program (see description at the bottom of this page)
- Community Service program – semester program (see description at the bottom of this page)
- European Voluntary Service program
- Teacher Exchange program
Evaluations by previous participants support our belief that if you prepare prior to leaving, you will have the best experience.
Make every effort to acquaint yourself with the Danish language skills before departure. Then, to familiarize yourself with life in Denmark, visit your local library or search the Internet. AFS International’s website, AFS.org, provides links to websites for each participating country.
Although every participant’s experience is unique, we strongly suggest that you speak with a recent AFS participant to Denmark. This veteran will be an excellent resource regarding living and working there. If you do not know a veteran, please contact your local AFS volunteer or your country’s AFS office.
In addition, AFS will provide you with essential information about your host country to prepare you for immersion in a new and exciting culture.
Finally, Danes will be curious about your home community. You may be surprised how much they already know about your country’s history and politics. Therefore, you will find it helpful to be informed about current events in your home community and country.
Documents
You must have a passport that will be valid for six months longer than your intended stay. In addition to your passport, you will need a visa to enter and reside in your host country. Visas are obtained through the consular offices of your host country, and requirements vary from consulate to consulate.
Consulates charge fees for their services, and obtaining your visa can be a complicated and lengthy process requiring a great deal of paperwork, patience and persistence. AFS will help you obtain the visa and provide you with instructions regarding the required documents. You should expect that it takes a minimum of two months to obtain visa for Denmark.
Food
Traditional open-faced sandwiches known as smörrebröd are popular. Dinner usually includes meat or fish, potatoes, rice or pasta and vegetables. Sometimes dessert is served. Staples of the Danish diet include roast pork, fish, beans, brussels sprouts, fresh vegetables and grains. Vegetarianism is rare, making vegetarians difficult to place.
The evening meal is usually the main meal of the day. It is served between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. and is often a time when families get together.
If you live with a family and want a snack, always check whe¬ther it is all right for you to eat something from the fridge.
Health
AFS suggests that you discuss the health recommendations for Denmark (which you can get from your government or find easily on the Internet) with your doctor at home, to determine what is best for you and your personal needs.
If you require any medical assistance during your stay, your host family or local volunteers will be ready to help find it. As an AFS participant, your medical expenses are covered for illness or injuries incurred while on the program, exclusive of pre-existing, dental or visual aid expenses.
Safety
Denmark remains a relatively safe country to live in, however always ask your host family or AFS volunteer safety tips before going out.
During your stay, local AFS volunteers will also be available to assist you as you learn to live as a Dane. In the event of an emergency, AFS staff can be reached 24 hours a day by you in your host country and by your natural family at home.
Country data
Size 43,094 km² (16,634 mi²)
Population 5,336,394
Official language Danish
Government Constitutional monarchy
Currency Danish krone (DKr) = 100 oere
Useful website http://www.denmark.dk
AFS Denmark website www.afs.dk
How to Apply
To become a participant in this country’s AFS programs, contact your nearest AFS office.
AFS program destinations are not always available to residents of all countries. If a program interests you, please contact your nearest AFS office to find out if it is an option for you.