About high school in Denmark

Becoming an exchange student in Denmark is the best way to immerse into Danish youth culture. A student exchange to Denmark will see our students going to the “Gymnasium” for their schooling. You will get placed in the grade that suits your age and previous knowledge the best.

The school system in Denmark places a lot of responsibility in the hands of the students. As an exchange student, you will have freedom and independence, but will always be expected to do your best. The subjects will be in Danish, which may be a bit tricky to start. The Danes speak English perfectly well, and both teachers and students will give you the support you need.

Subjects and school activities

As an exchange student in Denmark, you may be able to choose what you want study if you are on a Semester or Academic Year program. This might be art, music, language or economics for instance. The subjects you choose must be studied along with courses that are required in the Danish school system such as Math, English, Danish, and History.

If you can study a subject that is not as available in your home country, we recommend you take it! Your school will help you with your timetable upon arrival in Denmark.

Danish teenagers usually play sport in clubs and gyms around town, rather than at school. If you want to practice a sport or another interest in your spare time, your host family will help you contact the best clubs in their city.

Semesters and breaks

The Danish school year is divided into two semesters, starting in August and January. From early July to mid-August the students have a summer break. There are also breaks over Christmas and Easter, as well as an Autumn and Winter break in October and February. The holidays are a wonderful opportunity to join your friends and host family’s activities and to see more of Denmark on different excursions.

Your spare time in Denmark

Your spare time in Denmark will depend on your where your host family lives, as well as on your own personal interests. Thanks to the country’s small size and fantastic transportation, you will never be too far away from one of the larger cities or the coast. This will give you the opportunity to have a diverse exchange experience, among calm and beautiful nature as well as vibrant cities with a great coffee house culture.

Denmark’s proximity to the other Scandinavian countries Sweden and Norway, as well as Germany and other attractive parts of Europe, make it a perfect gateway for insight into different European cultures during your exchange.

An active spare time

Most teenagers in Denmark usually take part in sport or physical activity outside of school hours. Football (soccer), handball, cycling, as well as gymnastics, are included among the most popular sports. Youths are encouraged to participate in sports activities, and most cities and towns offer plenty of clubs to engage in.

Since Denmark is a very flat country, cycling is a convenient and popular mean of transportation. The capital Copenhagen is even often considered the most bike-friendly city in the world. Bicycling is a not just a way to get from point A to B, it is also a fantastic way to discover the city you live in.

Staying with a Danish host family

By staying with a Danish host family, you will immerse into the culture and everyday life in Denmark. You will become part of a caring family as well as to practice your language skills every day. It is the best way for a close insight into Danish society.

Life at home

In comparison to teenagers in many cultures, youths in Denmark are highly independent. As an exchange student, you are expected to be able to take good care of yourself, your studies, and to keep your room tidy, without supervision from your host parents. The rest of the chores in the house are often equally divided among the family members.