Study Abroad in Scandinavia (DIS Copenhagen) Summer

Academic Program

DIS courses bring you outside the classroom with Field Studies—exploring the city, meeting experts, and gaining firsthand insights into your course topics.

FORMAT

DIS Summer Programs have a wide range of offerings through sessions, labs, and special programs. Learn more about these DIS Summer programs HERE.

1. Session(s)
   1. DIS offers three sessions every summer, and students will take ONE COURSE PER SESSION for three weeks for a total of 3 credits (each session)
   2. You are welcome to apply to one, two, or all three sessions for the program!
      1. If you study for at least two sessions, you are welcome to take one session in Copenhagen and one session in Stockholm (or vice versa). Just let your UAlbany study abroad advisor know!
   3. Session 2 courses include a week-long Study Tour
   4. It is recommended to have at least 2 course options per session in the case that one of your options is full at the time of application.
2. Labs
   1. Learn more about the different lab offerings available through DIS HERE.
   2. Labs are generally 6 weeks-long for a total of 6 credits.
3. Special Programs
   1. There are currently three special programs offered through DIS. Learn more about each of them by following the links below:
      1. Architecture & Design Session
      2. Furniture Design Session
      3. Arctic Experiential Studies: Greenland

**Since DIS is a national study abroad provider, it is recommended to complete your application early in the application process in order to increase your chances of getting into your preferred summer courses. DIS runs on a “first-come, first-serve” basis, so if you apply late, you may not get into your preferred class(es).**
 

COURSE SEARCH

Please search through the DIS Summer Course Finder to see which classes could work for you!
Do your research, select the courses of interest, and keep an eye on which sessions they are offered, and in which city!
 

Course equivalency information for UAlbany Students

Credits earned on this program may be approved to satisfy the World History/International Perspectives or other UAlbany General Education requirements, if you earn appropriate credit in these areas and receive approval using the General Education Substitution Request form found here: General Education Waivers, Substitutions & Appeals | University at Albany. 

Courses may also satisfy major and minor requirements, with approval by the associated academic department(s). You may file a request to have additional courses approved for equivalency as necessary. 

All courses successfully completed through this program abroad that are not assigned a specific UAlbany course equivalency will at least count as UAlbany General Elective credits. Credits and grades will appear on your UAlbany transcript.

Your Instructors

You will have professors and instructors from a variety of backgrounds.  Learn about each of them online here.

Housing

DIS guarantees housing for you! Depending on which locations and sessions you are studying. The following is included in your summer housing:
 

Housing inclusions

• Furnished room with towels, blanket, pillow, and bed linen
• Furnished kitchen/kitchenette (with equipment, dishes, and utensils) individually or shared with a roommate or with a floor/building
• Private or shared bathroom facilities
• Laundry facilities
• Internet access
• Local transportation coverage.
  • DIS Copenhagen: Covers commute between DIS and your housing, if you are not within walking distance to DIS
• A Community Advisor that assists you in building healthy living communities and helps with the practicalities of life in Scandinavia
• Support from the DIS Housing team

More information and details about housing can be found online.

Meals

There are many places to eat in Copenhagen. You will also have a kitchen to cook your own meals. No meal plan is provided. However, some meals will be included on study tours by DIS.   

Estimate of Costs

Please review the correct cost estimate for the program:
Study for One Session
Study for Multiple Sessions

More Information

Click for more information on Program Costs and Financial Aid.
Remember to speak with the Office of Financial Aid at your home campus to determine how your aid package could apply towards your program abroad.
Please review the correct cost estimate for the program:

Eligibility Requirements

DIS’s Summer program is open to all SUNY students. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply. You must have completed a minimum of 3 semesters of college-level coursework to apply. Applications are welcome from students in all majors.

Experiential Learning

All DIS Sessions include interactive, hands-on experiences that turn Stockholm or Copenhagen into your classroom and lab. You can read more about the DIS academic model HERE.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Make a point during your summer abroad to meet locals, exchange perspectives, and gain a sense of intercultural understanding. You can take part in DIS Community Engagement opportunities to get the most out of your time abroad!

Funding Opportunities

DIS offers automatic scholarships for SUNY students! This is reflected in the estimate of costs.
DIS scholarships can be found at this link.

Most financial aid and academic awards will apply to semester programs.
External scholarships, listed on our website, are a good way to partially fund your study abroad experience. In addition, the Center for International Education and Global Strategy offers two scholarship programs for UAlbany students studying abroad on UAlbany or 4-year SUNY programs.
More information on applying to these scholarships is located on the Scholarships web page.

In Their Own Words

Get a glimpse into the lives of DIS students studying abroad in Scandinavia. Read about their study tours, courses, discovery of Stockholm and Copenhagen, and reflections on the local culture.

About the City

Why study abroad in Copenhagen during the summer?

Study in the Heart of Copenhagen

Walk to class down cobblestone streets past squares lined with cafés, castles, public gardens, and twisting spires dotting the skyline.

Explore the New Nordic Wave

Copenhagen is at the forefront of the New Nordic wave, currently reinventing the aesthetics of urban design, architecture, and food. Dive into canals from the harbor baths, and commute to class on the 390 km of bike lanes!

Build Your Network in a Capital City

Copenhagen is the hub for politics, business, design, and research sectors in Denmark — perfect for field studies that take you out of the classroom to meet local experts.

So Much to Do in 18 Hours of Daylight

Look out for the Roskilde Music Festival, Fashion Week, the open-air electronica festival, midsummer bonfires celebrating Sankthansaften, the Jazz Festival, and the Pride Parade…to name a few!

Happiness and Hygge

Denmark has often been rated the happiest nation in the world according to the UN’s World Happiness Report. Explore the Danish concept of hygge — sharing cozy moments with new friends.

Travel Documents

A valid passport is required to participate in this program. US Citizens will likely not require a visa for this program. If a visa is needed in your case, DIS assists with the legal residence process.

Program Dates

SUMMER 2026
Session 1: May 26 to June 17
Session 2: June 22 to July 10
Session 3: July 13 to August 1
Review the full DIS calendar online. Your dates depend on which session you select and if you select multiple sessions. 

Application Availability

Applications become available online one semester before the program start date, based on the following timeline:

• Summer programs: late December/early January

About the Program

Why Study Abroad at DIS this summer?
DIS is a non-profit study abroad foundation established in Denmark in 1959, with locations in Copenhagen and Stockholm. DIS provides semester, academic year, and summer programs taught in English, and offers high-impact learning experiences for upper-division undergraduate students from distinguished North American colleges and universities. The intellectually challenging curriculum is broad, cutting edge, and enriched by experiential learning components, including faculty-led study tours across Europe. It provides students with opportunities for meaningful cultural engagement and personal growth, which is further enriched through housing and extracurricular offerings.

Program Orientations

Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this time, you will have the opportunity to meet other program participants, discuss in-depth the details of your program, and prepare for the overall education abroad experience. The summer and fall semester pre-departure orientation will be conducted in April/May, and in late November/early December for the spring term abroad.
Upon arrival at DIS, you will attend a mandatory program orientation. This is an important and informative set of sessions organized by the International Office of your host university.

Support Services

UAlbany’s Office of Education Abroad staff assists you during the application process, in your preparation to travel abroad, and on-site if necessary.
DIS’s staff serve as an experienced resource for resolving issues that you may encounter while abroad.