Program Overview

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In 2024, Denmark ranked as the second happiest country in the world. The happiness of a country is determined by research that evaluates economic policies, social supports, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. The HONR 300: Honors Seminar in Global Learning course and study abroad experience will focus on the culture and policies that promote the health and wellbeing of those who live in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Thriving Together is at the heart of why Denmark enjoys its status as one of the world’s happiest countries. They value belonging, work life balance, trust in their government and institutions, sustainability and environmental awareness, cultural traditions and celebrations, and life-long learning. These elements come together to promote the wellbeing and happiness of Danish citizens.

From day-to-day, individuals make choices about their health and wellbeing. How easy or difficult it is to make those choices often depends on social and environmental factors. Students will have the opportunity to explore wellbeing, cross-culturally, at the population level by examining how people living in communities respond to changing social and economic forces through decision-making that positively impacts their health.

To understand the “The Danish Happiness Blueprint” we will go on an historical, cultural, and social journey of Danish health, wellbeing, and happiness to accomplish the following academic, cultural, and personal growth goals, including:
ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS of the program include meeting with local experts, professors, and changemakers at the Happiness Research Institute and Danish Center for Social Sciences Research. Student will also visit the Danish Happiness Museum and enjoy dinner at Fokhoset Absalon, a community space where locals and others come together for the purpose of intentionally creating community and strengthening social bonds.
CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS of the program include a Danish Hygge and Happiness tour with a local.  The trip will also feature a visit to Superkilen park, a canal cruise from Nyhavn, and a food tour to learn about and taste the best of Danish cuisine. Lastly, we will learn about the unique characteristics of the neighborhoods of Copenhagen by exploring what it is like to live and work in these unique communities.
RECREATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS of the program include visits to Rosenborg Castle, a fun day at Tivoli Gardens, a trip to the Viking Museum, and time to explore the city.

Student participants must be enrolled Honors Seminar in Global Learning (HONR 300) during the Spring 2025 semester. 

****While financial aid could be used to cover your costs, it may reduce your refund or you may need to borrow to cover these additional costs.  Financial Aid eligibility cannot be guaranteed.****
 
Applicants are responsible for meeting with Financial Aid Office to discuss financial aid eligibility and options.  They can be reached at 724-738-2044 or financial.aid@sru.edu.  You can also book a phone appointment or zoom meeting at: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/SRUFinancialAidCounseling@sru.edu/bookings/

Further information is available from the individual faculty leaders below as well as the Office for Global Engagement located in Spotts World Culture Building-Room 002C.

Faculty Leader Information

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Dr. Jennifer Willford
Honor's Program Director/Psychology
309F Vincent Science Center
jennifer.willford@sru.edu 

Dr. Nitin Sukhija
Honor's Program Assistant Director/Computer Science
252 Adv Tech and Science Hall
nitin.sukhija@sru.edu

Program Timeline

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Costs

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A non-refundable application fee of $100.00 will be paid at the time of application. The application fee is a $100.00 non-refundable administrative fee to cover wire transfer fees as well as currency fluctuations. 

Students in this program must be enrolled Honors Seminar in Global Learning (HONR 300) during the Spring 2025 semester. 

 Applicants are responsible for meeting with Financial Aid Office to discuss financial aid options.  They can be reached at 724-738-2044 or financial.aid@sru.edu.  You can also book a phone appointment or zoom meeting at: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/SRUFinancialAidCounseling@sru.edu/bookings/

****Please note: While financial aid could be used to cover your costs, it may reduce your refund or you may need to borrow to cover these additional costs.  Financial Aid eligibility cannot be guaranteed.****
 
Estimated Costs: $2,865.00 (estimated cost-final cost will be confirmed in December and at the time of billing)
Cost includes:
International airfare
Most program activities/site visits and excursions
Shared accommodations in a hotel
Most breakfasts except on air travel days
In-country transportation to all program sponsored activities

Not included in the program cost above:
Basic international travel insurance-estimated at $16 per week of travel
Any baggage fees charged by the airlines-estimated at $50-$75.00 per checked in bag
Personal spending money-we recommend an estimated $700.00 in personal spending money to cover meals beyond breakfasts and incidentals including personal shopping. This estimate is determined by previous student reports of personal spending and may vary by participant.
Vaccine/Health related expenses 

Health and Safety

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For general safety and security information for students abroad visit U.S. Students Abroad. 
For information regarding vaccines and medicines visit the CDC. **Vaccines are the financial responsibility of the program participants and not covered in the above costs.
To learn more about international travel in this country, click here.