- Take public transportation to Danhostel
- M2 metro, 5C bus
- Google Maps is your friend!
- Copenhagen Card - Discover
- Consider getting the Copenhagen Card
- Covers transit to/from airport
- Can be purchased prior to arrival
- Includes numerous activities and sites in Copenhagen
Think big. Think new. Think GREEN.
Engaging in Grand Engineering Challenges Across Cultures
Engaging in Grand Engineering Challenges Across Cultures (ENCE489J) & The Green Challenge! The Green Challenge is an educational initiative at the Technical University of Denmark, developed to ensure that future engineers integrate aspects of sustainability, climate technology, and the environment in their work.
The program consists of:
1. A Spring semester course in College Park, MD, which is a unique globally focused design course (ENCE489J). The class will meet from 9:30-10:45 am on Tuesdays/Thursdays in Spring 2026.
2. A week long global engineering and sustainability competition in June in Copenhagen, Denmark. University of Maryland students won 1st place in the 2024 competition!
2026 Applications Open: September 2
UMD students apply here, while non-UMD incoming exchange students apply here.
2026 Priority Application Deadline: November 20
Spots are limited. All applications will be reviewed and students will be notified of their status following this date.
If there are still remaining spots available after the priority deadline, new applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Program Highlights:
- Semester-long engineering design course (ENCE489J)
- Intercultural engagement both on-campus and abroad
- Students with demonstrated financial need can apply for support towards their travel expenses (flight and ground transportation)
- For all attendees, the following costs will be covered:
- Welcome dinner & some other group meals
- Hostel accommodation
- Cultural and technical site visits
- Participation in the Green Challenge @ DTU
- CISI International Health Insurance
- Out of pocket student expenses (without financial aid) are estimated to be $1000-$1800 for flights and miscellaneous expenses while traveling. More details are found on the Finances & Life in Denmark page
Academics:
Fulfills the following degree requirements:
- BIOE: Breadth Elective
- ENCE: In-Major Technical Elective
- ENEE: General Technical Elective (EE) or Cat F Elective (CE)
- ENFP: Technical Elective
- ENME: Out-of-Major Technical Elective
- Other majors: Discuss with your advisor
- STEP Minor: Elective
Eligibilty:
Applicants must be undergraduate Junior and Senior (>60 credits) Engineering students or non-UMD incoming exchange students. To be eligible, you must be in good academic standing and willing to participate in the Green Challenge in Denmark in June.
About DTU
In 1829, when Hans Christian Ørsted founded what became the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), he created an eloquent response to an important need in society: to make use of scientific progress in the service of society by applying technology. DTU has applied this fundamental idea for the past 185 years. Based on intensive efforts in research, innovation and the transfer of knowledge, DTU has contributed to Denmark achieving a leading position within such diverse fields as design, wind energy, biotechnology, electronics and telecommunication.
DTU is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world. DTU provides education, research and innovation at a high international level. Furthermore, DTU has strived since 1829 to build sustainable bridges between academia and industry. In 2005, DTU manifested this by such accomplishments as concluding 350 partnership agreements with companies. The internationalization of DTU also continues with more than one fifth of DTU's scientific staff being recruited from outside Denmark and with an increasing number of international students.
The special Scandinavian way pervades life at DTU. Students and teachers work more informally than at most other Universities. Education is largely based on the students' active participation and taking independent responsibility. Students learn to work individually and in groups. They also learn to ask questions, be innovative and to find and explore interrelationships. Thus, they are trained to create new value.
The exchange program at the Technical University of Denmark will provide interested engineering students with the opportunity to build on their knowledge in the field of engineering and at the same time introduce them to new cultures and lifestyles. Participants will spend one semester or one year of study in Lyngby, Denmark at DTU. Students who have interest in European cultures are suggested to apply for this program.
Key Dates
Key Dates
| November 20 |
Priority Application Deadline: UMD students apply here, while non-UMD incoming exchange students apply here. |
| December - January |
Accepted students will register for a 3-credit design course, ENCE489J, housed in Civil Engineering. |
| Spring Semester |
3-credit project-based ENCE course - Students will form teams |
| 6/20 |
Estimated departure from home country. Please note that the travel dates are tentative and are subject to change. |
| 6/21 |
Arrive in Copenhagen |
|
Week of 6/22 |
Take part in various excursions and activities exploring sustainable engineering practices in Denmark! |
|
6/26 |
Participants will take part in the Green Challenge program and conference. The experience culminates in the project presentations and competition where you will have an opportunity to showcase your project. Prizes will be awarded to the top teams. |
| 6/27 | Estimated departure date. Please note that the travel dates are tentative and are subject to change. |
| June, July AND/OR August (Optional) | UMD students could apply to take part in the DTU Summer University terms and complete up to 3 engineering courses in Denmark (Details coming soon!) |
Learn more about the Green Global Challenge
Health & Safety
What is CISI?
All UMD study abroad students have CISI International Insurance
You have an account with both CISI and AXA
Medical Assistance and referrals - contact AXA via phone or email
AXA can make appointments and assist with medication (including before the term begins)
For more info, visit http://www.culturalinsurance.com/umd
112
112 is the European emergency number.
This is the number in Denmark and also works in all EU countries.
Finances and Life in Denmark
Students with demonstrated financial need can apply for financial support towards travel expenses (flight and ground transportation). Please indicate this in your application and email experientialengr@umd.edu with questions.
Expenses Covered by UMD
- Welcome dinner & some other group meals
- Hostel accommodation
- Cultural and technical site visits
- Participation in the Green Challenge @ DTU
- CISI International Health Insurance
Your Estimated Expenses (Covered by Student)
| Expense Type | Amount |
| Flights | $700-$1000 |
| Miscellaneous (some meals, ground transportation to/from your flights, any miscellaneous spending/shopping the student chooses to do) | $300-$800 |
| TOTAL: | $1000-$1800 |
ATMS
- Generally the best exchange rate
- Some banks allow ATM transactions w/out fees
- Select DKK to avoid transaction fees
Credit Cards
- Students should consider obtaining a credit card that doesn’t have international transaction fees
- Select DKK at credit card terminals to avoid 3-5% markup (referred to as dynamic currency)
- Some establishments across Europe have 1-2% markup when paying by credit card vs cash.
CopenHill: A real Architectural marvel worth seeing - has a ski slope, climbing wall, and cafe.
National Museum of Denmark: Located in the 18th-century Prince's Palace, exhibits stretch back in time to the Stone Age and Viking Age.
Botanical Garden: Green Oasis in the center of Denmark's Capital.
Bike on Copenhagen's New Bridges: Ride along the bicycle bridges, with a great view of the harbor.
Nyhavn: The most iconic landmark in Copenhagen.
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