- 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 Global Green Challenge! This program is supported by the Office of Global Engineering Leadership to ensure that future engineers integrate aspects of sustainability, climate technology, and the environment in their work.
While this program previously was affiliated with the Technical University of Denmark's Green Challenge, it shifted in 2026 and 2027 due to programmatic changes.
We are excited to share the new program structure below!
Spring Course and Weeklong Summer Program
- Spring: A Spring semester course in College Park, MD, which is a unique globally focused design course (ENCE489J). It will explore sustainable design strategies and discuss issues related to data centers.
- Summer: A week long global engineering and sustainability program in June in Copenhagen, Denmark.
2027 Applications are open now!
Priority Application: November 20
Spots are limited. Apply now:
All applications will be reviewed and students will be notified of their status following the priority application deadline.
If there are still remaining spots available after the priority deadline, new applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Program Highlights
- Learn sustainability design strategies in the US and Denmark. The program will focus on global sustainability issues, including issues related to data centers.
- Receive feedback on designs during UMD on campus Global Green Challenge (Spring) and site visits in Denmark (1 week from June 5-12)
- Visit a Danish company and network with experts
- Meet with Danish university leaders focused on sustainability
- Participate in cultural activities
What’s Covered While Abroad
- Welcome dinner & some other group meals
- Hostel accommodation
- Cultural and technical site visits
- CISI International Health Insurance
Students with demonstrated financial need can apply for support towards their travel expenses (flight and ground transportation)
Additional Expenses
- 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 section below
Academics
ENCE489J 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). Graduating Seniors are eligible and could travel on the program the Summer directly after Graduation.
- Engineering students or non-UMD incoming exchange students in Engineering. Students must have a major or a minor within the Clark School.
- You must be in good academic standing and willing to participate in the global sustainability program in Denmark in June.
Key Dates
| Date | Info |
|---|---|
| November 20 |
Priority Application Deadline. Use the appropriate application: |
| 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 and begin work on their selected projects under the supervision of Dr. Kjellerup. Projects will be designed around UN Sustainable Development Goals. |
| May | On campus Global Green Challenge presentation |
| June 4 |
Estimated departure from home country |
| June 5 |
Arrive in Copenhagen |
|
June 5-12 |
Take part in various excursions and activities exploring sustainable engineering practices in Denmark! This will include site visits, cultural activities, and presentations. |
| June 12 | Estimated departure date |
Pre-Departure Steps
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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