Programme details
| Programme length | Start | End | Price | Age on departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFS year programme (academic year) | July 2010 | June 2011 | $12,800 + visa | 15 - 18.6 |
The notion that good things come in small packages serves very true for Denmark. It makes up for its relatively small population (approximately 5.4 million inhabitants) by having a huge physical presence – its easily recognisable peninsula juts straight into the North Sea, serving as a literal bridge between Scandinavia and continental Europe. A continuous stream of cultures have gone back and forth over this land bridge during the past several centuries and the benefits are evident in today’s Denmark. Today it is made up of modern, cosmopolitan cities, simple, historic architecture influenced by Nordic tradition and fairytale villages of town markets, country churches, and castles.
Denmark, a nation of 406 islands, has less poverty and a narrower disparity between rich and poor than any other country in the European Union. In part, this is because its citizens pay the world’s highest taxes, for which they receive lifelong social security, state-supported medical care and excellent education. Relaxed, tolerant and sophisticated, the Danes welcome all visitors and are avid consumers of world culture. Significantly, Denmark’s publishers produce 12,000 new books a year, an astonishing output for a population of its size.
The Faroe Islands are comprised of a number of small islands north of Scotland, and like Greenland, they have a home-rule system under the Danish Crown. Both Greenland and the Faroe Islands offer a special atmosphere unique to that of small, close-knit communities, and they feature spectacular natural scenery.
Family life
The nuclear family is still the most common lifestyle, but divorce rates are quite high in Denmark and many kids stay with single parents or have stepparents and stepsiblings. Fathers and mothers both usually work away from home, so all family members share the housework.
School life
The school year runs from early August to late June. School runs on Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm. The schedule for all schools includes a one week holiday in mid-October, two weeks for Christmas holiday, one week for a winter break in February and one week for Easter break. Curriculum includes Danish, English, history, physical education, maths, religion, physics, biology, German, French and drama. Some of these are optional, varying from one school to another. Schools in Denmark are co-ed and do not require uniforms. Danish schools and local community organisations offer various activities. These include sports, music, crafts, drama and scouting.
AFS Denmark does not accept vegetarians or smokers.
