Arrival and Orientation (Semester)

When you arrive for your semester in Denmark, we believe it’s important for you to get an immediate feel for your new home and surroundings. From greeting you at the airport to orienting you to DIS, Copenhagen, and the local culture, we spend several days between your arrival day and the first day of classes to make sure you are empowered to make the most of your semester.

Arrival Day

DIS staff greet you at the Copenhagen Airport on the official start date of your program, and you are transported to your housing. The rest of your weekend is spent in your new home, where you get settled, become oriented in your surroundings, familiarize yourself with the Arrival Workshop itinerary, and conclude the day with a welcome dinner with your hosts or people in your housing.

Arrival Workshop

To help you make a smooth transition, DIS holds a mandatory multi-day Arrival Workshop during your first week that prepares you to navigate cross-cultural experiences, get a sense of Copenhagen, and meet DIS staff and your classmates. We also guide you through support services and set you up with practical matters such as finding your classroom and getting your residence permit.

Highlights

  • Living Like a Local Talks
    Dive into various topics that give you an introduction to Danish society and culture. Past Living Like a Local Talks have included ‘Diversity in Denmark and Me,’ ‘Sports and Fitness in Copenhagen,’ and ‘LGBTQ Life in Copenhagen.’
  • Housing Session
    Hear how your housing choice can positively contribute to your overall study abroad experience. We discuss various topics of living in and around Copenhagen specific to where you are living, including how to build community within your housing network and with DIS peers, public transportation and bicycle rules of the road, navigating the culture, and support services. This session takes place either in your housing or at DIS.