In this course, we begin with a focus on prostitution and sex work in Europe as a starting point, then expand to countries globally. Along the way, you will gain insight into historical, cultural, legal, and political aspects of prostitution and examine current and future consequences of the varying national approaches across Europe. You also examine prostitution from different perspectives ranging from that of sex workers, customers, anti-trafficking advocacy groups, law enforcement officials, and politicians.
You only take one Core Course per semester, and each Core Course includes two Study Tours: one Short Study Tour to a nearby destination for three days, and one Long Study Tour to another European country for six days.
Led by your faculty, Study Tours take you into real-world settings where you will apply what you’ve learned outside the classroom.
LL.M Law, University of Copenhagen, 1995. Member of the Danish Bar Association as licensed Advokat since 1998. Member of the Council of Europe Network of Specialised Lawyers & NGOs providing legal assistance to victims of trafficking since 2016. Nominated Expert for GRETA, expert group under The Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, by the Danish Government, Ministry of Justice in 2016-18-20-22 & -24. Member of the board of NGO AmiAmi. Chaired NGO HopeNow for 8 years. Awarded the European Crime Prevention Award (EU) for anti-THB work 2014. With DIS since 2025
Deivida Vandzinskaite
Ph.D. (Education, Siauliai University, Lithuania, 2011), focus on the cross-cultural use of service learning in higher education. M.A. (Social Anthropology and Sociology, Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania, 2006). Lecturer and Senior Research Scholar, Siauliai University, 2007-2013. Visiting scholar at the Danish School of Education, Aarhus University, 2008-2012. Research experience on the national and international level covering topics related to cultural diversity and cross-cultural issues, gender and family studies, global diffusion of educational models, and voluntary participation in Europe. With DIS since 2013.
Long Study Tour
About this tour
This week-long Study Tour is designed to give you a more nuanced understanding of how prostitution reflects and is shaped by gender norms and social hierarchies. Amsterdam is a dynamic city full of culture, natural beauty, and liberal attitudes. A thriving red light district blends effortlessly into the cityscape of tree-lined canals, quaint cafes, and bustling bike lanes. Prostitution is legal in both Denmark and the Netherlands, but the approaches to prostitution are different, and are in stark contrast to the general approach in the U.S. Through meetings with Dutch sex workers and visits to NGOs and the Netherlands’ seat of government, The Hague, you will have plenty of opportunities to learn, ask questions, explore differences, and gain insight into the Dutch perspective toward prostitution and trafficking, as well as challenge your perceptions about prostitution.
The Study Tour program is supplemented with cultural visits to help you learn more about Dutch history and culture, as well as give you a more well-rounded understanding of the communities in which you are studying. In the past, cultural visits have included touring the Anne Frank House, visiting the Van Gogh museum, and enjoying traditional Dutch cuisine.
Learning outcomes
Compare and contrast the societal differences in legalized and criminalized prostitution in the Netherlands, U.S., Denmark, and Sweden
Understand the Dutch approach towards prostitution and trafficking
Gain new insights into the lives of sex workers in Europe
Possible activities
Participate in a guided tour of Amsterdam’s Red Light District by a former Dutch sex worker, including insight into what it is like to sit in ‘a window’ waiting for customers
Visit an NGO in The Hague that works with education on anti-trafficking in schools
Participate in a scavenger hunt of the Jordaan neighborhood
Short Study Tour
About this tour
Core Course Week provides a unique opportunity to apply theories about prostitution and the sex trade to two seemingly similar contexts. Through a two-day seminar in Copenhagen and a three-day study tour in Sweden, you will examine the differences between the Swedish approach to prostitution in which the customer is criminalized, and the legalized status of prostitution in Denmark.
The program is supplemented with cultural visits to help you learn more about Danish and Swedish history and culture to give you a more well-rounded understanding of the communities in which you are studying. In the past, cultural visits have included a visit to the Louisiana Museum, a nature hike, and enjoying traditional food.
Learning outcomes
Compare and contrast Danish and Swedish approaches to prostitution
Expand your understanding of how policies play out in real life
Analyze the advantages and challenges of legalizing vs. criminalizing prostitution
Possible activities
Meeting with social workers and police officers to understand the differences in the legislative and policy approach to prostitution in Denmark and Sweden
Discussing with an anti-trafficking advocacy group regarding the challenges they face
Touring Copenhagen and Malmö to compare prostitution in the physical environment
About this tour
Core Course Week provides a unique opportunity to apply theories about prostitution and the sex trade – and explore reality. Through a two-day seminar in Copenhagen and a three-day study tour to Western Denmark, you will examine the different Nordic approaches to prostitution and sex work. The Swedish approach for example means that the customer is criminalized, whereas in Denmark it is legal to buy and sell sex. During the week, you will also explore the future of sex work/prostitution where technology, ethics, and humanity blends together as we look into the world of sex doll brothels and love/sex dolls as an alternative to human sex work/prostitution.
The program is supplemented with cultural visits to help you learn more about Danish history and culture to give you a more well-rounded understanding of the community in which you are studying. Cultural visits could include a visit to the modern art museum ARoS, the Women’s Museum, and enjoying traditional food.
Learning outcomes
Compare and contrast the different Nordic approaches to prostitution/sex work
Expand your understanding of how policies play out in real life
Analyze the pros and cons in the debate on legalizing, decriminalizing, or criminalizing prostitution/sex work
Possible activities
Meet with stakeholders to understand the differences in the legislative and policy approach to prostitution in Denmark vs. Sweden
Explore the ethics and legalization of the use of sex dolls, and visit a sex doll brothel
Meet with an anti-trafficking advocacy group regarding the challenges they face
