Denmark : Work experience

Work placements and internships

The Arbejdsgivernes Elev-og Praktikpladsforum (AEP) website offers advice and information on obtaining work placements in Denmark.

Placements can also be arranged through organisations in the UK such as the AIESEC (Association Internationale des Etudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales); the IAESTE (The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience); and the International Voluntary Service (IVS) in Britain.

It may also be a good idea to send speculative applications to relevant companies asking for work placements. Details on where to find lists of companies can be found in job market.

Exchange programmes

The Erasmus programme gives students studying at UK universities the opportunity to spend between three and twelve months either studying at a university or training at a job in Denmark or another EU/EEA country. A growing number of Erasmus placements in Denmark take place in English. Successful applicants receive a subsistence grant to help towards travel and accommodation costs. The Erasmus programme also funds Erasmus Intensive Language Courses (EILC) in Denmark. This gives you the opportunity to study Danish for three to eight weeks at the host university before starting your exchange.

The Leonardo da Vinci Programme offers exchange opportunities for students to carry out work placements in another European country. Like the Erasmus exchange, it is organised through registered universities or colleges, and placements are an integral part of a final university qualification. The European Commission provides additional funding to cover costs such as travel.

Teaching schemes

You can learn about opportunities to teach in Denmark by going to the Cirius website.

Volunteering

Volunteer opportunities in Denmark can be found on the Volunteer Abroad website.

Casual work

There may be opportunities for seasonal or summer work in hotels, restaurants, and pubs in Copenhagen and other main cities. Some knowledge of Danish may be required.

Short-term opportunities

One of the main British camping agencies operating in Denmark is Eurocamp. It is preferred that you can speak another European language well, as the job involves welcoming and interacting with a range of visiting nationalities. Employees must be over 18. For employment details see Holiday Break Jobs.

Additionally, Denmark has a large agricultural industry which employs casual labourers. The main fruit harvests (tomatoes, apples, cherries, and strawberries) are between July and September.

Gap year opportunities

A number of au pair agencies operate throughout Europe or have associated agencies abroad that can help you find au pairing vacancies. Try Childcare International and Au Pairs by Avalon for more information and au pair vacancies. Placements range in length. Although you are often required to stay for a year, Childcare International can offer some two to six month stays. To become an au pair in Europe you must be aged between 18 and 27.

Other information on casual, short-term and gap-year opportunities can be found on at The Backpacking Site and Europa - Volunteer Exchanges. See gap year for more general advice.