| Click here for a definition of this term Class Eligibility: | Freshman, Junior, Pre-Junior, Senior, Sophomore | Type of Program: | Intensive Course Abroad |
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Across the globe, the national-level responses recent opioid epidemic has varied significantly. In Denmark, these policies have been strongly informed by the strengths- and limitations- of the modern welfare state. This 10-day international experiential learning program will explore the research, policies and practices surrounding the addiction in Denmark. Students will (subject to potential limits on social interaction) have the opportunity to participate in site visits with leaders and practitioners in each domain to learn, first-hand, what the Danish responses were and how these systems were impacted.
While in Denmark, students will focus on understanding current harm reduction policies, including visiting a safe injection site in downtown Copenhagen. While well established in several countries in Western Europe, Canada and Australia, facilities of this nature have been controversial in the United States. Philadelphia’s efforts to open the first official site in the U.S. is still in active litigation and its future is unclear. Other visits, including with local law enforcement and research foundations, will serve to contextualize this experience. Additional group activities will focus on better understanding the cultural, political, and gastronomical climate in Copenhagen today.
Watch Denmark ICA student interview CoAS Dean and share experience about this program
By participating in this program, students will be able to:
• Be able to describe the modern Scandinavian welfare state
• Understand historical and cultural factors that shape the harm reduction policies
• Distinguish and apply relevant theories and purposes within these systems
• Compare and contrast these systems to the American/ domestic approach to addiction
• Critically consider emerging issues within the Danish response to addiction
• Appreciate Scandinavian culture
First Year Students are eligible to apply for this program!
Credit/Registration: Students accepted to this program will be automatically registered for CJS T380 or PBHL T380 Addiction, Public Health and Harm Reduction 3 credits for winter term. Students must leave room for the 3 credits in their credit load or will have to pay for exceeding the 20 credit maximum.
Pre-Trave Requirements: There will be one mandatory, preparatory class meetings during fall term.
Instructor: Jordan Hyatt, JD PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Criminology and Justice Studies
Arrival: December 11, 2025 (depart US Dec. 10th)
Departure: December 20, 2025
Tentative Itinerary Overview
| Dec. 11 | Arrival, Orientation, and Copenhagen city tour |
| Dec. 12 | Introduction to Harm Reduction: Lectures on the fundamental principles and emerging research |
| Dec. 13 | Giving Back: Service project in the Vesterbro neighborhood |
| Dec. 14 | Danish Culture and Context I: Visits to museums, cultural institutions, and other highlights |
| Dec. 15 | What is the Welfare State?: Lectures on the history and nature of the Danish approach to social welfare at a research institute Legal Advocacy: Visit with a legal aid group working with vulnerable people in Copenhagen |
| Dec. 16 | Harm Reduction I: Site visit to a drug consumption room and/or treatment facility Community Perspectives: Conversation with advocates and journalists about public perception of drug policy and harm reduction |
| Dec. 17 | Law Enforcement: Meeting with police in Vesterbro Social Support Systems: Site visit to a peer-led NGO focused on issues of addiction, health, and well-being |
| Dec. 18 | Harm Reduction II: Site visit to a drug consumption room and/or treatment facility Harm Reduction III: Site visit to a drug consumption room and/or treatment facility |
| Dec. 19 | Lived Experience in Vesterbro: Conversations with people with lived experience with addiction and harm reduction Danish Culture and Context II: Visits to museums, cultural institutions, and other highlights |
| Dec. 20 | Return home |
Due September 30th $500 Advance Payment
Due November 1st $1,990 Final Payment
All payments are non-refundable unless declined admission or program cancels for unforeseen reasons.
Included in Program Fee:
Not Included in Program Fee (estimates):
| Term | Year | App Deadline | Decision Date | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | 2026 | 09/30/2025 | 10/14/2025 | 12/11/2025 | 12/20/2025 |