Internships in Denmark
About
Denmark is a highly sought after place for students who are seeking an internship overseas. It ranks very highly in areas such as health care, human development, education, and prosperity.
Year after year, the country is known to be one of the happiest in the world and has a very high standard of living. It also has a high level of income equality, ranks 21st in the world in terms of GDP per capita, and has the world’s highest minimum wage. As an added bonus, Danish internships must be paid so interns will receive a stipend or a salary while working there!
The country is a leader in many different areas so interns will have endless options when it comes to choosing what sector they want to work in. Internships in Denmark also allow interns to experience life in a Nordic country that is constantly thriving! Interns are initially attracted by the monetary bonus of their internships but end up taking so much more out of their experiences overseas.
Top Industries
Interning in Denmark will offer paid opportunities that are not the norm in other countries. The European Union is one of the world's largest economies in the world (in 2012 it had a 20% share of the global GDP) and Denmark is a part of it! Whether your interest is in engineering or in agriculture, you are sure to find an internship that is a great fit for you!
Agriculture
Internships in this field are open to people who are either just beginning or already have experience. Whether you are interested in food production and gardening or working with animals, there is a place for you. You will be exposed to hands-on practical learning experiences that cover all parts of the agriculture sector.
Engineering
No matter what type of sector you are interested in, there are plenty of engineering internships in Denmark. Since it is a global network, internships are available not only in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering, but also in chemical engineering, civil engineering, and environmental engineering. There is an area for any student who wishes to expand on his or her studies back home!
Planning Your Trip
Where and When to Look for Internships
Internships in Denmark usually occur during the summer months to accommodate students’ schedules. Interns should plan to start their search at least 6-12 months in advance so as to make sure they secure a position in a place they want, as well as when they want.
Internships can last from a few weeks up to a few months and even longer if one prefers. Since these are paid, interns will typically work 25 or more hours per week. Most internships are located in the capital city of Copenhagen which is home to 2 million people.
In addition to having many international companies and organizations, Copenhagen is also a great location to spend your free time. There are many museums, festivals, and concerts that contribute to the high quality of life in Denmark. If you prefer to be in a quieter, less populated area, then Silkeborg may be the spot for you. Located in the west of the country, it is known for its beautiful and scenic outdoors and related industries.
Work Culture
As the happiest country in the world, Denmark also boasts a great work culture and work-life balance. It is almost unheard of to work overtime in the evening and on weekends.
As interns are paid, they will be treated with the same kind of respect as regular employees. You will be held to a high standard and expected to perform at your very best while you are on the job. Danes are also very kind and open to other cultures, so they will most likely take an interest in you as a person, and not just as a staff member.
Work and Labor Laws
If you are planning to be in Denmark for less than three months you will only need to obtain a visa. If you are staying in Denmark for three months or longer, you will have to apply for a residence permit as well as a work permit.
To be eligible to receive residence and work permits, interns must meet certain requirements. They should be between the ages of 18 and 35 years old, prove that they can afford to live in Denmark, have had completed a bachelor's degree or be in the process of doing so, and prove that their internships are related to their education.
Costs & Funding
According to government requirements, interns in Denmark must make at a minimum around $880 per month (equal to the Danish student grant amount). While living in Denmark is not cheap, it is certainly affordable since you will be making money while interning.
According to Numbeo, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can range from $12 to $23 so you may want to think twice before going out to eat dinner every night! Buying your own groceries and making your own food will be a lot cheaper and save you money in the long run.
