What is it?

Destination DK is a two week long pre-semester language and culture course held every August.

The aim of the course is to provide participants with sufficient Danish language skills to communicate with fellow students and cope with everyday life in Aarhus. However, the course will not give the participant enough knowledge of Danish to match an academic working level.

The course consists of language lessons in the morning and cultural arrangements of various sorts in the afternoon. The lectures and excursions will give you a sense of the city and the political, social and cultural life in Denmark.

Many former students have emphasised that Destination DK was a great way to meet other students and get a good start to their stay in Aarhus.

Language class

You will be given a test on the first day of the course to assess your level of Danish. This test will allow you to be placed in the class that is most suited for you. Classes are composed of approximately 15 students.

Language instruction will primarily be given in Danish, but English is used as needed. The content focuses on both written and spoken Danish through individual and group exercises as well as presentations, movies, role playing and songs. Course materials will be distributed to you at the beginning of the first language class.

You are responsible for your own progress in the language class. One to two hours of homework will be assigned every day.  You must be prepared to attend all classes punctually. These classes are intended for individuals who are motivated to learn the Danish language.

Activities

A number of afternoon events take place every week to expose you to Danish history and culture. These include lectures on a variety of topics, such as Danish politics, Greenland and the tradition of Danish design. The lectures are given by members of the University's academic staff as well as guest lecturers.

You will also participate in guided tours of some of the city's museums and main sites of interests. These can vary from a visit to Aarhus' living and breathing old town, Den Gamle By, or the architecturally and artistically famous art museum, ARoS, to a guided tour of the different areas and sites in Aarhus.

Further activities include a city safari, movie nights and parties. You will also be introduced to the activities offered by the Studenterhus Århus, which vary from cooking classes to trips around Denmark.

ECTS certification

A course certificate will be issued to students who have participated in at least 85% of the language training. Participation is determined by attendance taken at each session.

Students who qualify for this course certificate will receive 3 ECTS credits. You must check with your home university as to whether the credits are transferable to your programme of study.

Costs

The course fee is currently 500 DKK.

Who can apply?

Destination DK is offered to international students who have been admitted to study at Aarhus University. However, it is our impression that Swedish and Norwegian students do not benefit sufficiently from participating due to the similarity of the languages.

How to apply?

Exchange students

You sign up for Destination DK through the online application for exchange students.

Other students

Information for full degree international students and guest students on how to apply will be available soon.

Programme Organizers

Destination DK is jointly organized by the International Centre of Aarhus University and the Studenterhus Århus