About MIT-Denmark

The MIT-Denmark program brings MIT students, faculty and community members together with Danish innovators in the fields of life science, sustainability, technology, and more. The goal of the program is to increase the collaboration between MIT and Denmark by making connections between Danish companies, research labs, universities and talented MIT students and faculty, bringing valuable benefits to each party involved.

MIT students interning in Denmark report that their experiences have opened their eyes not only to hands-on experience in their field of interest, but to a new way of thinking about work and life. There are opportunities for students across courses of study, particularly for those interested in the fields of biotechnology, energy, computer science and AI.

Explore Scandinavia

In addition to MIT-Denmark, MISTI also works with hosts and organizations in Sweden and Norway for internships, Global Teaching Labs, study abroad and other exciting opportunities. More information is available in the Program Opportunities section below.

Program Opportunities

Denmark Internships

MISTI’s award-winning international internship program provides a one-of-a-kind, world-class experience for MIT students: the opportunity to gain real-life work experience in leading companies and labs around the world. Best of all, all expenses are paid.

Denmark is internationally recognized for its leadership in industry and research in the fields of biotech, pharmaceuticals, IT, design, sustainability and more. Internships at companies, labs, startups and other organizations in Denmark are available for 10-14 weeks over the summer, and for longer periods during the semester for graduated and leave of absence students.

MISTI MIT-Denmark Internships are supported by our partner, the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

  • Minimum GPA of 4.0
  • Recommendation letter from an MIT faculty member
  • A UROP or other relevant professional experience
  • A culture course is strongly encouraged
  • Informational meetings are available year-round. Contact program manager to schedule.
  • Complete the MISTI Launchpad Application and schedule an interview with the Country Program Manager– By December 1st
  • Interview  – November to January (as soon as MISTI Launchpad Application is complete)
  • Confirm whether you are interested in moving forward with MIT-Denmark and/or Scandinavia to the Program Manager – By December 31st (rolling thereafter, depending on opportunities)
  • Once approved, complete the County-Specific Application – Deadline set by MIT-Denmark Manager, typically within 2 weeks of acceptance. Country Program Manager begins to explore potential hosts once complete.
  • Internship matching process – January to March
  • Mandatory Pre-Departure Sessions – March to May

How to Apply

 

MIT Courses:

  • 17.156 Welfare and Capitalism in Western Europe (highly recommended, taught by MIT-Denmark faculty director, Kathleen Thelen)
  • 17.561 West European Politics (highly recommended, taught by MIT-Denmark faculty director, Kathleen Thelen)
  • 5.372 Chemistry of Renewable Energy
  • 1.020 Engineering Sustainability: Analysis and Design
  • 11.169 Global Climate Policy and Sustainability
  • 11.188 Urban Planning and Social Science Laboratory
  • 11.376 Urban Sustainability in Action
  • 11.377 Food Systems and the Environment
  • 11.436 Housing Studio: Neighborhood Sustainability Plan
  • 11.543[J] Transportation Policy, the Environment, and Livable Communities
  • 12.12 Nature's Sandbox: The History of Ancient Environments, Climate, and Life
  • 12.845[J] Sustainability Science and Engineering
  • 14.43[J] Economics of Energy, Innovation, and Sustainability
  • 15.385 Innovating for Impact
  • 15.795 Behavioral Decision Theories and Applications
  • 15.913 Strategies for Sustainable Business
  • 17.181 Sustainability: Political Economy, Science, and Policy
  • 21G.019 Communicating Across Cultures
  • 21H.238 The Vikings

Online options:

  • Denmark is consistently in the top 3 for the world's happiest country 
  • 9 out of 10 companies in Denmark do sustainable business
  • Best work/life balance among OECD countries
  • Named easiest place for business in Europe in 2019
  • Ranked among the world’s most innovative countries
  • Among the top three countries on the Quality of Life index

 

Novo Nordisk Foundation Logo

Scandinavia Internships

Students have the option to intern in Denmark, Sweden or Norway through the MISTI program, with all the same great perks – the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution in a company or research lab, connect with international professionals, and immerse in a new culture and way of thinking. All internships are cost-neutral, with students receiving a stipend to cover travel and living expenses.

In Norway, students can work with global leaders particularly in the fields of energy and technology, surrounded by Norway’s stunning natural beauty. In Sweden, students can experience the country’s rich cultural history while working with life science and data science topics.

  • Minimum GPA of 4.0
  • Recommendation letter from an MIT faculty member
  • A UROP or other relevant professional experience
  • Informational meetings are available year-round. Contact program manager to schedule.
  • Complete the MISTI Launchpad Application – By December 1st, rolling thereafter (dependent on opportunities)
  • Interview with Country Program Manager – November to January (as soon as MISTI Launchpad Application is complete)
  • Select MIT-Denmark as your top choice in the MISTI Launchpad Application– By January 15th (rolling thereafter, depending on opportunities)
    • Note: You should select MIT-Denmark even if you are most interested in Norway or Sweden, you'll have the opportunity to discuss all three countries when you meet with the Program Manager
  • Once approved, complete the County-Specific Application – Typically within 2 weeks of acceptance. Country Program Manager begins to explore potential hosts once complete.
  • Internship matching process – January to March
  • Mandatory Pre-Departure Sessions – Late March to Early May

How to Apply

Global Teaching Labs

Learn through teaching. GTL challenges MIT students to synthesize and present what they know, work in a team, and communicate with peers of a different cultural background, all while sharing MIT's unique approach to science and engineering education with high school students around the world. GTLs are often thematic and offered in several country options per IAP.

Teach in Norway

Experience Norway over IAP. In this program, MIT students teach entrepreneurship, programming and STEM subjects to high-school students in an immersive and hands-on experience. 

  • Minimum GPA of 4.0
  • Mandatory pre-departure preparation
  • Sophomores or above
  • Students should have some prior teaching, TAing, tutoring or mentoring experience
  • September 19: Application due. Students interested in Norway are encouraged to select it as their top choice, as spots are limited.
  • October: Pre-selected students are invited to interview shortly.
  • November - December: Students selected to participate will attend pre-departure trainings.
  • January : Most GTL programs take place during the last three weeks.
  • February: Students attend a mandatory re-entry session upon return.
  • Math and Physics
  • Computer Science and Programming (Python)
  • Earth and Climate Sciences
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Product design and 3D printing experience helpful)

Review application requirements and learn how to apply, here.

DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia

Study abroad with DIS to take academically challenging courses in English and pursue a dream summer. Students can choose to study in Copenhagen, Denmark or Stockholm, Sweden with cultural and hands-on learning inside and outside the classroom.

Learn more

To review programs, locations, requirements and term options, visit MISTI's DIS webpage.

  • Study Abroad Application
  • Interview
  • Minimum GPA of 4.0
  • Mandatory Pre-departure Preparation
  1. Apply directly to DIS by their program deadline. (Their deadline may be earlier than the MISTI deadline.) 
  2. Apply to MISTI for MIT approval to study abroad before the deadline for the term you wish to study. Go to the MISTI Portal to apply.
  3. MISTI will be in touch regarding an interview with the applicable Program Manager.

Financial Aid:

Financial aid can be used to study abroad during academic terms. Awards will be adjusted based on expenses such as airfare, living expenses, and local tuition costs. Students should meet with their financial aid counselor and a MISTI Program Manager at least one term before they go abroad to start planning how aid will be affected. MISTI and Student Financial Services will work together to gather and verify cost information . Based on this information, financial aid counselors will advise students on their adjusted financial aid packages and process any refunds accordingly.

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"Working with MISTI interns is unlike any professional experience I have ever encountered." - Internship supervisor, 2020

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Reach out to Madeline Smith, Managing Director for MIT-Denmark and Scandinavia, to have your questions answered.