About MISTI Denmark
The MISTI Denmark program brings MIT students together with Danish innovators in the fields of life science, sustainability, technology, and more. The goal is to increase the collaboration between MIT and Denmark by making connections between Danish companies, research labs, universities, and talented MIT students, 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.
MISTI Denmark is part of MIT-Scandinavia, and MISTI also works with hosts and organizations in Sweden and Norway for internships, Global Teaching Labs, study abroad, and other exciting opportunities.
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 – By December 1st, rolling thereafter (dependent on opportunities)
- Select MIT-Scandinavia as one of your top choices in the MISTI Launchpad Application
- Note: You should select MIT-Scandinavia even if you are most interested in Denmark, and you'll have the opportunity to discuss Denmark as well as Norway and Sweden when you meet with the Program Manager
- Select MIT-Scandinavia as one of your top choices in the MISTI Launchpad Application
- Interview with Country Program Manager – November to January (as soon as MISTI Launchpad Application is complete)
- Internship matching process – December to February
- Mandatory Pre-Departure Sessions – Late March to Early May
MIT Courses:
- 17.154 Varieties of Capitalism and Social Inequality*
- 17.156 Welfare and Capitalism in Western Europe*
- 17.561 European Politics*
- 11.169 Global Climate Policy and Sustainability
- 11.377 Food Systems and the Environment
- 12.12 Nature's Sandbox: The History of Ancient Environments, Climate, and Life
- 14.42 Environmental Policy and Economics
- 15.385 Innovating for Impact
- 15.913 Strategies for Sustainable Business
- 17.181 Sustainability: Political Economy, Science, and Policy
- 17.315 Health Policy
- 21A.00 Introduction to Anthropology: Comparing Human Cultures
- 21A.01 How Culture Works
- 21A.404 Living Through Climate Change
- 21G.019 Communicating Across Cultures
- 21H.238 The Vikings
Online options:
- https://www.coursera.org/learn/new-nordic-diet
- https://www.coursera.org/learn/wind-energy
- https://www.coursera.org/learn/kierkegaard
*Highly recommended
- 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

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
Currently, there are no Global Teaching Labs programs in Denmark. However, we do run GTL in Norway. In this program, MIT students teach entrepreneurship, programming and STEM subjects to high-school students and share MIT's immersive and hands-on experience to learning with Norwegian high schoolers.
- Minimum GPA of 4.0
- Mandatory pre-departure preparation
- Sophomores or above
- Students should have some prior teaching, TAing, tutoring or mentoring experience
- Mid-September: Application due. Students interested in Norway are encouraged to select it as their top choice, as spots are limited. Check the MISTI GTL page for more application guidance.
- 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
- Apply directly to DIS by their program deadline. (Their deadline may be earlier than the MISTI deadline.)
- 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.
- 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.
Hear from MISTI Denmark students
Interested in hosting an MIT intern?
"Working with MISTI interns is unlike any professional experience I have ever encountered." - Internship supervisor, 2020
Meet Your Program Manager

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