Danish schools are torn over whether to continue study trips to the United States amid rising political tension between Denmark, Greenland, and the U.S. Some schools are canceling decades-old travel traditions, while others insist on maintaining international friendships across the Atlantic.
Danish Schools in a Bind Over U.S. Study Trips
An ongoing political strain between Denmark, Greenland, and the United States has left several Danish high schools questioning whether their students should still travel to America for traditional study trips. For years, these visits have been a mainstay of cultural exchange for Danish students eager to experience life in the U.S.
Ikast-Brande Gymnasium in Central Jutland is one of the schools caught in this debate. The administration has sent students to Virginia for many years and built close ties with an American partner school. But now, the head of school says the situation has become complicated. Students are scheduled to leave in October, and the school must decide soon whether to continue with the trip or cancel. The leadership is aware that calling it off might disappoint many students who have long looked forward to visiting the United States.
Looking for Alternatives Beyond the United States
Skive College faced the same decision in 2023 and ultimately ended its 25-year tradition of traveling to the U.S. Instead, it now sends its international classes to Canada. According to school officials, concerns about global tensions involving the U.S. led to that shift, despite some pushback from students. The school has no plans to return to America anytime soon and has been pleased with the new destination.
This change reflects a broader conversation happening at Danish educational institutions. Many are questioning whether it is still appropriate or sustainable to fly large student groups overseas. Some educators point out that travel closer to home, such as within Europe, could promote environmental responsibility while fostering strong regional ties. However, others believe that cutting off direct exchange with Americans could harm decades of meaningful connection.
Tradition Continues at Herning Gymnasium
While some schools back away, Herning Gymnasium has chosen to move forward with its U.S. trip this spring. The school has been sending students across the Atlantic for 25 years and will do so again, visiting North Carolina. Teachers note that only a few students have expressed hesitation. For most, excitement outweighs nerves about traveling abroad.
One student explained that even in a tense political climate, it is essential to remember that the U.S. is not defined by a single leader or crisis. Personal connections between young people, she said, are what build long-term understanding across nations.
At the same time, school leaders recognize that it is becoming increasingly complex to coordinate international programs. They must weigh risks related to safety, diplomacy, and logistics. The hope remains that personal ties between Danish and American youth will survive political changes.
Efterskole Keeps Its Plans Intact
The debate is not limited to high schools. Skals Efterskole, which runs an international program, also faced the dilemma. Ultimately, the school chose to keep its trip to the U.S., with visits planned to Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, D.C. Students and teachers said they look forward to meeting everyday Americans and learning more about the country’s culture firsthand.
Teachers have, however, reminded students to be cautious on social media. Some Danes worry that comments made online about U.S. politics could cause problems at the border. One educator even deleted an old post critical of an American president after hearing about travelers being denied entry.
Despite those concerns, Skals Efterskole maintains its belief that firsthand cultural experience outweighs potential complications. The goal, teachers say, is to show that even during international disagreements, ordinary people can create understanding through shared experiences.
Diplomacy in the Classroom
In the end, these Danish schools face more than a simple travel decision. Their choices reflect how education intersects with global diplomacy, identity, and values. For some, it is about maintaining tradition and direct dialogue with the U.S. For others, it is time to rethink what international engagement looks like in a changing world.
For anyone curious about how such exchanges shape future opportunities, learning about moving to Denmark as an American might give broader context to how these two nations continue to connect through education and culture.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: An In-depth Guide on How to Move to Denmark as an American
The Danish Dream: Best Visa Services in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Midtjysk rektor: Studierejse til USA er et kæmpestort dilemma
