US Students to Learn Danish Sustainability Secrets in New Internship

PORTLAND, Maine – December 18, 2025 – Eight exceptional American college students are set to immerse themselves in one of the world's leading green economies next summer, following the announcement of the inaugural cohort for the Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship. This new, fully funded eight-week program in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a landmark collaboration between the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) and the Scan Design Foundation (SDF).

The initiative will place students from diverse academic fields—ranging from finance to physics—into Copenhagen-based companies at the forefront of sustainable business practices. The program aims to provide hands-on experience in tackling real-world environmental challenges while fostering cross-cultural collaboration between the United States and Denmark.

Beyond the Classroom: A New Frontier in Career Development

In an era where practical experience is paramount for career readiness, programs like the Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship represent a significant evolution in higher education. By being fully funded, the internship removes the financial barriers that often prevent students from pursuing transformative international opportunities, ensuring that selection is based on merit and passion rather than economic standing.

During the summer of 2026, the interns will not only contribute to their host companies but also earn six academic credits through a parallel seminar. This blend of professional work and academic rigor is designed to develop core competencies in intercultural communication, complex problem-solving, and leadership. Participants will work alongside Danish professionals, gaining practical skills that are directly applicable to the burgeoning global green economy.

"The first cohort of Scan Design interns will return home with professional experience and a network of international contacts that will prepare them for future careers in sustainability," said James P. Pellow, Ed.D., President and CEO of CIEE. "We are proud to partner with Scan Design Foundation to equip young leaders with tools and practical experience to improve our world."

The program moves beyond theoretical knowledge, offering an immersive experience that challenges students to apply their academic learning in a dynamic, international context. This model of experiential learning is increasingly seen as a critical component in preparing graduates for the complexities of modern careers, particularly in a field as urgent and interdisciplinary as environmental sustainability.

Copenhagen's Living Laboratory

The choice of Copenhagen as the program's host city is no coincidence. The Danish capital is a globally recognized 'living laboratory' for sustainability, offering a unique environment where green innovation is woven into the fabric of daily life. From its world-famous cycling infrastructure that sees more bikes than cars to its ambitious goal of becoming the world's first carbon-neutral capital, Copenhagen provides an unparalleled learning backdrop.

Interns will have the opportunity to witness and contribute to this ecosystem firsthand. Host companies include organizations working on cutting-edge solutions, such as developing biomass gasification technologies to reduce the environmental impact of energy production and helping other businesses accelerate their own sustainability strategies. Students will be embedded in a culture that produced innovations like CopenHill, a waste-to-energy plant with a ski slope on its roof, and the clean harbor baths that transformed a once-polluted industrial waterfront into a vibrant public space.

This deep immersion is central to the program's mission. "This internship embodies Scan Design Foundation's mission to advance Danish-American relations by bringing students together across cultures to study and tackle environmental challenges," stated Fidelma McGinn, President of the Scan Design Foundation. "Through this immersive experience, participants will gain firsthand insight into Denmark's commitment to sustainable, low-carbon, resource-efficient living."

A Bridge Forged by Philanthropy and Education

The partnership between CIEE and the Scan Design Foundation serves as a powerful case study in how philanthropy and international education can unite to address pressing global issues. The Scan Design Foundation, founded in 2002 to honor the legacy of Danish immigrants Inger and Jens Bruun, is dedicated to strengthening Danish-American relations, with a specific focus on cultural exchanges centered on environmental sustainability.

CIEE, a non-profit leader in international education since 1947, brings decades of experience in facilitating meaningful student exchanges across the globe. With a history of supporting over one million exchanges in more than 140 countries, its mission is to build bridges between people and nations to foster a more peaceful and interconnected world. This joint initiative leverages the strengths of both organizations: SDF's focused philanthropic vision and CIEE's extensive logistical and educational infrastructure.

The program is more than just an internship; it's an act of cultural diplomacy. By embedding American students in Danish society, it fosters mutual understanding and builds a network of future leaders who are equipped with a global perspective on environmental stewardship. This collaboration demonstrates a proactive approach to building the international cooperation necessary to create a sustainable future.

The Inaugural Cohort and Its Ripple Effect

The eight students selected for the inaugural cohort represent a diverse cross-section of American higher education and academic interests, underscoring the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability. The 2026 Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Interns are:

• Srija Tamidela, Finance, Villanova University
• Eva Odderson, Engineering, University of Washington
• Lara Figur Valente Borges, Environmental Science, University of Texas at Austin
• Olivia Gaik, Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder
• Sophia Ware, Environmental Science, University of California, Berkeley
• Cornelius Van Zutphen, Business Administration, University of California, Berkeley
• Misbahou Jalloh, Physics, North Carolina A&T University
• Alexis Kelley, Environmental Engineering, Louisiana State University

These students were chosen from a highly competitive pool for their demonstrated leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to creating innovative environmental solutions. Their diverse majors—from finance and business to engineering and physics—highlight that tackling climate change requires expertise from every sector of the economy.

The program's impact extends far beyond the eight selected interns. In a significant move to broaden access to international education, CIEE and SDF announced that nearly 300 eligible applicants who were not selected will receive a $1,500 CIEE Scan Design Scholars Grant. This grant can be used for any CIEE summer or semester program through 2027. With summer program costs often ranging from $4,000 to $9,000, this grant provides a substantial incentive for a much larger group of students to pursue their interests in global studies. These students can choose from a wide array of sustainability-focused programs in locations like Athens, Cape Town, Monteverde, and Lisbon, creating a powerful ripple effect that expands the initiative's reach and impact.