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UW Cancer Care Across Cultures in Denmark

A row of colorful houses on a cobblestone street with a dusting of snow.

Check out this recent article on the UW Cancer Care Across Cultures program!

Denmark, Copenhagen

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term, and in the past we have received more qualified applicants than available spots. To determine selection for a limited capacity program, reviewers consider a variety of criteria. You may only have one open application per term, but should have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

A Course in Global Oncology


Join UW-Madison faculty and a cohort of fellow students for this unique opportunity to look at cancer treatment and outcomes through an international lens. You'll gain a broader understanding of global health challenges and solutions, as well as the world cancer burden which transcends international borders.

UW Cancer Care Across Cultures adopts a comparative approach between Scandinavian and US perspectives on various aspects of cancer research and healthcare systems. Academic topics include cancer biology (covering classifications, biological foundations, diagnostics, and specific therapies), cancer epidemiology, public health systems, private healthcare, the toxic costs of cancer care, cancer disparities, and the global health perspective on cancer trends and cancer treatments worldwide.

Both in the US and in Denmark, students will receive expert instruction from highly qualified medical faculty with tailored didactic learning and carefully crafted instructional materials, enriched with behind-the-scenes field visits to cancer treatment facilities and cancer research labs.

Note: Participants are strongly encouraged to attend the Global Oncology Symposium after their acceptance to the program. 

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Express fundamental knowledge about types of cancer, tumor biology, pathogenesis and cancer risk factors
  • Explain the basic concepts of clinical and basic research in oncology
  • Identify the role of cancer prevention, screening and early detection and provide examples of screening for specific cancer types
  • Define the fundamental concepts of epidemiology and recognize potential implications of epidemiological data on cancer care
  • Summarize challenges of cancer care in the US from screening to survivorship including disparities and social determinants, and recommend solutions
  • Determine differences between the cancer incidences and outcomes in Denmark, the United States and specifically Wisconsin, and other parts of the world.
  • Analyze cancer incidences and outcomes across specific populations of individuals from a global perspective
  • Illustrate key differences between Danish and American health care systems and examine the implications for cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes
  • Explore how cancer care is financed in the US and identify challenges
  • Investigate financing of the Danish healthcare system and determine key stakeholders
  • Understand financing models for cancer care and its implications in less resourced countries
  • Demonstrate understanding of cultural awareness and global burden of cancer
  • Examine determinants of inequality in health and propose measures to reduce inequality
  • Review digitalization for public health in Denmark and predict research implications for use of data
  • Explain with examples how sustainability is integral to Danish customs to promoting social and economic well-being

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • Applicants must have taken introductory biology prior to the program start date: BIOLOGY/ZOOLOGY 101 and 102 or BIOLOGY/BOTANY/ZOOLOGY 151 and 152 or BIOCORE 485
  • Preference is given to pre-med students studying relevant majors listed in the academic section below.
  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree seeking students and all degree-seeking undergraduate students at a US college or university. Preference is given to UW-Madison students
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

UW Signature

Subjects

Oncology, Biology, Global Health, Nursing

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Apartments

Program Duration

Winter Intersession: Late Dec - Mid-Jan

Winter 2026-27 Tentative Dates:
Madison: Dec 28, 29, 30, and Jan 2 (No class Dec 31-Jan 1)
Arrival Date to Denmark: Jan 4, 2027
End Date in Denmark: Jan 17, 2027

Application Deadline(s)

Winter Intersession 2025-26 9/19/2025 Cost Details
Winter Intersession 2026-27 9/4/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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Preference given to relevant majors: Biology, Neurobiology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Global Health, Nursing, Population Health, Biomedical Engineering, Nutrition and Dietetics. 

This three-week course includes 1 week at the UW Carbone Cancer Center and at 2 weeks in Denmark in partnership with DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia.

This collaboration between UW Carbone Cancer Center and DIS allows students the opportunity to learn from top oncology surgeons, clinicians and researchers who share their expertise through mini seminars provided by DIS and UW Carbone faculty. Seminars offer insights into variations in cancer care, cancer research within and outside the U.S., and provide insight into Danish society, healthcare systems, cancer treatment, disparities, and the use of digitalization for public health and research implications.

Participants will earn 3 credits upon successful completion of the program and can select one of the following course equivalents: Nutritional Sciences 421, Zoology 400, Nursing 400, or Oncology 699.

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents

Program Leader

Dr. Sofia Refetoff, Program Manager UWCCC, Assistant Director of Education for Global Oncology

Dr. Nabeel Zafar, Assistant Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology and Director, Global Oncology Program at the UWCCC