University of Wisconsin–Madison
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UW Transnational Experiences of African Americans in Denmark

Singer has their hands on a microphone as they are mid-performance.
Iconic buildings line the riverbank of Copenhagen.

This program will next be offered in Summer 2028 or later.

Denmark, Copenhagen

Did you know that a number of African Americans have visited, lived, studied, and performed in Paris and Copenhagen during the 20th century? Educators, painters, social workers, writers, singers, and jazz musicians - among many others - have all been drawn to Europe. While the African American experience in France has been examined, their experiences in Denmark have remained unexplored. On this program, you will compare and contrast the experiences of African Americans in these European nations and answer the questions: Why did African Americans go to Denmark? and What were their experiences while there?

UW-Madison Professor Ethelene Whitmire will lead your program and teach this course. This program can fulfill the UW-Madison Ethnic Studies General Education Requirement.

“Since I’ve been over here, I felt that I could breathe, you know, and just be more or less a human being white or black, green or yellow, whatever.”

     -Jazz musician Dexter Gordon on his experiences in Copenhagen (1964)

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:

  • Learn about Danish history and culture in the 20th century
  • Experience 21st century Danish culture through Nordic cuisine and the hygge lifestyle that has become an international obsession
  • Deepen your understanding about why Denmark regularly tops the World Happiness Index as one of the happiest countries in the world

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

  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • 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

Afro-American Studies, History, and German, Nordic, and Slavic+

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Residence Hall

Program Duration

Summer 2022 (3 weeks): late May to mid-June

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2027 - [Suspended] 2/5/2027 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

Your program will be a mix of classroom lectures, group discussions, and experiences that will allow you to better get to know your studies firsthand. The course includes documentaries and feature films, music, art, literature, personal essays written by the expatriates and scholarly literature about the transnational experiences of African Americans. To complement your classroom learning, there will be opportunities to experience Danish culture and history through numerous excursions and day trips around Copenhagen and beyond - including a walking tour of "Black" Copenhagen, museum visits, and more!

When you're in the classroom, it will be at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS Denmark), a study abroad program center that will be providing classroom space, housing, and on-site assistance for our program. DIS Denmark is centrally located in downtown Copenhagen.

You will receive 3 UW credits for this program. Several equivalents have been approved for the program, which can be found in the Course Equivalents section below. Participants can choose which approved course will appear on their UW-Madison transcript upon completion of the program.

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

Program leader photo placeholder

Ethelene Whitmire

Professor, Afro-American Studies

The program is directed by Ethelene Whitmire, Professor and Chair of Afro-American Studies. Professor Whitmire is interested in exploring the experiences and following in the footsteps of African Americans who visited, studied, performed, and lived in Denmark in the 20th century including educator Booker T. Washington, singer Ella Fitzgerald, and saxophonist Dexter Gordon, among others. She has spent a significant amount of time in Copenhagen and is excited to share her experiences with UW students.