7 Costly Mistakes American Students Make When Studying Abroad in Denmark
Most American students who struggle in Denmark don’t struggle because they’re unprepared academically.
They struggle because they make small, avoidable mistakes early on, the kind that don’t ruin your semester, but quietly make it harder, lonelier, and more stressful than it needs to be.
If you’re studying abroad in Denmark, here are 7 costly mistakes American students make again and again, and what I wish someone had told them sooner.
1. Assuming Denmark Will Feel “Easy” Because Everyone Speaks English
Yes, almost everyone in Denmark speaks excellent English. No, that does not mean the transition is easy.
Many American students arrive thinking:
“Language won’t be a problem.”
“I’ll adapt quickly.”
“It’s basically the U.S., just European.”
But cultural differences show up in:
Social norms
Classroom expectations
Communication style
Daily routines
Denmark feels subtle, not obvious, which is exactly why it can be harder to adjust to.
2. Choosing a City Based on Aesthetics, Not Lifestyle
This mistake alone shapes the entire experience.
Many students pick Copenhagen because:
It looks good online
Friends recognize the name
It feels like the “obvious” choice
But Copenhagen and Aarhus offer very different daily lives.
If you don’t ask yourself:
How social do I need my environment to be?
How independent am I really?
What does my budget allow?
You may end up in a city that doesn’t fit you, even if it’s beautiful.
3. Underestimating Housing Stress (Until It’s Too Late)
Housing in Denmark is one of the biggest sources of stress for American students.
Common assumptions:
“I’ll find something when I arrive.”
“My university will help a lot.”
“It can’t be that bad.”
In reality:
Options are limited and pretty expensive
Locations matter more than expected
Commutes can be long, especially if you are outside of the city.
Living conditions are often very basic, and accommodations are usually more modest than American student housing.
Your housing situation affects your energy, mood, and ability to socialize every single day, so you need to spend some time on it.
If you need some help to find housing, you can book a Free 15-minute session with our Founder, who lived in Denmark for a year here.
4. Budgeting Like It’s Southern Europe
Denmark is not Spain.
It is not Italy.
It is not France.
American students often underestimate:
Grocery costs
Transportation
Nights out
Coffee culture
When money becomes a daily stressor, it quietly limits:
Social opportunities
Spontaneity
Mental space
Realistic budgeting isn’t about restricting yourself; it’s about protecting your experience.
5. Expecting Instant Friendships
This is one of the hardest adjustments for American students.
In Denmark:
People don’t do small talk
Friend groups are established
Social circles grow slowly
Many students think:
“I’m doing something wrong.”
They’re not. Friendships in Denmark are built through consistency, not intensity. Showing up matters more than being outgoing.
6. Not Preparing for the Emotional Dip
Even confident, excited students experience a low point, usually a few weeks in.
It can look like:
Homesickness
Self-doubt
Loneliness
Questioning your decision
The mistake isn’t feeling this way; it’s not knowing it’s normal.
Students who expect a dip recover faster. Students who don’t often spiral.
7. Trying to Figure Everything Out Alone
This might be the most costly mistake of all.
Denmark expects independence, but that doesn’t mean you have to struggle silently.
Many American students wait too long to:
Ask questions
Seek guidance
Admit they’re overwhelmed
By the time they reach out, they’ve already lost weeks of ease and confidence. Support isn’t a weakness; it’s a shortcut.
Why These Mistakes Are So Common (And So Avoidable)
None of these mistakes means you’re not “cut out” for Denmark.
They mean you weren’t given:
Honest expectations
Cultural context
Practical guidance
Emotional preparation
And most programs don’t provide that.
Want to Avoid These Mistakes Before You Arrive?
My pre-departure coaching sessions are designed specifically for American students moving to Europe, including Denmark.
We focus on:
Realistic expectations
City choice & lifestyle fit
Cultural adjustment
First-month survival
Feeling grounded before you land
Book a 45-minute session to help you plan your arrival in more detail here
Because the goal isn’t just to study abroad, it’s to actually enjoy living there.
