Fellowship FAQ
Fellowship/Exchange Information
What is the Scan Design Foundation Fellowship Program?
The Scan Design Foundation, founded by Inger & Jens Bruun, established the Fellowship program at the University of Washington in 2005 to foster the cultural exchange of ideas and experiences between the US and Denmark. The Fellowship provides University of Washington students from all academic fields with need-based financial support during their study abroad in Denmark. Students who have been accepted into an approved UW Study Abroad program in Denmark are eligible to receive Scan Design Foundation Fellowship funding.
Who can receive a Fellowship?
Any undergraduate or graduate student who participates in a UW Study Abroad-approved program in Denmark and meets the following eligibility requirements will receive funding:
- Participation in a UW Study Abroad-approved program in Denmark
- Matriculated undergraduate or graduate students
- US citizen or permanent resident of Washington State (this includes green card holders, students holding a visa status that is eligible for Washington State residency, and non-US-citizen students who qualify for Washington State residency under the HB 1079 residency affidavit)
- For all study abroad programs except Fieldwork, Research & Independent Learning Abroad (FRILA), Fellowship recipients must be enrolled full time (12 credits/quarter for undergraduates, 10 credits/quarter for graduates)
- Students participating in the Fieldwork, Research, & Independent Learning Abroad (FRILA) program must be enrolled in the For Credit option with a minimum credit load of 2 credits
Which universities can I attend in Denmark during the academic year?
Visit our Study in Denmark page for program options and links.
What is the application process to apply for an Exchange Program?
- Begin by exploring UW Danish Study Abroad options online at the UW Study Abroad Office website.
- Talk with your program’s academic advisor to determine if study abroad is right for you.
- Contact UW Study Abroad Office if you have questions about studying abroad. Sarah Berryman (homers2@uw.edu) is the advisor who specializes in programs in Danish.
- Apply for the study abroad program of your choice through UW Study Abroad application portal. Applications typically involve a short essay and faculty recommendation. The deadline for programs starting in summer or autumn semesters is usually the last day in January. Check the UW Study Abroad website to confirm all deadlines.
- UW Study Abroad awards Scan Design Foundation Fellowships on the basis of financial need to all successful applicants to UW Study Abroad programs in Denmark, using data from the applicant’s FAFSA or WASFA form. There is no separate application for Fellowships.
When will I be notified of my Scan Design Foundation Fellowship award?
Fellowships are awarded within several weeks after acceptance to a UW Study Abroad program, and prior to your commitment date. Recipients will be asked to submit a short thank you note to the Scan Design Foundation upon receiving their award.
Recipients will be invited to a reception in the spring.
How much funding am I eligible for?
The Scan Design Foundation provides need-based Fellowship funding to every UW student participating in a UW Study Abroad-approved program in Denmark. Funding ranges between $1,000 – $16,000 per semester. Funding is provided only for the first semester abroad. Students are automatically considered for an SDF Fellowship when they complete their application to UW Study Abroad. There is no separate application for a Fellowship.
UW Study Abroad determines the SDF Fellowship award on the basis of financial need, using information from the applicant’s FAFSA or WASFA (for students in Washington state who are undocumented or do not qualify for federal financial aid because of their immigration status). If a student does not have a FAFSA or WASFA on file with the university, the student will receive the minimum level of funding.
Once selected as a Fellow, how do I receive the Fellowship funds?
You must be enrolled as a UW student while abroad to receive funding. You will receive funds through your UW student account at the beginning of the UW quarter in which you are studying abroad. Since Danish schools run by semester, this means if you are studying in Denmark in the fall, you will likely arrive in Denmark before your funds are dispersed to your student account (which will not happen until the beginning of UW fall quarter). Funding will first be applied to any debts on your account, with any remaining funds sent to the direct deposit account you have set up (please note this is a direct deposit account specifically for tuition and is different than the direct deposit you may have set up if you work on campus).
What type of expenses can Fellowship funding be used for?
The Fellowship is intended to help support your experience of the Danish education system and culture. UW fees associated with your program, housing, travel expenses, food, etc., are all valid uses of the funds. Fellowship recipients are encouraged to submit a revised FAFSA or WASFA form to the UW Financial Aid office that reflects their cost of attendance, using the cost sheet provided by UW Study Abroad.
What are the student obligations/expectations as a Fellowship recipient?
Once awarded the Fellowship, students are required to complete the following steps to receive their funds:
- Complete documents as required by the UW Study Abroad Office and establish concurrent enrollment during your UW study abroad quarter(s).
- Complete documents as required by the Danish exchange university.
- Submit a short thank you note to the Scan Design using a link provided in your award letter from UW Study Abroad.
Following your exchange quarter:
- Stay involved as a Scan Design Foundation Fellowship alum! Participate in a wonderful network of past Danish and American students who continue to attend programs and events after their time abroad.
Do I still pay UW tuition when I am on an exchange in Denmark?
You will be responsible for paying an exchange fee that is the equivalent to 1.5 quarters UW tuition per Danish Semester (1 Danish Semester = 1.5 UW Quarters). You will also be responsible for paying the UW Study Abroad Fee. You will not, however be charged UW tuition in addition to the exchange and Study Abroad Fees. You may be responsible for potential fees, e.g., computer lab printing and student activities fees, that your exchange university might charge. For more details about the finances associated with exchanges, please visit UW Study Abroad.
Students attending the Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS) pay the DIS Program Fee plus the UW Study Abroad Fee. They will not, however, be charged UW tuition in addition to the DIS program and UW study abroad fees.
How do I get started on the visa process?
You will need a passport and a residence permit to study in Denmark. Visa paperwork should be started as soon as possible after you are formally accepted by the Danish institution. There are also documents and processes required by the UW Study Abroad Office to set up your relationship with UW prior to leaving on exchange. Some helpful passport/visa sites include:
Do my credit hours and grades in Denmark transfer to the UW?
The best resources for understanding your enrollment, credit hours, and grading process while you are abroad are:
- UW Study Abroad – Registration and Credits
- Your UW Department/Program Academic Advisor. Please contact your UW departmental academic advisor for guidance on academic coursework and credit applicability to your degree program. You might also talk with an advisor in the UW Study Abroad office to learn more about how Danish grades will impact your UW GPA.
- The Study in Denmark website offers an overview of the Danish grading system.
Life in Denmark
Does Scan Design support student participation in cultural activities in Denmark?
Students studying in Denmark are encouraged to self-organize cultural outings for their fellow Huskies in Denmark. With prior notice and approval, the Scan Design Foundation will reimburse students for these activities. Some examples of previous cultural activities supported by Scan Design include visits to the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, and the Karen Blixen Museum; a tour of Christiansborg Palace (home of the Danish Parliament); and dinner and a performance of the Royal Danish Opera. To propose an activity for Scan Design support, contact Teri Thomson Randall, terir@uw.edu.
Is there a good resource to learn more about life in Denmark?
The Study in Denmark site run by the Danish government offers a helpful overview of life in Denmark including banking, housing, and other details.
Are the UW and Danish academic calendars the same?
Danish institutions are typically on semesters which run from late summer (August/early September) to early winter (end of January). Danish Autumn courses start at least a month before the UW quarter system. It is advised to check the academic calendar at the Danish school that you are interested in to understand the start dates and final exam schedules and plan accordingly. Students studying on exchange during the Autumn Danish semester often can arrange to complete their exams and final projects remotely, from the US, so that they can enroll in Winter quarter at the UW. Students participating in the Spring Danish semester will miss both the Winter and Spring quarters at UW.
What should I expect from the Danish academic styles?
Danish university instruction styles vary depending on the program and university you are thinking of attending. Danish universities generally have less frequent quizzes, exams and projects in favor of a more rigorous final exam process. It is advised to inquire with the academic program and university you are attending if this is a concern. It is also advised to inquire whether the courses you are interested in are available in English if you are a non-Danish speaker.
Do I need to bring my own laptop and computer programs that I am accustomed to using at the UW?
Most Danish universities have computer labs and you will have access to these computer labs as an enrolled student. However, it is advised to check with the Danish university to make sure that the computer programs you are familiar working with will be available. You may also want to inquire about the “open hours” of the computer labs to better understand if the hour availability matches your personal study/work habits. Previous Fellows have noted that bringing a personal laptop was very helpful to supplement the university supplied options.
How do I budget for my stay in Denmark?
Alumni Fellows have experienced vastly different budgets based off of housing costs and lifestyles. In general, the cost of living in Denmark is higher than in Seattle. For example a pastry in Seattle might be $2, while in Denmark it is closer to $4. You are encouraged to read previous Fellows’ remarks on spending.
How do I find housing?
Housing prices and options vary in Denmark. The Danish university you apply to will typically offer housing options. Many previous Fellows provided comments about housing in their evaluations. We encourage you to read through past Fellow evaluations and/or contact alumni Fellows to gain more insight on housing options.
How does banking/spending work in Denmark?
There are numerous options for banking and spending in Denmark, but they are different than in the USA. Again, the student alumni network evaluations provide insight as to options that may work best for you, whether it be using your debit card to withdraw cash from an ATM or setting up a Danish bank account. We encourage you to read through past Fellow evaluations and/or contact alumni Fellows to gain more insight on housing options.
How do I get around? Do I need a car?
Denmark has an excellent mass transit system. Denmark also is a “biking culture” and many Danes and international visitors bike frequently to get to various places. You are highly unlikely to need a car for personal transportation.
What is the climate like?
The climate is similar to that of the Pacific Northwest and it is recommended to take waterproof clothing and shoes and to layer clothing for variable weather conditions. Fellows have commented that a good winter coat is important, something warmer than you would typically use in Seattle.
Will I need health insurance?
The University of Washington requires that all students studying abroad purchase the UW Student Abroad Insurance. The cost is approximately $2 per day. This insurance costs approximately $60 per month. The Danish University that you are attending will issue you a Civic Registration Number (a CPR card) which is a national identification card that helps you access Danish healthcare. Again, referring to the student evaluations will provide additional insight into this matter.