Program Overview

IBPI Study Abroad: Sustainable Transportation in Denmark

The Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovation (IBPI) at Portland State University (PSU) presents a two-week study abroad program in Denmark, introducing students to sustainable transportation and land use applications.

About the Program

This program creates an immersive experience to explore European approaches to cycling, transit, innovative mobility, and land use. The curriculum features material comparing the U.S. and Denmark in terms of problems, priorities, and solutions, with emphasis on planning and engineering principles, policy, and practice. Students will develop a broader understanding of sustainable transportation issues and expand their toolkit for context-sensitive solutions.

Program Details

• Program Dates: June 20July 4, 2026
• Application Deadline: February 24, 2026
• Scholarships: $2000 scholarships are available for the first ten PSU students to apply.

Course Content

Students will learn about:

• Design of bikeways, safe pedestrian crossings, and transit systems
• Urban expansion and land-use policies to promote travel by foot, bike, and public transport
• Smart cities programs and projects
• Roadway system design for safety and to prevent roads from becoming barriers to walking and cycling
• Design for transit priority on roadways and for high-quality rail, tram, and bus service

Eligibility

This program is open to college juniors/seniors and graduate students from any university and professionals. Capacity is limited to 15 participants.

Course Credits

This is a Portland State University five-credit course (CE 495 / 595) in civil engineering, cross-listed with urban planning and studies courses.

Program Costs

• Program Fee: $6,240
• Additional Estimated Costs: $2,492
• Total: $8,732

Program Fee Includes

• Course credits
• All educational site visits and excursions
• Ed Abroad Service Fee
• International Health Insurance
• 24/7 emergency student support
• Housing accommodations for international instructional program dates
• Day-trips (Malmö and Odense) including group meals
• 1 day transit pass for Copenhagen
• Canal and Harbor tour of Copenhagen
• Programmed meals (Welcome & Farewell dinner)
• Service fees for on-the-ground third-party provider

Additional Estimated Costs Include

• Education Abroad application fee ($50)
• PSU Rec Center Fee ($44)
• Passport or visa (estimated at $135-200)
• International round-trip airfare (estimated at $1,600)
• Non-programmed meals (estimated at $510 total)
• Personal spending money (estimated at $200)
• International phone service (depending on student-selected plan)

Instructors

• John MacArthur, Sustainable Transportation Program Manager, Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at PSU

Alumni Testimonials

Past participants have praised the program for its immersive experience, noting the significant impact on their understanding and approach to sustainable transportation in their future careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Withdrawal and Refund Policy: Students may officially withdraw from a program by providing written notification. Withdrawing does not absolve responsibility for covering program costs.
• Financial Aid: Some financial aid options are available for PSU students.
• Recommendation Requirement: A recommendation from a faculty member or professional reference is required to determine academic readiness for the program.
• Expected Work: Students are expected to take notes, reflect, sketch, and complete daily summaries, as well as a long-term project.
• Laptop Requirement: Laptops are not required.
• Group Size: Past groups have been about 12 students in size, with a cap at 15 students.
• Language Study Requirement: No language study is required for this course.