Maximise Your Study Abroad Experience: Volunteering in Denmark

By Rudy Cone, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

One thing you might not know about Denmark is how volunteering is deeply rooted in Danish society. One of the most common examples you’ll encounter at the University of Copenhagen is the famous Friday Bars—makeshift bars on campus, entirely run by student volunteers from various university organisations. When I first arrived in Denmark, I was honestly surprised by how eager Danish students were to give up their free time to volunteer. Copenhagen is packed with things to do, see, and explore, so I couldn’t imagine choosing to give my time away on a Friday night.

However, when I returned for my second semester, some of the novelty of the city had worn off. I no longer felt like a tourist, but I still didn’t quite feel like I belonged. I found myself craving a deeper understanding of what it really means to call Copenhagen your city and home. I also felt I was becoming a bit restless studying at the University of Copenhagen. With the workload and student environment so relaxed, I found myself often thinking about the future – the high workload upon the return to Manchester, the pressure of securing a first in final year, the prospect of applying for a Masters. In an attempt to settle some of these feelings, I turned to volunteering. 

Becoming A Research Assistant

After a bit of asking around and some googling, I stumbled upon a page on the University of Copenhagen advertising for students to join the team at the Centre for Early Childhood Cognition at the Department of Psychology. It felt like a perfect fit; a centre run by my very own professor, a chance to gain some research experience for my CV, and a way to see what working life is like in Denmark.

The process couldn’t have been simpler. One minute I was emailing the organiser of the lab saying I was interested and the next day I was meeting her and being shown around the centre! It was so refreshing to see how Danes are so happy to give their students the opportunity to develop their skills – all it took was just taking that first step and reaching out to them. 

What Does This Involve?

I have now been volunteering at the centre for a month, for a minimum of 10 hours each week. I have been trained to use software where I watch videos of an 18-month-old and their mother play, while I code their eye gaze to each other’s face, toys, or the environment. I am also responsible for developing a newsletter for families who participate in studies, outlining the research conducted over the year. 

But the most exciting part of my position is that I’m assisting a PhD student with their research project! This has been so interesting as I have been involved in pilot testing, learnt to prepare a laboratory, worked with 7-month-old infants and their parents, and collected data using professional eye-tracking equipment. It’s been a valuable glimpse into what postgraduate study and a career in research could be like. 

Challenges I Have Faced 

While the experience has been very exciting, it hasn’t been without its challenges. In the beginning, I had a really hard time adjusting to the Danish work culture. The atmosphere in the lab is very relaxed and informal – something I am not used to. I felt a lot of anxiety about this, unsure whether I was doing enough, whether I was asking too many (or too few) questions, and even uncertain about basic things like what time I was supposed to arrive, take a lunch break, or go home! It took time to shake off the feeling that I needed to constantly prove myself. 

Over time, though, I’ve come to really appreciate the Danish approach. It feels really gratifying to have lots of trust placed in your abilities and independence. I also think the informality has allowed me to come out of my shell and not be afraid to voice my opinions and show initiative.  

My Advice To You  

If you have the time, I cannot recommend volunteering enough. For me, it has been a perfect way to meet other students, develop skills for my CV and feel more like Copenhagen is my (temporary) home. If academic volunteering doesn’t interest you, check out the opportunities at the popular student run social hub Studenterhuset. As well as a relaxed way to meet international students, you also earn tokens that give you staff discount. I am always so jealous when my friends pull these out and get free coffee during a study session and the special discount on drinks on a night out.