Denmark has long been considered one of the “happiest places on earth.” The Danish term “Hygge” translates roughly to “coziness” but has come to symbolize a feeling of warmth and enjoyment of life. Denmark is a country that relies strongly on a centralized single-payer healthcare system, has a culture of liberal acceptance and high quality of life. Through this course, students will study healthcare and well-being in two cities in Denmark, Copenhagen and Vyborg, and then compare this to the United States and more specifically, Charlotte. Students will utilize “windshield surveys” to assist them in making observations of infrastructure, food access, noise pollution, and availability of healthcare facilities both in Denmark and Charlotte.

While in Denmark, students will visit medical facilities and public health departments to learn how the Danish promote a healthy lifestyle and to explore similarities and differences in the United States. Students will visit institutions such as the Copenhagen Department of Health, to discuss the Healthy People 2020 Initiative that is active in both Charlotte and Copenhagen. By touring the city with “Green Initiative” students will learn about healthy city planning and its benefits for the community. There will also be opportunities to visit museums, Stroget Street, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, the famous Bicycle Snake and more! *

This course is most appropriate for students interested in health, nursing, public health and sociology.

The academic course associated with this program is HLT/NUR 398 and 399: Hygge for Health for 4 total credits Students will elect to receive either HLT or NUR credit. It will be taught by Professors Vicki Talbot and Susan Rucker.

This is an OPEN program.
The travel component of this course will run for approximately 10-12 days in May.
*all itinerary items are tentative and subject to change