Introducing the 2026 Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Interns in Denmark

In an exciting announcement, the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) and the Scan Design Foundation (SDF) have unveiled the inaugural cohort of students selected for the 2026 Scan Design Foundation Environmental Sustainability Internship. This transformative program is set to take place in Copenhagen, Denmark, during the summer of 2026 and will host eight talented college students from across the United States.

The primary aim of this internship is to immerse students in the critical field of environmental sustainability, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to address pressing environmental challenges. Participants are expected to engage in hands-on experience, working directly with businesses committed to implementing environmentally friendly practices. This initiative not only fosters a better understanding of sustainability but also empowers students with vital competencies such as intercultural communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

This year’s cohort consists of an impressive group of students representing diverse academic backgrounds from prominent universities:
  • - Srija Tamidela from Villanova University, majoring in Finance.
  • - Eva Odderson from the University of Washington, studying Engineering.
  • - Lara Figur Valente Borges from the University of Texas at Austin, specializing in Environmental Science.
  • - Olivia Gaik from the University of Colorado Boulder, with a focus on Biochemistry.
  • - Sophia Ware and Cornelius Van Zutphen, both from the University of California, Berkeley, studying Environmental Science and Business Administration respectively.
  • - Misbahou Jalloh from North Carolina AT University, majoring in Physics.
  • - Alexis Kelley from Louisiana State University, focusing on Environmental Engineering.

These students were selected through a highly competitive process that evaluated their previous leadership experiences, commitment to sustainability, and eagerness for cross-cultural learning. According to Fidelma McGinn, President of the Scan Design Foundation, the internship embodies a significant step towards reinforcing Danish-American relationships while confronting ecological challenges collaboratively.

As part of their participation, interns will get a unique opportunity to experience Denmark's innovative approaches to sustainable living, which are globally recognized. They will not only learn about sustainability practices but also gain valuable insights into building professional connections and networks that will support their future careers.

James P. Pellow, President and CEO of CIEE, emphasized that the first cohort of Scan Design interns will gain professional experience unlike any other, returning home with increased global awareness and practical skills that are increasingly vital in today’s job market.

Moreover, for those who applied but were not selected, the program will offer a consolation grant of $1,500, intended to support participation in any CIEE program through to 2027. This includes an array of sustainability-focused options available in several exciting locations worldwide.

The Scan Design Foundation was established with a mission to advance cultural exchange while championing environmental sustainability—principles that resonate profoundly with today’s global context. Founded in 2002, the foundation honors the legacy of Danish immigrants Inger and Jens Bruun and continues to promote initiatives that bridge cultural and environmental gaps.

CIEE, since its inception in 1947, has championed the importance of supporting student exchanges, providing opportunities for over a million students to gain vital intercultural skills and global perspectives that prepare them for success in an interconnected world.

For further inquiries about the program, interested parties can contact CIEE directly. The upcoming internship presents not only an opportunity for personal growth but also a chance to be part of a significant movement towards a sustainable future, addressing global environmental challenges together on an international platform.

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