University of Guelph-Humber

This course is designed to explore and understand the cultural trust and empathy created in two of the happiest places on earth, as reported in the 2015 World Happiness Report. This international study abroad course to Denmark and Iceland will provide students with an understanding of the country’s unique contribution to social understanding.

Through this course, the students will have the opportunity to explore and understand themselves and their own experiences of happiness and understand the impact of the social trust and empathy and if possible visit outdoor kindergartens where children are encouraged to take risks and play through self-discovery and the use of "real tools". Students will also have an opportunity to explore the cultures and themes of childhood and social development through folk tales of Iceland and fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen.

The focus on social trust and empathy in Denmark and Iceland, its people, education, society and culture is sure to expose students to an interesting perspective to understanding happiness both culturally and personally.

*0.5 General Elective Credit (for Degree Completion Students in the Early Childhood Studies Program only)

Projected Dates: June 25 – July 4, 2021 | Course Director: Nikki Martyn, Program Head, Early Childhood Studies

Physical Activity: Moderate