Danish Intern Exchange Program
The Scan Design Foundation Danish Intern Exchange Program at the Museum of Danish America was established in 2008 to provide Danish graduate students in history, cultural studies, communications, museum programs, and library schools with a "hands-on" experience as part of their education. Danish interns may maintain a position for a period of three months to six months.
Interns are assigned to work with the museum department that best matches their academic background and future career goals; the most common areas for Danish interns to join are Exhibitions, Genealogy, and Communications. Based at the Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn, Iowa, each intern becomes a full-time member of the museum team and lives in the Elk Horn community. All interns begin with a four-week orientation to different aspects of the museum operation and the specific training for their assigned department. After that orientation period, interns work on independent projects that benefit both the interns’ and the museum’s goals. Interns also represent the museum at public events and outreach activities, often traveling to different regions of the United States on behalf of the museum.
This internship has given me the opportunity to delve into the heart of Danish American culture. It has been a brilliant time thus far, and I have learned so much, both academically and personally, about Danish-American culture and how it relates to contemporary Danish culture. I am truly thankful to the Scan Design Foundation for allowing me to have this experience. Thank you [to] the Scan Design Foundation for your commitment to fostering cultural understanding and education. Your support has made a significant impact on my personal and professional growth, and I am honored to be a part of this journey.
Museum of Danish America
