The idea of going abroad for an internship through the Erasmus+ program came to me already in my first semester, when this opportunity was introduced. I knew immediately that I wanted to go, and my choice of Denmark was largely based on intuition-something just seemed to draw me there. I didn’t do much prior research, but I knew that the Danish healthcare system is quite unique in the world. Healthcare is free and accessible to all citizens, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. In addition, the system is highly digitalized, which was a new and interesting experience for me.
The entire preparation process in Estonia was very pleasant and went smoothly. Soon enough, the moment arrived when I boarded a plane and set off for Copenhagen. My internship placement was in the endocrinology department at Bispebjerg Hospital. The main focus of the department was the acute treatment of diabetic patients, but there were also four beds for patients undergoing addiction treatment. Most of the patients in the department had type 1 or type 2 diabetes with various acute complications. It was an active and rather demanding department, dealing with complex cases.
Before the internship began, all exchange students participated in an orientation week, during which the school organized various events and classes and introduced us to Copenhagen. I am very grateful for this experience—everything was interesting and broadened my horizons. We also had the opportunity to learn Danish and gain a deeper understanding of the education and healthcare systems in Denmark. One of the most memorable sessions was about communication without words. The teacher was deaf and mute, and the experience was extremely educational and important. In healthcare, situations often arise where you do not speak the same language as the patient, or the patient is unable to express themselves verbally due to their condition. In such cases, the ability to read body language is invaluable.
Upon arriving at the department, we were given a thorough tour of the hospital. The Bispebjerg Hospital complex is truly beautiful, surrounded by greenery, gardens, and parks. All the buildings are connected by underground corridors, where all logistics take place. I had a designated supervisor, but I often worked with different nurses as well. The reception in the department was very warm and supportive.
The working language in the department was Danish. Although many patients spoke English, all documentation was done in Danish. By the end of the internship, my understanding of the language had improved significantly, although speaking it turned out to be more difficult than I had initially expected. A nurse was typically responsible for 3–4 patients and managed all aspects of their care, from hygiene to medication administration. All the nurses were extremely empathetic, friendly, and caring, and they approached patients holistically. The work organization was well structured, staffing levels were sufficient, and doctors and nurses communicated constantly with each other.
A nurse’s workday lasted 8 hours. In Denmark, the standard workweek is also 37 hours, which supports a good work-life balance. Throughout the entire internship, I felt supported—whenever issues arose, I could always turn to my supervisor or the internship coordinator. The hospital also offered various additional trainings, which were very educational and practical.
In addition to the professional experience, it is important to mention Copenhagen as a city. It is a wonderful place to live, full of open-minded, friendly, and inspiring people. I made lifelong friends both from Denmark and from around the world. I will miss my hospital team, my patients, and all the people I met along this journey. During this time, I grew more as a nurse, a student, and a person than I could have ever expected.
If someone asks whether there is anything I regret, it is only that I did not complete all of my clinical training in Denmark.
Would I go again? Definitely YES-I recommend it to everyone who is considering it.
An amazing experience for a lifetime!
Kristi Laursoo
