Copenhagen, the land of the beautiful Past Review

By (History And English, Barnard College) - abroad from 01/12/2013 to 05/16/2013 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had to realize that I would learn things outside of the classroom, as the classes themselves were not interesting.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were extremely easy, which wouldn't have been so bad if they weren't tedious as well. They were not stimulating.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They housing varies drastically. I was lucky enough to be in the city center, but it still had many drawbacks. You are not allowed to have any guests to stay over, ever. You can not drink past 10 in the house even if you are over 21, and in general the rules were so strict I felt as if I was being babysat the whole time. .

* Food:

You cook all of your own food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You are only in classes with other Americans. You hardly meet any Danish people at all.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

You did not need any vaccinens for the program. The health care is universal but it takes almost a full month to be assigned a doctor. The one time i really needed to see my doctor the whole office was closed for the week and the message on the phone was in Danish so I couldn't understand it at all. By the time I had someone translate it for me, I called the backup office and they were booked because they were handling two office's worth of people.

* Safety:

Extremely safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Coopenhagen is one of the most expensive cities in the world. It was almost impossible to go out to eat, and drinks were crazy expensive.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Most people took a general Danish language and culture class but it was mroe focused on culture and was not very practicle.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The city
* What could be improved?
  • Classes
  • Housing
  • Food Stipend
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? that it was really expensive

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!