Best Experience Ever Past Review

By (CUNY - Brooklyn College) - abroad from 01/12/2019 to 05/12/2019 with

CUNY - College of Staten Island: Copenhagen - Study Abroad at Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained new friends, knowledge, met so many great professionals and teachers, I learned about a new culture and city I probably never would've had interest in before

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This was one of the best educational experiences I've had inside and outside the classroom. This program is more about student and teacher interactions, a lot of peer/group work and field activities. I got the full experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were responsive and helped as much as they can.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived on my own in an apartment (Kollegium) which is what i wanted. But for a better experience I probably would've preferred the option to live with a local my age. However, I enjoyed my place. My only issue was that it was cold, the heat wasn't high so be prepared my bringing an extra blanket or purchasing one.

* Food:

School provides a card with $600 for its major supermarkets which does not seem like a lot for 5 months but it's definitely enough to last once you budget properly. I made my own meals every week and my funds lasted up until probably a week or two prior by departure.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You won't experience much of a culture shock. It reminded me of America in a lot of ways. You'll fall in love with Danish culture and the people. Meeting Danes and making friends you will learn so much.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Thankfully I didn't get sick but students who did complained about the lack of medication offered for a common cold, so I would suggest you bring your own medication like Tylenol, NyQuil or whatever you use. Pharmacies do not sell these over the counter the most you can get is cough drops. I can't really comment on the healthcare but I know if something did happen I had access to a doctor. Compared to America's healthcare system, in Denmark you cannot walk-in to doctor offices. You need to make appointments and you're only admitted into the emergency room for major concerns. So, don't expect doctors to be available 24/7 like the US for minor sicknesses. The major health issues in Denmark is cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. If you're very concerned about second hand smoking you probably wouldn't enjoy it here. Smoking is also allowed inside some establishments like bars, etc. I did not need any special vaccines just an MMR.

* Safety:

I felt more safe here than I do in the US. I'm from NYC and walking the streets at night by yourself is a big no, or just going out by yourself. In Denmark, it is very safe. I felt comfortable taking public transportation late at night and attending events solo. I was still conscious because of my NY mentality but I was always fine.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

There was so many other things I wanted to do and see that I felt like 4 months was not enough. Even though it was a pricey study abroad the experience was all worth it.

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)

As a New Yorker and living in an expensive city, Denmark takes the cake. I'm so used to working and being able to afford whatever it is I needed and wanted. Try your best to get a scholarship to help with personal expenses. Luckily, you do not need to worry about housing, food and transportation because it is provided by the school. Dining out, shopping, travelling, etc is pricey.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Pregame before the parties cause drinks aren't cheap and drinking on the street, trains and buses are legal lol. Try not to eat out as much as possible. Most students including myself packed lunches to class, it saves a lot of money.

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

Not really needed since 98% of the population speaks English and you're probably not going to ever use the language again unless you're travelling back to Denmark. But it is good to know the basics to be polite and shows that you're interested in the culture.

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
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Duolingo is helpful.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • School
  • Field Activies
  • Trips to other countries with my class
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think I was well prepared for the trip. But try to save a lot before going.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.