Copenhagen: A hygge time with lots of adventure. Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Middlebury College) for

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I loved my study abroad experience. I had a fantastic time exploring Copenhagen and other parts of Europe. I also learned a lot about traveling by myself and living away from home for an extended period of time.

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 academic environment was much more relaxed at DIS. The were some classes that were harder than others, like at any other school, but even the hardest class didn’t really come close to the amount of work expected for a class at Middlebury. The actual format of teaching was pretty similar to Middlebury; nostly lectures and some group work. I think the classroom experience is best summed uo as a toned down version of Middlebury, which was nice because it allowed me opportunities to do other things like travel or explore the city.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was so well run, from our orientation to our study tours. I think some of my favorite memories are from the study tours I went on. DIS knows what it's doing. I think my study abroad expectation were met.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a homestay -- and I loved it! They were awesome and I still keep in touch with them. I think a large part of my time abroad can be defined by my relationship with my family. They really took me in to their home and made me feel like a part of the family.

* Food:

I ate a lot with my homestay bit there is a wide variety of (expensive) dinning options in Copenhagen.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The study tours were some of the best memories I have from my time abroad.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Copenhagen is a very safe and friendly city!

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

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I would practice Danish with my host family and while ordering food. The majority of Danes spoke English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Study Tours
  • Copenhagen
  • Travel Break (November)
* What could be improved?
  • Some classes could be better organized

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

European Politics: the EU

Course Department: Political Science
Instructor: Jacob Buksti
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was a great class and I learned a lot about the EU and European politics. The study tours to northern Germany and Brussels and The Hague were fantastic and a great way to see first hand some of the things we were discussing in class. The end of the year simulation game was also helpful in that we had to act as if we were EU member state representatives.
Credit Transfer Issues: no
Course Name/Rating:

European Environmental Policy in Practice

Course Department: Environmental
Instructor: Dan Jørgenson
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was a fantastic, hands on course in which we hear many guest lectures from experts in the field of environmental policy.
Credit Transfer Issues: no
Course Name/Rating:

From Homer to Harry Potter: European Storytelling

Course Department: Literature
Instructor: Bettina
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was interesting at times but disorganized.
Credit Transfer Issues: no
Course Name/Rating:

Gang Crime in Scandanavia

Course Department: Criminology
Instructor: Anne
Instruction Language: English
Comments: In this course we went over the basics of gang crime in Denmark. It was interesting in that I have never learned about the material before, but the lectures were dull at times.
Credit Transfer Issues: no
Course Name/Rating:

Danish language and Culture

Course Department: Danish
Instructor: Allete
Instruction Language: English and Danish
Comments: Great course. I learned conversational Danish and a lot about the Danish culture and the Danes as a people.
Credit Transfer Issues: no