Past Review

By (accounting, SUNY - Binghamton) for

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The experience was definitely worthwhile and I learned a lot about myself and the world. I would do it again if I had the chance. You have to see what Europe is all about and college is a great time to do it. I became much more independent during my stay and feel that I have matured a lot.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Some classes were really interesting while others were taught by professors who weren't at all qualified to teach their subject. The workload wasn't bad but there was a lot of reading they expected you to do. Since it was a program just for American students the Danish professors tried to make it like an American school.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program administrator was very knowledgeable and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a three story apartment building about a 10 minutes train ride away from Copenhagen in a place called Emdrup. The building was just a block away from the train station as well as a convenience store, so it was pretty convenient. <br /><br /> I lived in a good location which was nice but the apartment was a disaster like I described earlier.

* Food:

The food was good but it was ridiculously expensive. And never eat the Chinese food there.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We went on fun trips in Denmark and also to England with our class. There were also organized social events that were fun as well. Everything was well put together and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. The trip to England was definitely the best though.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city is extremely safe and I wasn't worried at all during my stay. Health care on the other hand is free but I have heard that they just recommend orange juice and sleep and send you on your way.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent a ton of money on food and personal expenses. If you go to Denmark expect to spend a lot of money because the exchange rate is terrible. Had I looked into this more I would have went somewhere else. A Big Mac meal is 12 bucks just to give you an example.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? There will definitely be unexpected expenses and they will cost you an arm and a leg. Make sure you bring good shoes to walk in and clothing for rain. Come prepared.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Apartment
  • Apartment
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Other
  • Other
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You better really like Denmark. After travelling around Europe I wish I had studied almost everywhere else.