The Best 4 Months of My Life! Past Review

By (Tulane University) - abroad from 01/21/2012 to 05/19/2012 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot of about my own culture, Europe, and a lot about myself. I even fell in love! It was an amazing experience, and I wish I could've stayed longer!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This was an engaging and at times challenging program academically.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

DIS has very friendly, informative staff.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved the people who lived in my kollegium, but I did wish it was in a more interesting part of town.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

DIS stresses immersion and helps you get involved with the local community.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Copenhagen is a very expensive city.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? At least $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would suggest saving up money beforehand.

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

Nearly everyone in Denmark speaks English, and Danish is an extremely hard language to learn, especially in one semester.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? French- Level 3
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? In Denmark, it's difficult to actually learn Danish because everyone speaks and encourages you yo speak English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • I loved how helpful DIS was in integrating us into Danish culture. I loved meeting Danes and Americans that I now call life-long friends.
* What could be improved?
  • One of my classes, Neuroscience of Fear, was a bit disappointing, but other than that I was extremely happy.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Appreciate each moment, because it goes by so fast!