Copenhagen: learning almost as much about American as about Denmark Past Review

By (Tulane University) - abroad from 01/23/2012 to 05/18/2012 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There's no way I could describe all the things I gained/learned from my experience in Copenhagen in this one tiny box. It was absolutely worthwhile and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Courses were not as rigorous as Tulane classes, but this study abroad program is not a joke, as I've heard many of them are.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

DIS did a fantastic job of handling the administrative stuff.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

DIS provided ample amounts of opportunities to become immersed, even though we were studying with only Americans.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any issues, but DIS ensured that we were covered by the Danish healthcare system.

* 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)

living with a host family cut a lot of costs for me, but Denmark in general is a very expensive country.

* 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? I wish I had kept track better....
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Live with a host family who will cook for you!! It cuts a lot of money and stress from your day.

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

It was difficult to use the language when all the Danes prefer speaking English. It was fun to try though.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? N/A
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? Don't be afraid to TRY! make lots of mistakes and using the language is a great way to meet/befriend Danes.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • All the trips were very well organized
  • DIS provided so many opportunities to meet both Americans and Danes.
  • I could really see where all my tuition money went (e.g. lots of free stuff!)
* What could be improved?
  • I was a bit disappointed with a few of my professors, who seemed a bit less-than-qualified
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Living in a host family with another American is probably the most ideal housing situation DIS offers.