Opportunity revealing. Past Review

By (Health Policy & Management (B.S), Global Studies (B.A), Providence College) - abroad from 08/26/2013 to 12/17/2012 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to take advantage of opportunity. Not to let a moment pass by without wondering "what could I do to make today interesting". Paint your life. Everyday. It was the best thing I ever did for myself. It's okay to be hedonistic sometimes.

Review Photos

DIS - Danish Institute for Study Abroad: Copenhagen - Various Programs Photo DIS - Danish Institute for Study Abroad: Copenhagen - Various Programs Photo DIS - Danish Institute for Study Abroad: Copenhagen - Various Programs Photo DIS - Danish Institute for Study Abroad: Copenhagen - Various Programs Photo DIS - Danish Institute for Study Abroad: Copenhagen - Various Programs Photo

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 rating is dependent upon the courses taken. If the student had primarily DIS courses, the rating would have been around a 3.5/ 4.0 in my opinion. However, three of my five courses were Københavns Universitet. Therefore, the rigor was quite present as it was a Danish University. This would make my experience academically closer to a 4/5.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great. Maybe more words from people who had been in the program would have been nice.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lived in an international dorm 20 minutes out of the city. I wish I knew the location of the dorm ahead of time when selecting, or else I might have changed my mind. I originally selected the Korallen Kollegium because it was an International Student dorm, but I had NO idea it was 20 minutes away and 10 minutes away from the nearest train. Not ideal, but I was still thankful. I recommend living there for students who want to make international friends but not for those who are looking to be directly in a city/ have that sort of experience. Depends on the wants/ course of study of the individual student. For example, as a Global Studies major I selected an international dorm for specific reasons. Enjoy!

* Food:

Was not provided for us in the dorm. Individual grocery shopping. DIS provides a stipend/ food card for its students to do this grocery shopping.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Danes are very reserved and hard to get to know. The Danes I became friends with were associated with DIS in some capacity. The few that were not I met in a Danish orchestra I played in/ through friends at my International dorm. DIS as a program itself is quite sheltered and doesn't offer the best experience for meeting Danes. You must go out into the city on your own in order to provide that experience for yourself. Speaking Danish will help you. I didn't know how to, so there's that...

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

You don't have to pay for health services in Denmark once you have your resident card/ cpr number which is comparable to a SS number in the US. I do have a problem with this process, however. I knew many students who had to pay out of pocket due to the fact it takes such a lengthy time to acquire the cpr number and residence permit. I don't know if this is avoidable or not, but it was annoying. That being said, DIS did reimburse the students who paid out of pocket. At least that was the word on the street.

* Safety:

Ran at night all the time, even downtown copenhagen. The safest place I have ever been in my life. One of the lowest crime rates in the world. You will be fine. Don't be dumb at bars, however. That's just in general... Danes don't like dumb americans anyway.

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)

It is very expensive in copenhagen. Sometimes had to purposefully not eat a meal or two in order have enough money to grocery shop. That being said, living in an international dorm had its perks for combining food efforts. My friends happily fed me international cuisine sometimes :)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Near 100 dollars which was reduced to 40/50 after realizing 100 was heinous
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? When in doubt, pasta it out. Go to places where coffee is cheap and they have student id discounts. Look into the food discounts that DIS gives and the partnerships they have with local businesses. There is a list at the front desk. Get creative with what you make with food. Don't be afraid to combine random things you wouldn't picture yourself normally eating. Limit your diet to mostly vegetables and starches since meat is very expensive. If you do need meat, however, I would go with hot dogs and hamburger meat which comes in very larger/ cheaper packages at Superbrugsen and Fakta. Netto is great, too.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The location
  • The people
  • The culture
* What could be improved?
  • Administrative Quality/ Attitudes
  • Healthcare Support
  • Individual Guidance Counselors for those who need
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the world is a big and beautiful place.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Making of the Modern Self

Course Department: Det Theologiske Fakultet, University of Copenhagen
Instructor: Brian Söderquist
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course is challenging. It is an existentialist philosophers course. There were four essay based exams, challenging/ dense readings, and a final 10ish page paper with developed thesis argumentation. Very independent and hard to please the particular professor, depending on learning style. Comparable to a United States philosophy course at a highly ranked institution. Perhaps a little easier or harder depending on the rigor of the home institution.
Credit Transfer Issues: No. Must coordinate with your on campus academic services office, however. Had to plan ahead.
Course Name/Rating:

Søren Kierkegaard Honors Seminar

Course Department: Søren Kierkegaard Research Institute at the University of Copenhagen
Instructor: John Stewart, David Posen, Brian Söderquist
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Perhaps one of the most intellectually stimulating and challenging courses I have ever taken. The professors took us out for coffee/ meals after the first and last lectures. They took pride in the material they preached and allowed us to view the material according to the way we live our lives. That being said, the objective content was still very very present. The course was assessed with only one final paper come the end of the semester. This was both challenging and opportunity raising as you were able to select your own research question. Word to the wise... do not wait to the last second to write a paper primarily based off of Kierkegaard's work. Have fun with it, though!
Credit Transfer Issues: No.