Hyggeligt! Past Review
By Joanna G (Psychology/Spanish, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/17/2013 to 06/17/2013 with
DIS Copenhagen: Semester
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile! DIS was a well rounded program incorporating travel, culture, and hands on experience both in and outside of the classroom. I learned to get out of my comfort zone and to challenge
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I absolutely loved my host family experience. DIS did a great job matching students with host families. I still keep in touch with my host family and will continue to do so. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
It was easy to make an appointment. They were very efficient and quick. Since I was a student the Danish government provided us with free healthcare. |
| * Safety: |
It was incredibly safe. I have never felt so safe in my life. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Denmark is very expensive so I didn't go out or eat as much as I would have liked. Once I knew where to go to find good deals then I was able to spend more. However, I only ate out a few times. I wish it would have been cheaper otherwise I would have gone out more. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just make sure to manage your expenses often. If your bank charges you for a withdrawal fee at an ATM make sure to check what that fee is and take out money every 2 weeks. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | No Danish |
| 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? | Definitely try to use it with as many Danes as you can. Fortunately I lived with a host family so they would help me with homework and review Danish. Practice by going to places like the grocery store. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I would have known how overwhelming orientation would be. Those first few days were a lot to take in and I felt disoriented stating school on Thursday even though we had only been there for a few days. I would not have take as much clothing as I did and I wish I would have arranged my travel plans before or at the beginning of my study abroad experiences for the travel breaks. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
