Copenhagen, my favorite European city! Past Review

By (Biology And Psychology, Providence College) - abroad from 01/12/2013 to 05/17/2013 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile. I learned a lot about Danish culture and made some great friends while I was at it. I was also able to travel within Europe so it was really cool to see other cities and learn about the culture and meet people in those other cities as well.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a Traditional Kollegium and absolutely loved it. I was able to live with Danish students and get to know them really well. It was a lot of fun and great for cultural immersion with people my own age.

* Food:

The $600 DIS gave actually goes a long way. Definitely use Netto as it is one of the cheaper grocery stores!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because of my housing and my visiting family I felt extremely integrated into local culture. I was able to make dinner with my floor mates and check out tourist destinations with my visiting family.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Never had any health issues but the healthcare system in Denmark is great. You just need to bring your CPR card to the hospital to which you are assigned and you will receive free health care.

* Safety:

Really safe city. Felt comfortable traveling alone and never felt unsafe at night or on the public transportation.

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 an extremely expensive city so if you go out to eat a lot or if you like to get coffee everyday, it is going to be a very costly semester. I was able to use the food stipend that DIS gives for a good majority of my meals and would rarely eat out except for pastries and special occasions. It is an expensive city but it is possible to get by on a student's budget if you plan well.

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

DIS does have a Danish course which I did not take but those who did learned some of the language and a good amount about the culture. Almost everyone in Denmark speaks really good English so not knowing Danish is not a problem.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Making new friends
  • Long study tours
  • Housing
* What could be improved?
  • Cost
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing really - I felt pretty informed!