An unforgettable education w/ expert instructors and Europe as a classroom. Past Review
By A student (Philosophy., Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/19/2014 to 05/18/2014 with
DIS Copenhagen: Semester
I learned many things inside and outside the classroom. I traveled a ton, a met experts in a variety of fields and gained lifelong friends.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The rigor was self-imposed. I was taking 6 courses, volunteered to be the student leader/project leader in almost all and worked really hard. |
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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 lived in the Leadership Living and Learning Community with 10 other students on THE best and most central spot in Kobenhavn, It was fantastic. |
| * Food: |
You go grocery shopping so you're in charge of your food. In general, food is incredibly expensive and Netto (the grocery store that our food cards were associated with) doesn't have much to offer. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Again, it's your choice how integrated you become. I researched a trainer outside of DIS for riding (equestrian) and integrated through my sport as well as through my Living and Learning Community through interacting with Danish/Nordic leaders. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
universal, free health care! (I'm an EU citizen though so I had to go through a different process) |
| * Safety: |
Denmark, and Kobenhavn specifically, is probably the safest place on earth. I, as a single young female, felt perfectly safe walking by myself in the wee hrs of the morning. |
| 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 one of the most expensive countries to live. A cup of coffee is around 9 dollars. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | With my Netto card (paid for by Wellesley) and the occasional coffee run, etc. probably around $150-200 a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Community cooking - if you live in an LLC you can each donate ingredients, etc.and then you can have leftovers the next day. Also, the giant tubs of yogurt are great with honey and Muesli for breakfast or lunch. |
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 |
Everyone speaks English. The language course's intensity really varied on your instructor. Some didn't have any exams while mine had many components including an oral and written exam. |
| 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? | I had never taken Danish before. |
| 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? | The program isn't designed to teach you Danish - it's designed to help you navigate the city. A HUGE portion of the language class is on Danish culture and history and is taught in English. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Denmark is ridiculously expensive, Americans aren't the best travelers (my first experience traveling with them), you really don't need much to survive i.e. one suitcase is more than enough and DANES ONLY WEAR BLACK. Seriously, don't pack any colour. Also, bring Vitamin D supplements as there is no sunlight during the first few months. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
International Law from a European Perspective |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Heidi Güntelberg and Martin Mennecke |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Possibly the hardest course I have ever taken but well worth it as both professors are experts in their field. I would get up at 5 am (the course started at 8.30 am) to study before class. Martin and Heidi both treated us as if we were law students and I truly appreciated the time and effort put into the class on all sides. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Power of Thought |
| Course Department: | Philosophy |
| Instructor: | Jasper Loman |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | great philosophy of language/thought course for philo majors wanting an expansive understanding of the field. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
