The Happiest City in the World Past Review

By (Economics., Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/17/2014 to 12/14/2015 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I considered myself extremely independent before going abroad however being put in a place where there is a language barrier and cultural norms different than what I know forced me to become even more independent and pushed me outside of my comfort zone.

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Copenhagen is a very expensive city.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook food at home

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

There was a lot more emphasis on cultural understanding rather than language

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 prior language in Danish, French 300
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? I think for Denmark since English is predominantly used students should rather focus on cultural understanding.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Travel Breaks
  • Housing
  • Danish Culture
* What could be improved?
  • Student living expense stipends
  • DIS Technology Equiptment
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There are some things you can not get abroad, yes. But for the most part if there is something you need youll be able to find it.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Women, Art and Identity

Course Department: Art History
Instructor: Andrea Hoffmann
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The field work and discussion was extremely interesting and engaging.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Globalization and European Economics

Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Kristian Sørensen
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was challenging and at the Middlebury level of difficulty with fewer assignments.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Activism: Engagement and Resistance

Course Department: Political Science
Instructor: Jesper Lohmann
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Incredible instructor. Unique assignments and teaching style
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Danish Language 1

Course Department: Danish
Instructor: Christina Knudsen
Instruction Language: English/Danish
Comments: A good balance of cultural and language education
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Virtual Selves

Course Department: Psychology
Instructor: Debra Marie Quackenbush
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very interesting material, however the instructor took away from my experience.
Credit Transfer Issues: