Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying in Denmark but traveling through Europe Past Review

By (Human Biology, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/17/2015 to 12/11/2015 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My favorite part of this program was the travel breaks. I went on DIS study tours for two of the three travel breaks, and both of those trips were perfectly organized and very fun. I learned how to live on my own with this program, and I learned a lot about all of Europe, not just Denmark.

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.

The classes required mandatory attendance, and the professors were good quality. DIS had excellent academic resources including its library and the professors themselves. The courses were mildly rigorous but still easier than my home university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

DIS was extremely well organized with excellent administration. The study tours were planned out with daily itineraries, and I could always go to the front desk with any questions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in a kollegium, and I really enjoyed my single room. The shared kitchen in our hallway was below average as it was dirty and lacked some necessary things, but I really enjoyed spending time with my Danish hall mates.

* Food:

I had to cook all of my own food, so if you can cook well then the food is good. If you cannot cook, make sure you stay in a homestay with a Danish family.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

DIS did a great job of incorporating us into Danish culture if you took a Danish language class, but if you were not in a Danish language class then you really had to make the effort yourself to get involved in Danish society.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe in the city of Copenhagen, itself, but the area where I lived was not as safe. I was safe in my room, but outside the kollegium was more dangerous. Also, taking public transportation late at night became dangerous at times as a girl traveling alone.

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, and the grocery stipend was not enough for the time spent there. I had to budget my money a lot, and I was not able to buy very many things besides food.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Stay with a homestay family who will pack you a lunch so that you do not have to buy lunch every day. If you are not in a homestay, pack a lunch. Eating out in Copenhagen is very expensive.

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

My Danish class was one of the more difficult ones, and my teacher encouraged us to speak in Danish extremely often. I eventually was able to speak Danish with my Danish hall mates.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 241
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 used the app Duolingo to learn some Danish while I was there, but using flashcards helped a lot. Having a Danish friend help you with your Danish was the most useful resource.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Study Tours
  • Travel Breaks
  • Medical Practice and Policy Program
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Classrooms
  • Danish culture incorporation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how expensive Copenhagen would be because I would have probably chosen to stay with a homestay program to save money.

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!