The best and most life changing 4 months of my life Past Review

By (Anonymous University) - abroad from 01/14/2016 to 05/13/2016 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself and being independent. My social skills grew as I was forced to meet new people all the time and I became even more open and joyful as a person. I gained a lot of confidence during these last 4 months as I traveled alone and came to Copenhagen without any close friends. I dated in Copenhagen as well which totally changed my life and view of my self as an individual.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

Although I liked the idea of a kollegium, I thought that Øresundskollegium was quite old and outdated. I did not feel very comfortable living there even though it was safe. The appliances were outdated and worn out in the kitchen and I really did not like the bathrooms.

* Food:

The $600 stipend card was very helpful!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met so many wonderful Danes that I will remember forever. I am definitely coming back to Copenhagen, and potentially getting my masters degree there thanks to my wonderful experience in the city!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

One of my favorite things about Copenhagen is how safe and gender equal it is. I never felt unsafe or disrespected as a woman there, it was truly a great experience and something that stood out to me.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I love Copenhagen so much and Scandinavia is general. I feel so safe and equal with everyone.

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 expensive city and I often ate out because I did not like cooking in the shared kitchen on my floor in my kollegium. Sometimes there were too many people in and out of the kitchen and other times I just wanted some privacy. I also felt like the kitchen was old and dirty so I tried to avoid it, which unfortunately cost me a lot of money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150-250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out a lot. Pack appropriate clothes so you don't have to buy a ton when you're in Copenhagen like I had to.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Safety of Copenhagen
  • Study tours/trips to places I wouldn't have gotten to see
  • Bonding with Danes
* What could be improved?
  • It was a shame that I started to have a lot of work towards the end of the semester when the weather was finally getting so nice. Perhaps spacing out the work load and having big projects/papers due earlier in the semester?
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have chosen to rent my own apartment. I did not like my housing arrangement at all.