Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Out of my comfort zone: Self Discovery in Denmark Past Review

By (Dickinson College) - abroad from 01/16/2016 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 the world and myself. My time abroad was honestly isolating, and that forced me to think about the places I was going, the choices I was making. I had never been away from home for so long. Getting past homesickness and realising that my parents have no impact on and are largely not affected by my decisions was a big step for me. This lesson might have made it all worth it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really liked my classes, and my professors were really engaged in course material. Field trips built upon what we learned in class. Travelling with my classmates as part of our core course was great!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I never really got to know the administration.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

While my host family was great to live with, my commute was sometimes an hour and a half, one way, to get to class. That's 3 hours a day, on busses and trains! Towards the end of the semester, I was frustrated with that aspect.

* Food:

After going from my college cafeteria, where I can eat whatever I want, whenever I want to, eating with my host family was a big adjustment.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is hard to get to know the Danes!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Everyone gets free health care. I did not have to go to the doctor while I was in Denmark, but I utilised DIS's mental health support services. My conversations with a counsellor there was one of my most productive and positive experiences with a mental health professional in my life. I would not have enjoyed my semester nearly as much if I had not received this kind of support from DIS.

* Safety:

Super safe!

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

My academic experience opened my eyes to an area of science that I was unfamiliar with before. I know so much more about climate change now, and that means a lot to me.

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)

Everything is very expensive in Denmark. You can get buy on less, especially if you live in a homestay.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look for deals, like 10kr coffee. Your DIS ID will get you discounts, at some pretty expensive places in my opinion. I often bought snacks and food for the day at grocery stores. You'll find healthier and cheaper options there (groceries like Netto, Irma, Fotex)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • classes
  • field studies
  • optional trips
* What could be improved?
  • homestay support
  • creating a student community
  • size of program-A LOT of students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How long my commute would be and how much weight I would gain. Pro tip: get the pricey gym membership.

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!