A surreal, amazing, and irreversible change of perspective. Past Review

By (University of Wisconsin - Madison) - abroad from 01/18/2016 to 05/13/2016 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that the world is much more complicated than one might realize, but that cultures and languages, no matter how different, can create a lot of unity and solidarity within the entire human race. I would have never done anything else regarding this program differently and would do it all over again if I had the chance. Was it worthwhile? Absolutely, without a doubt, yes. It was the most worthwhile thing I've ever done in my life. I really hope to live in Copenhagen permanently one day and start an entirely new life here. There is still a long way to go in getting more job experience and such, but I think it's a very realistic goal.

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 considered the academic rigor of the course to be appropriately challenging, all things considered.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Staff and teachers were very helpful and engaged. They seemed genuinely passionate about their work and were very willing to do whatever they could to make students' experiences in and outside the classroom better.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely adored living with my host family. The house was very cozy and I was glad to have been fed often. We also became very close together, meaning that I would consider them to be a second family. I wish that I did not live so far away (almost 30 km) from the city center, but the actual neighborhood I lived in was very peaceful and scenic.

* Food:

In general, the food at home tasted very good. I wish it was spicier more often, but unfortunately, my host family did not handle extensive spice all that well. I also liked the food in the greater Copenhagen area, though I wish it didn't cost so much. Most of my expenditures went towards food, so I wish it wasn't so expensive all of the time.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

At first, I felt daunted by the seemingly extreme introverted personalities of the local Danish people, but over time, I eventually got accustomed to it and was able to create an extensive network of friends here in Copenhagen. With a little bit of extra effort, making friends here became quite easy in due time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never got to use the healthcare system so far, so I won't be able to make specific comments about it. However, I've heard the quality and accessibility of said health care was quite excellent overall.

* Safety:

Copenhagen is generally a very safe city and I have never encountered any life-threatening situations. I would go so far as to say that it's probably one of if not the safest locations on the entire planet.

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

Studying abroad in Copenhagen was easily one of if not the best decision I've ever made in my entire life. I'm so thankful to have had so many life-changing perspectives here and in the other countries I've visited, as well as making so many lifelong friends and professional partners here. I honestly hope that I can permanently live here one day since I definitely identify best with the local people and customs. I appreciate the beautiful architecture history, and cultural enrichment that I experienced here and especially respect the forwardness and loyalty of Danish people. I give this program a 10 out of 10 and recommend all people interested in European culture to study abroad or visit here at least once in their life.

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)

Thankfully, my host family prepared a lot of the food I ate, so I didn't have to make expenditures in that way. However, when I had to go out into the main city or if my host family wasn't home, I had to spend money on food, which I didn't usually like doing considering how expensive a lot of items were. I would recommend buying your own food and cooking it on your own versus purchasing it elsewhere for the sake of money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe $150 or so each week on average.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would recommend buying your own food and cooking it on your own versus purchasing it elsewhere for the sake of money. Be wary of travel expenditures if you go to another country. Get coupons and free food at events if possible. Having a host family who cooks for you definitely helps.

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

It usually wasn't necessary to speak Danish because most people, excluding small children and the elderly, spoke English fairly fluently.

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? French literature and composition. No Danish at all.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make friends with the locals and converse with them as much as possible.

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Cultural Enrichment
  • Opening of Perspectives
  • Lifelong friends
* What could be improved?
  • Less expensive
  • More interaction with foreigners in the clasroom
  • I would have liked to live closer to the city center.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had memorized the metric system better and that I knew about the rules behind living and working in Denmark permanently or at least temporarily.

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 Networker
An 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.