Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Jeg Savne Kobenhavn Past Review

By (Wofford College) - abroad from 01/16/2016 to 05/17/2016 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The program really helped me to narrow down the field that I want to pursue a career in through my core course. Although I loved my other classes this alone made the entire semester worthwhile.

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.

* 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

At first, I really did not like Copenhagen as much as I thought I would and I spent a lot of time regretting my choice of location. The DIS program, however, was really great (rigorous but very hands-on with study tours- I felt like I learned so much more than I could have anywhere else) and kept me happy about the overall program choice. At the end of the semester I took some time to travel around Denmark alone and ended up falling in love with the country.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? In Copenhagen, stick to shopping at cheaper grocery stores. Netto is everywhere and they're really inexpensive. Cook your own food whenever you can so that you can save money to spend on a nice restaurant occasionally.

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

In the Danish Language/Culture course, you were required to speak Danish out loud in class and outside of class for certain projects. You were strongly encouraged to practice speaking Danish outside of class on your own time, but not required.

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? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Core Course
  • Study Tours
  • Field Studies
* What could be improved?
  • More ways to be involved
  • More ways to meet other students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I would have more time to get involved. DIS stresses that their classes are still rigorous, but I thought that classwork would take up the majority of my free time so I didn't bother getting involved in many organizations. Also, some of the organizations required you to sign up before you really knew your course load and if you would have time to get involved.

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!