Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Embracing Being Immersed in a New, Uncomfortable Culture Past Review

By (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities) - abroad from 05/24/2016 to 06/11/2016 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, it was worthwhile. For myself, I think I just learned that I can adapt to new environments. I feel more independent and have a more global perspective generally. It may sound weird, but until you go to a different continent, people from different parts of the world are just an idea. But you go to these places and learn that there are "actual people" living and working there just like I am back home.

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.

Really enjoyed the course material. Class required work to be put in in order to have a worthwhile experience, but the academic expectations weren't crazy high. Had plenty of time to explore and immerse myself in the new culture instead of spending it all in a library.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dishes in my room were all dirty and disgusting prior to my arrival. Had to wash them before using. Also located the floor above a dance studio, which blasted loud music pretty frequently. Made it tough to study in the room sometimes.

* Food:

DIS didn't provide food, so it was neither bad not good on that area.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I enjoyed being in Amagerbro, a little outside the city center. It let me explore another part of the city that I probably wouldn't have seen otherwise.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Fortunately had no health scares while abroad. Had a pharmacy close by, which was nice.

* Safety:

I felt pretty safe most of the time. I like that you needed to get through two sets of locked doors to enter the floor. High sense of security.

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

I loved it. The program dates (early summer, after spring semester ends), the course material (Corp. Soc. Responsibility), the city, the culture, the people. The fact that most Danes spoke fluent English was a great thing to have during my first time abroad. That reduced my nerves substantially.

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 generally an expensive place, but I was aware of that going in.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200-$250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to eat breakfast at your residence and pack a lunch.

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

  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Dates (May 24-June 11)
  • My class' curriculum
  • English fluency of locals
* What could be improved?
  • Room situation (location was nice, but room could've been cleaner when we arrived)
  • My class started at 8:30am most days, which wasn't the worst, but it would've been nice to be able to sleep in a little
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That not everyone wears black. Also basic Danish pronunciations.

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!