A fun and exciting learning experience in Copenhagen Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/13/2018 to 05/12/2018 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much from living in Copenhagen through my classes, my host family, and the city itself. I think my host family made the experience incredibly special for me and this is how I learned the most about daily life and culture in Denmark. Being able to join a new family was also an important learning experience. I also learned a lot of practical knowledge from my classes in a very different way from traditional classes at Brandeis. I gained independence, knowledge, and cultural awareness from this experience abroad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No vaccines are required for this program. The program does give you access to a primary care physician located near you.

* Safety:

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

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 a very expensive city; however, living with a host family greatly reduced those expenses for me. Eating out more frequently would make personal expenses much higher.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? The only money I would spend on food would be if I was eating out as my host family provided most food for me. My expenses each week, including things such as admission to different locations would be about $30 (sometimes less, usually not more).
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Copenhagen is an expensive city, especially when it comes to food and eating out. Little purchases, such as pastries, can really add up!

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

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? No Danish courses taken prior to departure
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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?
  • Host family
  • Study tours
  • Classes offered
* What could be improved?
  • Opportunities to meet more locals
  • Communication with teachers
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about some of the racial tensions in Copenhagen. Although this never personally impacted me, it definitely affected my adjustment.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'