Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Putting the Fun in Functional While Living in Denmark Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/20/2018 to 12/14/2018 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really like DIS's focus on the more practical sides of academia. All of my classes felt like they were preparing me to use my skills in the workforce, and I liked that.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Course were different than Wellesley courses. Overall courses were less challenging, but the different format and style were challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There was a rat in my first housing, but the quick change to new housing and the new housing was impressive.

* Food:

N/A - Students cooked for themselves.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

DIS students were not pushed to socialize or integrate with Danes unless you chose a homestay.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A - I didn't have any experience with healthcare.

* Safety:

I felt safe. However, I know that there are issues with sexual harassment that many Danish women and American women deal with in Denmark due to different cultural norms around hook-up culture.

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

DIS focuses on different things than Wellesley does, and I liked that. Also, it was nice to have a different sense of freedom.

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)

Denmark is an expensive city. I was lucky enough to not have to budget particularly strictly. DIS does provide a food stipend which was enough for most meals.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 150$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy coffee everyday.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Classes
  • Freedom
* What could be improved?
  • Meeting Danes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How bad my procrastination would get.

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!