Fantastic Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/15/2019 to 12/14/2019 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about Danish society, and the European region as a whole. Enhancing my perspective on this side of the world was exactly what I was looking for. This experience was absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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

Yes...I have recommended this program to anyone I've spoken to that plans to go abroad in the future. The administrators, classes, and professors of the program were fantastic and organized. Additionally, Copenhagen is an incredible place. But, there are a few opportunities in other cities and within other programs that have the ability to enhance an experience more than DIS could.

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)

It was easier to live on a student budget given the food stipend that DIS distributed.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The food stipend really helped.

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

Danish class was the only place where I used a language other than English.

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? N/A
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? It helps to have fun conversations with your classmates in the language you are learning. Everyone is able to retain the new skills faster this way.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Exposure to immense knowledge
  • The city of Copenhagen
  • The long study tour
* What could be improved?
  • Equalizing the demographic ratio of female to male
  • Smaller group housing options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the public transportation system. It took a while to find everything, and by the time I was comfortable, I had to go home.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

European Game of Politics

Course Department: Political Science
Instructor: Christine Nissen
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course really fulfilled its mission of giving an in depth lens into the function and behavior of the EU. The teacher was a former employee for an EU institution, so she was very knowledgable and informative. Our learning was even furthered by the elaborate and encompassing study tours. Just as the classroom style reflected a more interactive way of learning, assignments were very hands on. All were reasonable and helpful.
Credit Transfer Issues: I assume that I will not have any issues, but, I haven't filed for credit yet.