Denmark: Expensive Whiplash February 02, 2022

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/21/2021 to 12/18/2021 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Denmark is not paradise. No where in the world is free of systemic inequalities.

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.

The classes were very interesting and engaging. I took non-STEM related courses, and can only speak on sociology, education studies, Danish language & culture, and a journalism-like class. These classes were flexible with readings and assignments that ensures we were not overwhelmed and still had time to explore while abroad. Additionally, professors were flexible regarding covid-19 related sickness and personal issues like family crises. DIS did its best to allow travel for educational purposes and to interesting locations the teachers planned for study tours. One critique I have is that it felt like DIS was skimping on some resources like microphones/licenses for one of my classes, but I do believe this is as a result of the disruption Covid-19 had on everything globally, so perhaps in more stable times, DIS would have enough materials for everyone.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Classes were at reasonable times and in very close proximity to each other. We had technical support resources and people who responded to Covid-19 calls which is increasingly important these days. They did get Covid-19 home tests kits students could pick up which I think was very responsible of them. My one critique here is that DIS was very flexible with Covid-19 regulations. They were following Danish health authorities, but in a strange way. They did not require masks in buildings which is the bare minimum when students in the program are traveling internationally constantly and live in close quarters. There was no de-densifying of dormitories. Also, I wish DIS had been honest about racism and islamophobia that exists in Denmark. I felt the program underprepared Black, Asian, and Muslim friends because we were all more surprised when microaggressions happened.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a great experience in my Homestay. I did the Career Connections Homestay and was matched with reasonable career match and still had the flexibility of having some meals provided for me. Though I heard some people had difficulties where the meal-situation was not clear between them and their homestays in this same program. I received a stipend from the Career Homestay program which is super helpful given the different meal structure. I had a private room in my Homestay just a 20 minute bus ride from central Copenhagen. This was just the right amount of distance that is convenient. My hosts had similar hobbies and interests as me so it helped in getting along well.

* Food:

We rarely ever had food provided for us from DIS. We had to buy our own meals for everything except when we went on week-long study tours. They covered some of the meals during that time and, at least in my core course, I felt very well-fed!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Integration? hahaha I felt very disconnected from Danes outside of my host family. It is hard to meet other Danes that want to invest time into you and be your friend. Most of the Danes I had really good conversations with and advice from were immigrants themselves. And they also said they faced a similar issues when they first arrived. Knowing Danish helps a lot in making connection but Danish is sooo hard to pick up.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

For the most part, at least around Copenhagen, there was English help for us. Denmark has a system where you can talk to a nurse on-call for advise but when I called with symptoms of motion-sickness they told me to wait a few days before doing anything...but then I googled what to do and bought motion-sickness pills that same day and was fine. So, I guess Danes refrain from prescribing medication and want you to wait it out? My friend couldn't find proper medication for her UTI and she could only successfully reach a doctor with the help of our Danish-speaking program assistant on our study tour (in South Denmark in Jutland) Though, Covid-19 Testing and Vaccinations was SO EFFECTIVE and easy to get in Copenhagen.

* Safety:

OMG Copenhagen was INCREDIBLY safe. I felt so safe walking home even in the dark as a woman. If I took public transit late at night, it was usually on-time so that helped with feeling safe getting home and not waiting in the dark for long. No random gun shots and no robberies that I knew of in my neighborhood. I did have one situation with a guy following my friends and I, but we approached a random restaurant for help and were able to get help and stay safe. DIS gave us the emergency contact info of local Danish authorities and their own DIS phone numbers just in case anything happened also. Beware of racism and islamophobia and xenophobia. Denmark is not paradise.

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

Pros outweighed Cons

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)

As a low-income, first-gen student who had to support myself the entire time while abroad....this was a financial disaster. Everything is so expensive! A tall coffee at Starbucks would cost me almost $8 :( I think without international travel, I spent minimum (or just about) $4,000 on food & necessities & some fun activities this semester.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? -Cook at home -Visit Cheap countries if you travel internationally (like Czechia) -Hang out at people's homes instead of eating out -Buy Toiletries in the US and bring over to Denmark (saves you initial money and later creates available pounds in your luggage)

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

Little to no encouragement unless you took the Danish Language Course.

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? Native Bilingual Spanish Speaker - passed 200 level
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Homestay

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
  • 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?
  • Flexibility of Professors during uncertain times
* What could be improved?
  • Give more financial aid to First-gen college students who are low-income
  • Tell people they will still encounter micro-aggressions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be okay with spending more money than you anticipated. Danish food is more bland than you think. Visit Nørrebro neighborhood for great food--most diverse in Copenhagen

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.'