"You should go to Copenhagen." - Me, everyday February 11, 2022

By (Political Science, 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?
I learned to be more independent. I made lots of friends, American, Danish, and other Europeans. I found myself. It was absolutely worthwhile. People often tell me that I seem more mature and more confident now.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I absolutely loved DIS Copenhagen. I found that the classes were not as difficult as my home university but were well tailored to the study abroad experience, especially with the experiential learning travel component.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

DIS administration is very thoughtful and helpful. They want the experience to be fantastic and really do their best to make it so. From providing free at home test kits to giving recommendations for activities, admin was lovely.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The laundry system leaves much to be desired, however I really enjoyed my housing. I lived in a Kollegium that had a rushed approval process which showed. Things were new but often fell apart quickly. The kitchen was fantastic and the staff were lovely.

* Food:

We received a stipend worth around $600 in the form of a Salling Group card, which gave us access to several grocery store chains, as well as Starbucks. I mostly ate food I prepared at my apartment. The $600 did not last the entire semester for some people but I did well with it.

* 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

I fell in love with Copenhagen in a way I couldn't have otherwise. I made fabulous friends and memories.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Spending is dependent on how much you're willing to pay attention and sacrifice. Contrary to popular belief, you can live fairly cheap in CPH, but you have to be willing to cook for yourself, find free and low cost events, and know not to drink at certain places, such as those on Vestergade.

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? 102
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • classes
  • living arrangement
* What could be improved?
  • laundry
  • bigger and more flexible food stipend
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had explored the local music scene more thoroughly earlier in my experience.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.