Copenhagen has my heart August 01, 2022

By (Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/15/2022 to 05/13/2022 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Beyond getting to see a new part of the world and experience living in a different culture, I learned so many life skills and made so amazing memories that I will carry with me forever!

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.

Great classes and knowledgeable professors. I learned so much from the field studies and study tours. Definitely not as academically rigorous as my home university, with a focus on readings rather than assignments, but this was perfect because it allowed for more flexibility in my schedule. Most classes centered around experiential learning and discussions, which was refreshing, and my professors were extremely kind and passionate about helping their students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

DIS was very helpful and had a lot of resources for students in all aspects of study abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Even though I was in the kollegium, I was placed in a lofted studio with one other American. The only way I got to interact with non-Americans was by going to my friends' kollegium apartments who had Danish or European roommates. DIS didn't seem to have a consistent way of matching roommates either-- it either worked or it didn't-- but it was especially hard to live in a studio apartment when there were any conflicts in lifestyle/living arrangements. The lofted apartments also don't have ovens, so I could only cook using the stovetop or the common kitchen's oven. One good thing was that my kollegium was fairly new and located very close to metro and bus stops, as well as grocery stores and cafes.

* Food:

I cooked for myself almost every day of the week using the stipend from DIS. However, this ran out about a month before the end of the program, and I had to buy my remaining groceries with my own money. Food in Copenhagen is expensive, so cooking for yourself or cooking with a group of people can be a fun way to socialize and cut the costs of eating out.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My Danish class was helpful for gaining more insight into Danish language and culture, but I wish I could have lived with Danish roommates as well. I recommend doing the visiting host family program, as it seemed like the perfect amount of cultural integration for someone who isn't living with a host family.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had an issue but friends had problems getting their medical concerns addressed.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Copenhagen, even walking around late at night. The public transportation is extremely fast and efficient, and the streets are clean and easy to navigate.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cooking with friends can be a really effective way to cut costs and have fun/socialize in the process!

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

Even my Danish teacher said we would focus on culture more than language because it would be more useful/relevant after leaving the program. Still fun to learn and recognize words/names around the city!

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

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Classes
  • Professors
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I'm glad I didn't book too many trips outside of Denmark (especially at the end of the program when you start realizing how little time you have left) so that I could thoroughly explore all that Copenhagen/Denmark has to offer!

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!