Immersive semester in Copenhagen: friends, fun and learning January 07, 2023

By (Biology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/25/2022 to 12/16/2022 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to live more independently in a city, how to explore a new city on my own, and learn in a different environment. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

I loved where I lived, but me and my roommate were not a good match so I would ask that the housing application/roommate matching be a bit more detailed so that 2 incompatible people are not put together for 4 months.

* 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

I loved DIS and how easy it was to choose classes and get support for whatever questions you had. Once there, they made it really easy to not feel overwhelmed by the new city and people.

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? maybe around $150-200 a week (sometimes more and sometimes less)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eating out in Copenhagen is expensive, and sometimes, tickets to events/museums are cheaper online and booked in advance.

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? AP in high school and a beginner in college (not the same language as abroad though)
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? Try to start learning before leaving for your semester abroad by watching TV's shows or doing duolingo.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • The courses
  • the staff at DIS
* What could be improved?
  • roommate matching
  • information about health insurance
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? spend as much time as you can with the friends you make while abroad.

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!