A Semester that changed my outlook on life January 25, 2023

By (Media Arts and Sciences, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/20/2022 to 12/17/2022 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a new perspective on how one lives life, how people interact with one another, and got to experience a country that values people's happiness over productivity. I also allowed myself to let go of a lot of anxieties and fears about myself, and was able to grow a lot as an individual. I feel like it was completely worthwhile.

Review Photos

DIS Copenhagen: Semester Photo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Super involved, caring, and trustworthy resource space!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel the field studies incorporated with the courses really allowed us to integrate and explore Danish culture. I feel like I really got a strong feel for the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

DIS made the process of getting a medical and resident card super smooth and easy!

* Safety:

I truly never felt unsafe in Copenhagen. It's extraordinarily safe and that really benefitted my experience.

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

I felt like DIS was the perfect study abroad program. They place you in housing with very specific intent to your interests, allow for lots of exploration in the city, has travel built into classes, and foster a close community. The structure of the DIS program really allowed me to make amazing friends, engage deeply with Copenhagen and Danish culture, and allow myself to flourish and grow.

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)

Denmark is one of the most expensive countries, so it was obviously expensive living there on a student budget, but that is not the fault of the program or anything. It's just how it is!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I would say each week I probably spent around $150-$200 a week, or more.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you need clothing, go to flea markets in the area! Super cheap and nice clothing. Buy items from Netto that will last, make coffee at home because coffee is extraordinarily expensive in Denmark.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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
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?
  • Travel Built Into the Courses
  • Close Connections with Professors
  • Great community of other students who became my closest friends
* What could be improved?
  • The DIS Navigate App
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack a lot less than you think you need, you don't need it!

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.