An unforgettable time May 23, 2023

By (Neurobiology, Neurosciences, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/14/2023 to 05/12/2023 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became more independent and became more comfortable doing things on my own in a new city. I learned how to cook for myself daily as I was used to the meal plan at Middlebury and I learned how to budget while also having a fantastic time.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was less work than Middlebury but I definitely was very busy!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I didn't need to use administration but they were available if needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the center of the city in a lovely apartment and was very happy.

* Food:

I cooked a lot which I loved but the food was very expensive to go out to eat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had a host mom that I met with a few times a months and made some Danish friends!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any but for friends that did our program staff helped us get the resources we needed.

* Safety:

I always felt safe in Copenhagen.

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

This was my first time living in a city and Copenhagen was a great first city to live in. I really thought my classes were interesting and I made some really great friends. It was an incredible opportunity to live in Copenhagen and meet locals and experience the culture, as well as travel throughout Europe!

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)

It is what you make it- you get a grocery stipend and if you budget, it can last a while. However, going out to eat is very expensive and so is clubbing/drinks on the weekends if you choose to partake. Additionally, if you want to travel a lot then this will greatly increase your costs.

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? Budget early on!

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? High school spanish
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? Practice with your roommates and practice in your daily interactions when you are out and about!

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?
  • New friends
  • Living in the city center
  • Travel
* What could be improved?
  • More integration into the Danish community
  • More Danish friends
  • Less group work in academic settings
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that Denmark was a pretty racist country. I knew that many European countries were racist but it was very prevalent in everyday life, especially on the weekends at clubs and bars.

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 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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Health and Human Disease

Course Department: Medical Practice and Policy
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was simply amazing. The content was so interesting and the professor was extremely engaging. I loved all the hands-on aspects of the class as I learned quite a bit from those.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.