Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Loved my time in Copenhagen! October 20, 2023

By (Political Science and Peace and Justice Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/20/2022 to 12/16/2022 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I felt that I had a far better understanding of Denmark's history and culture, and how it differed from the US. As a poli sci major, two of my courses had a lot of learning specifically around Scandinavia, so I don't know how applicable that would be to other majors. DIS reserves Wednesdays for "field studies" and schedules two study tours over the semester, so the experiential learning aspects of the program were very helpful. Living in a big city and taking the metro to class everyday was a really nice change from the small campus. I also felt like I became more independent after my semester abroad.

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 really enjoyed my classes! There was a great variety of options, and I liked how they integrated experiential learning, with field studies and study tours. The courses were the right amount of complexity and difficulty to be engaging, but straightforward enough to succeed.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There were lots of resources and assistance available to us. I felt very supported by the DIS team

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really liked my housing! It was an apartment in the middle of the city, in a perfect location. I was a little disappointed at not being able to live in housing with Danish students

* Food:

I loved the system of cooking for ourselves, and the grocery card was extremely convenient.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because it was an all-american program, I didn't feel that I got to meet as many danish people as I would have liked to. I do feel like I have a solid understanding of Danish culture and got to have many fantastic experiences.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I struggled to get some of my medication filled while in Denmark, because it was a controlled substance. It wasn't very easy to navigate, but DIS was good about assisting me.

* Safety:

Copenhagen was very safe, and I felt comfortable walking around by myself at night. I will say that a couple of my friends had some bad experiences being harassed when out in public because of their race.

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

I really enjoyed my time at DIS! I loved living in Copenhagen, I thought my classes were interesting and my professors were great, and had the opportunity to explore Copenhagen as well as travel.

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)

The housing was all inclusive, we were given housing, transportation and a food card with approximately $600 in USD. I had an easy time of it, and the food card lasted me for the entire semester, with a substantial amount of money left over (although I'm a vegetarian and shopped mostly at netto). Copenhagen is generally very expensive though, so it is a little tough to budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe like $30 a week, but would average out to more during travel weeks

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Opportunity for travel
  • Choice in Classes
  • Experiential Learning
* What could be improved?
  • More integration with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How quickly it would go by! I also wish I knew more danish...

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.