Studying abroad in Denmark: I had the time of my life! Past Review

By (Psychology/Art History, Grinnell College) for

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The course load was much lighter, we did a lot of group projects, though, but the teaching style was very similar to the one at Grinnell. I had small classes and professors encouraged discussion in class. One of the best part of DIS was the field studies we had for our classes, which emphasized hands-on learning.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

DIS is an amazing program! Every department arranges wonderful field trips, excursions, and trips on the weekends and on breaks. The educational trips are wonderful as well. We stayed at great hotels, had dinner reservations at very delicious restaurants, participated in very fun cultural activities, and I learned so much from all the academic visits.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a Danish roommate and she was wonderful! The "suburb" of Amager is close to the city-center (Copenhagen) where the campus is located. It is a very safe neighborhood with easy access to the metro and the bus system. I did not need to buy any items to settle-in since my roommate had everything I needed in the apartment. I had the best interactions with my roommate. She was very helpful with everything, and I got to meet a lot of her friends.

* Food:

I don't have any dietary restrictions, so I did not have any problem with the food. The quality of food in Denmark is very good and I enjoyed everything I tried. For those students who have dietary restrictions, DIS always accommodates everyone on class trips when food is involved.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The surfing trip to Portugal was an amazing experience, and one of the coolest things I have ever done. I really enjoyed every trip I went on through out the semester. Weekend trips to the Louisiana museum and Legoland were also very fun.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Copenhagen, and other surrounding towns, are very, very safe. Quite a few times I would return to Amager late (3 am, for example) and I felt super safe walking alone. I did not have personal experience with healthcare, but I know it is very accessible to students. I did not need to get any vaccines specifically for the program.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

We studied Danish, but everyone spoke English in Copenhagen.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

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  • Other
* Who did you live with?

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  • Other