Denmark: Cold but always warm in my thoughts! Past Review

By Cierra R (Sociology., Pacific Lutheran University) for

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

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

It was incredibly worthwhile! I grew as a human and feel so much more awake. I appreciate my life and aspects of my life more than I did before. My experience didn't change my future plans or academic interests, but it did often peak my interest in the differences between the criminal justice system of Denmark and the US.

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.	Overall I felt the work load was fairly manageable. I only had one professor who did not have very good English and she was removed as our professor due to health reasons halfway through the semester. I felt the classes were easier at DIS than at PLU. They really tried to base their system on US teaching system.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	I feel like my expectations were very different than what I got, but not in a bad way. They were always helpful and supportive.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	My neighborhood was very safe. My host family was AMAZING.
* Food:	Danishes are AWESOME. There are many great places to eat but the best is a family BBQ with danish hotdogs. They're SO good!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	My program took trips to Western Denmark and we experienced a lot more of the differences in thinking between Danes and Americans.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Major safe! So safe it's ridiculous!
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?	I practiced a lot with my host family. Most people could speak pretty decent English. The need for the language was rare.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Host Family

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	I loved going to school in a city. The professors were passionate and inspiring. The classes were interesting and not too challenging.
* What could be improved?	I think the program would benefit from having Danish students and American students side by side learning in English. It was difficult to meet Danes. I think the program needs to help more with that.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	The other American students in the program really killed it sometimes. Many were immature, interested in only partying, and had incredibly narrow mindsets. I was disappointed often with the work ethic and lack of interest they showed for exploration. I did find a few people who had my same interests. This program might be more suited for people who want an easy semester where they can party every weekend. (DIS housing is best for them) If someone wants a memorable experience I would recommend staying with a host family and exploring on the weekends instead of getting hammered.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Divine Gardens and Earthly Paradises
Course Department:
Instructor:	Toby
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	It was challenging, fun, and amazing! It was actually my only "random" class that counted as just regular credits, but it was my absolute favorite. It looked at religion and gardens all in one go and was absolutely fascinating. The professor was amazing andI learned so much.
Credit Transfer Issues: