Næste Station: Copenhagen! Past Review

By (Human Biology, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 05/21/2013 to 07/06/2013 with

DIS Summer in Scandinavia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Too much to write in this tiny box. It was incredible and I'm still speechless about it. Go experience it for yourself.

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.

My classes were the best part of my Study Abroad experience. My medical school applications are ridden with experiences in the classroom while I was abroad and what I learned about healthcare will forever change the way I practice medicine.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

DIS had an incredible set-up with countless resources for the students. Even the IT Department was very helpful when my computer broke and the Study Tour to Bornholm was very well organized and fun.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It mean, it WAS dorm living, there's no getting past that. But my room was very clean and I enjoyed meeting local Danes on my floor. Transportation to DIS was about a 10 minute bike ride, which I really enjoyed in the mornings.

* Food:

The meals provided by DIS were amazing to the point where I ate too much. I thought I would have trouble finding things to eat in Denmark, but I was wrong- there's a bakery on every corner.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I would have liked to meet more Danes through my classes and through DIS but I still feel like I got to know Danish culture. I think riding a bike helped; it was very Danish.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had a health issue abroad. But people that got colds couldn't get cold medication because of the way the Danish healthcare system handles drugs, which I thought was funny.

* Safety:

Copenhagen was safer than my high school.

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)

Denmark is expensive; there's no getting around that.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? More than I needed to, probably.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself; don't eat out often.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Classes
  • Location
  • Program Resources
* What could be improved?
  • It was expensive
  • More activities with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? BACK UP YOUR COMPUTER TO AN EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE BEFORE YOU LEAVE AND TAKE THE HARD DRIVE WITH YOU. Also, if you're going for the summer, you might be better off in DIS housing because a lot of the Danes are gone for the summer in the kollegiums anyway.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!