Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Copenhagen is a gem and I would relive my experience in a heartbeat Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 06/13/2016 to 08/05/2016 with

DIS Summer in Scandinavia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad, especially at DIS, was definitely worthwhile. I got to take interesting courses in a beautiful country with new friends from all over the States. I learned how to navigate living and travelling in a foreign country, stick to a budget, cook for myself, and challenge myself to make the most of my time in Copenhagen.

Review Photos

DIS Summer in Scandinavia Photo DIS Summer in Scandinavia Photo

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.

I was very glad that the courses at DIS made me work hard. I didn't want blow-off classes that were a waste of time and didn't challenge me, so I was thankful that the DIS professors lived up to my expectations.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I could not have been happier with my living arrangements; my housing accommodations and roommates were wonderful and I have made lifelong friends because of this.

* Food:

N/A - DIS did not provide a meal plan during the summer program.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Copenhagen natives were very friendly and welcoming; all you have to do is pick up a bike and ride alongside them!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A - I had no healthcare issues.

* Safety:

After having been to multiple states in the US and European countries, I don't think I have felt safer anywhere else on earth. Copenhagen and Denmark in general are extremely safe. People had told me that Denmark was so safe that people leave babies in strollers outside stores if they need to run in really quickly, and I didn't believe it until I actually saw it in person! No matter what time of day or where I was, I never felt uneasy in the slightest.

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

Since DIS has been around for over 50 years, the program is very organized and really knows how to take care of its students. The housing situation and pairings worked out really well, and if I ever had any questions I knew who to email and they replied promptly. The classes DIS offers are unique and the professors I had taught well and were very approachable. The study tours allowed us to explore more of Europe and really get to know our classmates. I would highly recommend this program because I could not have had a better experience.

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)

Copenhagen isn't the cheapest, but there are definitely ways to save money. The best way to save money is by restricting yourself from eating out every meal and finding creative ways to make meals. I actually really enjoyed cooking for myself and getting to plan meals each day.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I rarely went out and made almost all of my meals at the apartment, which really saved a lot of money. Instead of spending $14 on one lunch or dinner, I went to the grocery store once a week, spent around $40, and was able to make about 18 full meals. Sharing meals with my roommates also helped; we all chose a different night of the week to cook, and this allowed us to save money and spend time together.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?
  • Location - Copenhagen was such a friendly, welcoming, safe, and beautiful country
  • Housing - it was very comfortable and nice
  • Study tours were excellent
* What could be improved?
  • Courses longer than 3 weeks
  • It would have been nice to have a food stipend
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I can't think of anything off the top of my head; having travelled to Europe several times before, I had a good idea of what to expect. DIS also sent tons of information before departure, so all of my questions had been answered before I arrived.

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!