BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE! Past Review

By (Anthropology, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 02/01/2015 to 06/30/2015 with

University of Copenhagen: Copenhagen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much during my experience abroad... I don't know exactly where to begin! It was most definitely worthwhile.

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 really enjoyed my classes and I found the material very interesting. The school structure was much more favorable in that there was only one exam. It was a bit of a blow off to be honest... but that's what I hoped for so I could enjoy my experience abroad. I guess it also depends on what you are studying. I would suggest taking at least one of the classes intended for exchange students :-) I also regret not taking the Danish language course which is offered!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I only needed to contact the administration a couple times when needed, but every time they proved to be very helpful and friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very lucky enough to know friends prior to moving to Copenhagen. I was able to get into a pretty selective dorm that I had to apply and have recommendations for... I didn't have to use the Housing foundation thankfully. However, I would suggest trying to live in a dorm with Danish students because that is the best way you are going to meet Danish people. I would also highly recommend living somewhere with a shared kitchen. That's an easy way to make friends quickly :-)

* Food:

I didn't go out to eat very much because my hallway cooked dinner together in our kitchen every night for cheap. However, there are tons of options and the food I did eat out was delicious. Grocery stores have pretty much everything...

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I lived with all Danish students and only met a couple exchange students during my stay, which is something I wanted. Therefore, I felt super integrated and was one of the very few exchange students who actually hangout with Danish people instead of solely exchange students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never encountered any problems while abroad.

* Safety:

Copenhagen is completely safe!

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)

I was able to find affordable housing during my stay which helped me a lot! Like I mentioned before, I didn't go out to eat very much, which helped to cut down costs a lot. We had a bar inside my dorm that sold alcohol for cheap as well, so I saved a lot of money that way as well. However, Scandinavia can be known to be very expensive... But there are a lot of ways to save money and I wouldn't be too worried about it :-)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would suggest cooking meals at home instead of going out to eat all the time.

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

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people and friendships made
  • The culture
  • The beauty of the city
* What could be improved?
  • Better explanation in regards to grading
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would say I wish I had a clearer understanding as to what to expect from the grading system... however, there is not much you can do until you get there and talk with your professors.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'