Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Denmark is the happiest place on Earth! Past Review

By (Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 01/21/2019 to 06/28/2019 with

Aarhus University: Aarhus - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about Danish and Scandinavian culture, as well as about other countries around the world!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Studies are more self-motivated than in US classes. The only grade you get is from your final exam, all other assignments are voluntary, though you are expected to do them. This means you get as much out of the course as you would like to, but can make it hard to keep up if you aren't proactive.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The International Center and the business school (Aarhus BSS) staff that worked with international students were always so kind and quick to answer any questions. We were always provided with all of the information we needed throughout the semester.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a dorm on an international floor, which definitely contributed to my time abroad since I got to meet even more people from all over the world. The price was very reasonable, too.

* Food:

Eating out is expensive in Denmark, but prices at grocery stores are very reasonable. I had to cook more than I typically do at home.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In the business school we were provided with mentors who took us in groups to fun university events and events happening in the city, which helped us to learn more about the culture and interact with Danish people in social settings.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

In Denmark, residents are given state health insurance. In our first week we were all signed up for this program, and were provided with the same health insurance a Danish citizen has! I never had to use it, but other exchange students said it was easy, doctors visits were free, and prescriptions had a small copay.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Aarhus! Even at night I had no problem walking by myself, which I would never do at home. Everyone is friendly and polite.

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

Denmark is incredible and I'm so thankful I was able to experience the culture for myself.

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. Eating out, even fast food, will always be over $10. Public transport is expensive - a monthly bus pass is about $60, or each individual ride is about $3.50. Cooking for yourself and spending money wisely definitely helps, but the costs add up.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself as much as possible. Live in cheaper accommodation so you can spend your money on fun experiences.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • New friends
  • Fun activities
  • Travel opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The weather is gloomier than back home, which was quite an adjustment.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.