A teaser of Denmark that makes me want to keep going back July 26, 2025

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/13/2025 to 05/09/2025 with

College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): Copenhagen - Danish Institute for Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself as I learned to live even more independently than when I was on a college campus, especially as I was in a country with a culture very different from any culture I have experienced. I also learned a lot about design thinking through my core course as well as got more comfortable using design software, which was my goal. I also learned a lot more experientially from people from U.S. institutions with diverse interests and ways of thinking which is not something I necessarily get to do at my home institution.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration was very communicative and open to providing resources at any reasonable time. Because of substantial timely communication on their part and seemingly good organization, I barely had to seek their external services. However, I have heard of a few instances from students who were seeking mental health services that have had some difficulty receiving adequate help.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was placed in Arts and Culture housing, which was my first choice. Accommodations were more than adequate and I thoroughly enjoyed the programming I got to participate in through my housing group.

* Food:

I really appreciated the grocery card provided for us, and have heard similar sentiments from peers. It was definitely an essential when it came to making sure I was nourished throughout the program.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I learned a lot about Danish culture through my Danish Language and Culture course and my core course instructors as well as field trips. Even still, I would have appreciated more opportunities to converse with local Danes who weren't my instructors. It would have helped me move with more awareness and respect in Copenhagen. I also feel that people who did not take a Danish language class would have missed out even more.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I have not had to seek external healthcare services, but my roommate seems to have had a timely and reasonable experience when she was in need of immediate help. However, I do recall she may have been pushed to stay overnight at a hospital when she felt it was unnecessary, although I myself do not know the details of this.

* Safety:

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
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The freedom and trust given to students
  • Study tours, being able to travel in the EU
* What could be improved?
  • More empathy and accommodations for students going through mental health issues
  • More interaction with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is so much easier to bike most places than to take public transit. It's very valuable to practice biking fast before going to Copenhagen long-term.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Graphic Design Foundations Studio

Course Department: Architecture and Design
Instructor: Liv Elinor Klostergaard
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Danish Language and Culture I Section 145 for Architecture and Design Students

Course Department: Anthropology, Architecture, Language
Instructor: Catharina S. Rosendal
Instruction Language: English, Danish
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Visual Journal

Course Department: Architecture, Design, Visual Arts
Instructor: Sarah Ruck Alfast
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Getting There: Transportation in Urban Europe

Course Department: Sustainability
Instructor: Silvia Dragomir
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: