The Best Six Months of My Life Past Review
By Matthew S (BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES., University of Hawaii - Manoa) - abroad from 01/15/2012 to 06/15/2012 with
Copenhagen Business School: Copenhagen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
The exchange program was one of the most valuable experiences I have had. I met kids from around the world and felt like a local resident of Denmark by the time I left.
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. |
Classes vary in hardness. It really depends what subjects you take. Some subjects are very relaxed and only require medium amounts of work while others take your full effort. The Danish academic system is very different from that of North America since your entire grade depends on the final exam. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The international office administration is very unorganized. Just be patient and everything will get taken care of. But, they are very nice and always willing to go out of their way to help you. They create events at the beginning of the semester to help you meet new people and feel comfortable in the new environment. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in Porcelaenshaven right next to campus. The building is an international residence and houses about 100 students. Everyone has their own room and small kitchen area. The group of students I lived with was fabulous. I was only 1 of 5 Americans so I truly had an international experience. There is a big common room at the bottom floor to socialize. If you have the opportunity to live here go for it. It is in a great location since it is next to CBS and pretty close to the center of the city. Also its right next to a metro station as well. |
| * Food: |
Not only do the Danes take pride in their design, but they take pride in their cuisine as well. However, while their are opportunities to eat amazing food, Copenhagen is very expensive. As a student my budget was limited so I would often just go to the grocery store to get food. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
While I lived with a bunch of students from around Europe and the rest of the world, my classes were with mostly Danish students. They are very open to other cultures and love to speak English with native speakers. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Health care is free for students in Denmark! Don't hesitate to go. |
| * Safety: |
Probably the safest city in the world. Just don't forget to lock your bike up! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
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) |
Budget wisely! Scandinavia is extremely expensive. Watch what you buy and pay attention to prices. If you do that you will be okay. The best way to describe prices are if you added 5% to Waikiki store prices. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to cook at home rather than eating out and buy alcohol at grocery stores rather than bars/clubs/restaurants. |
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 |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Take advantage of the summer and spring months while their is an abundance of daylight. |
