Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Copenhagen - Smart, Safe, and Spendy Past Review

By (Studio Art + Communications, Trinity University) for

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. I want to go back to Europe!!! The time I spent in Denmark and in Europe solidified my beliefs about myself and about America. It challenged my independence but also allowed me to create relationships with people that I know will continue.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The work load was a little less than I was used to, but the attendance policy was stricter than I was used to. A lot of group work in my classes, which was difficult, but also a great way to get to know more people in my program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administrators all had office hours and their building was at the center of the academic buildings so it was really easy to go in when things came up.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a Danish roommate in her apartment. Basically I was a subletter, there was another American living with her too. DIS promised a student or working professional under the age of 30 and my roommate wasn't either of these things. She was not the experience I was expecting, but it was made clear that if I wanted to switch, I could.

* Food:

I cooked for myself, so I ate what I wanted to eat. When we went on trips with school, they were VERY accommodating to dietary requests and restrictions.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All of the core programs go on a trip to Western Denmark and to another country. My Positive Psychology trip to Scotland was so fun. It ended up not being as academic as I had expected, but it was a lot of fun both culturally and socially.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Denmark is very safe. I think a few kids got mugged...but I took the bus to and from the city at night alone and never felt unsafe.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I mostly used my food stipend (if you live with a Danish roommate or in the dorms you get a debit card for the grocery store with money on it from DIS). I spent the most money when I traveled during breaks and maybe about $30 a week on drinks, museums, etc.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget. Denmark is pricy, but if you pay attention to how much you are spending, it is doable.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
Language acquisition improvement?

I didn't take the Danish class - I wish I did. Danish was such a weird language and I left Denmark knowing very few words. Everyone speaks English in Copenhagen, so I didn't have to learn it, but it still would have been nice to come back to America knowing more than just "Hello" "goodbye" and "cheers"

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Copenhagen
* What could be improved?
  • The Danish roommate selection process
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You have to do work at DIS. But the classes are so different from what is typically offered (at least at my university), that the work is engaging and fun.