Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Denmark: Learn the Meaning of Hygge and Who You Really Are Past Review

By (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Trinity University) for

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It solidified my interest in going to medical school.

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 biggest difference between the American education system and the Danish education system is the amount of group work. At DIS, you should expect to do a lot of group work. The workload is lighter than a normal semester for me at Trinity. The grading system and the teaching methods were very similar. There are no office hours for professors, but they are not really necessary at DIS.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The strengths of DIS is an overall well organized program with many interesting courses and hands-on learning experiences (the study tours are amazing!!). In general, I am very satisfied with the DIS program. I had a once in a life-time experience and only experienced minor problems with them (financial office was not helpful and it takes a long time to get your final grades/transcript).

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely love my host family. I plan to keep in touch with them for the rest of my life. They are part of the reason that I had such a wonderful experience. The house was beautiful and was a safe area. I was even able to walk, Chili, their dog in the forest behind their house! I didn't need to buy anything to settle in. My host family treated me exactly like a family member. I did have about an hour commute into the city of Copenhagen, but the train system is really nice.

* Food:

My host family were great cooks! I tried to return the favor and cook for them occasionally.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Study and adventure tours are really great programs. For the adventure tours, I recommend Ireland!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Very 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I was with a host family, so I really didn't need to spend money on food during the week. Sometimes, I would get lunch in a cafe (pretty expensive around 45-100 kroner which is 9-20 US dollars).
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Overall, Copenhagen is an expensive city. I brought enough toiletries for the semester, so that cut down on costs. I spent my money on occasional lunches, clothing, gifts, and tickets (concerts and the Royal Danish ballet).

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? no prior experience
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I practiced with my host family and in cafes. Most people speak English in Denmark, so it is no essential that you learn Danish. You will connect better with the Danes if you at least try to learn Danish and their culture.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the academics and study tours
* What could be improved?
  • transcripts
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Go! A student who still wants an engaging academic course load while traveling abroad.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Muslims in the West
Course Department:
Instructor: Jakob Lingard
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This classes leads to many interesting discussions, and Jakob took us on great field studies to visit a Muslim private school and a mosque.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Psychology of Leadership
Course Department:
Instructor: Nancy Kelley
Instruction Language: English
Comments: One of the best courses that I have ever taken. There are some many real life applications to this course. I really felt like a grew as a person by taking this course.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Human Health and Disease A

Course Department:
Instructor: Troels and Sophie
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This is a great course for pre-medical students. Throughout the course, you are given assignments that make you think like a doctor. Plus, you get to visit Western Denmark, Poland, and Berlin with your class to look at the healthcare systems of these areas. This course really solidified my desire to become a doctor.
Credit Transfer Issues: