DIS: Practical learning and travel opportunities Past Review
By Jane A (Women's and Gender Studies, Wellesley College) for
DIS Copenhagen: Semester
Yes, this program has solidified my decision to become a doctor and increased my cultural awareness. I got to visit eight different countries which was an amazing aspect of the program.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was greater than I expected but my classes were very interesting so it was worth it. Overall the grading system was the same to what I'm used to except there were group projects and there was generally less feedback. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I had a bad experience with my host family and got a lot of help from the housing office. The program was very large but I still feel like I got the help that I needed and my expectations were met. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was placed with a single woman as a host family and it was not the right kind of environment for me to study and enjoy my time in Denmark. Eventually I got switched to a dorm and liked that better, although I wished that DIS had a more selective screening process for host families because I was looking forward to that experience and was disappointed. |
* Food: |
Host families are paid a stipend to cover food costs, so I got to help with grocery shopping and get what I wanted. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our field studies were amazing and they included lots of non-academic visits. I also enjoyed culture night and various student nights that were organized through the program |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
Denmark was a very safe place and the healthcare was more accessible than in the United States. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | During the program, no more than $10/week on average (my food was already paid for), but I spent a great deal during the two week travel break on hostels, food, etc. |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Bring more money than you think you will need, Denmark was very expensive |
Language
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
* What did you like most about the program? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You would benefit if you want to learn in a more practical, hands-on way than in American classes. DIS is academic and organized. There is a big focus on traveling around Europe with classes and on your own. |
Individual Course Reviews
Course Name/Rating: |
Auschwitz: From Genocide to Memorial |
Course Department: | n/a |
Instructor: | Torben Jørgensen |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | This course included a field study to Auschwitz. The instructor was extremely knowledgeable and gave us a good background of knowledge. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | No |
Course Name/Rating: |
Human Health and Disease: A Clinical Approach |
Course Department: | n/a |
Instructor: | Troels Wesenberg Kjær and Sophie Sejling |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | Excellent course, lots of hands-on work and practical learning. We went on study tours in this class to western Denmark and to Berlin and Poland. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | No |
Course Name/Rating: |
European Clinical Psychology |
Course Department: | n/a |
Instructor: | Julie Warberg |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | Interesting class with comparisons between European and American psychological problems and therapy. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | No |
Course Name/Rating: |
Danish Language and Culture |
Course Department: | n/a |
Instructor: | Ditte Marie Egebjerg |
Instruction Language: | English and Danish |
Comments: | I liked the level of the course, basic language skills and lots of interesting and relevant cultural lessons. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | No |
Course Name/Rating: |
Gender and Sexuality in Scandinavia |
Course Department: | n/a |
Instructor: | Emily Childers Brocks |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | Good instructor and interesting topics covered, although a lot of it was too basic for me because it is my major. Excellent guest speakers. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | No |
Course Name/Rating: |
Pregnancy, Birth, and Infancy in Denmark |
Course Department: | n/a |
Instructor: | Mette Sejer Sørensen |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | Very interesting course, good combination of science and sociological knowledge. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | No |