Copenhagen: Best Time Of My Life, So Much Activity! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was a little intense for a study abroad program but I very much enjoyed my classes. Denmark is significantly more liberal than Villanova, thus it was nice to get a whole new perspective. The grading system varied by teacher but was very similar to classes at Villanova. I took classes with all Americans in English so it did not vary hugely from the American educational system.

On-site administration of your program

My host institution had an abundant amount of support. They had an office for tech support, resident living support, and many others. I did not have any problems while abroad so there was no need for me to contact anyone but support and services are easily accessible. The program had about 900 Americans from across the US. My expectations for the program were far exceeded.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Denmark in general is a very safe place. The apartment style living that I resided in was called Osterbro Kolligium. It was located in Osterbro and very close to the city. I could walk to both a bus station and train station in about 5 minutes or less. The train only took about 10 minutes to get into center city and the bus took about 15 minutes from my stop. Center city was the location of all my classes and most of the nightlife, so my housing arrangements were highly convenient. All of Osterbro is very pretty and there are a ton of shops and grocery stores in the area. I did not need to buy anything for my apartment because all furniture, cookware, and linens were provided by DIS. I lived in an international kolligium and everyone was very nice but I mostly hung out with the other Americans. If I had to do it all over, I would most likely pick to live in a Danish Kolligium so I could meet more Danes.

I don't have any dietary restrictions but they would be easy to accommodate. The food in Denmark is delicious!! They have wonderful sandwiches at Cafes and amazing pastries at the bakeries (and even at 7/11). My favorite place to go was Paludan Bogcafe!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Wow! DIS is amazing for cultural events. I did not have classes on wednesdays and for each class I went on two field studies during those days. I took a boat tour of the canals, climbed up the round tour, saw some progressive architecture around the city, and went to an opera. DIS arranges a lot of cool events but sign up for them as soon as you think you want to go on one because they fill up fast. Looking back I wish I did some of their weekend trips but I didn't sign up fast enough and the spots became filled. It's really easy to travel around Europe because Denmark is so central! Also, DIS takes you on a long weekend study tour (to most likely somewhere else in Denmark) and a week long study tour to another country or two (I went to Germany and Poland!). They really hook you up on these tours and they are so much fun. Copenhagen has wonderful night life and a ton of things to do!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare in Denmark is wonderful! It's free for everyone that is a citizen and you'll get temporary citizenship when living there. One time I hurt my foot and they got me in to see the doctor a few days later and the office was right down the street. You do not need any vaccines for Denmark and everyone is very healthy there. Denmark is probably the safest place in Europe, the biggest crime there is bike theft (haha). I never once felt unsafe there and I rarely had to worry about my belongings being stolen.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

My program offered to classes to learn the Danish language: Danish language and culture and Danish I and II. I took Danish I and II to fulfill my language requirement. The people that lived with hosts families had a much greater opportunity to practice Danish. I found that I could practice Danish most often at Cafes. I did not use Danish often in everyday interactions because everyone in Denmark speaks English very well.

Select all that apply

• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students

• Sweet night life
• Delicious food and cappuccino
• DIS study tours

• Nothing, it was great!