A Life Changing Experience Past Review
By Kelli A (Elon University) - abroad from 01/16/2010 to 05/18/2010 with
DIS Copenhagen: Semester
Going to DIS really changed my life! I realized how much I flourished being in an international environment and even decided to change my original career path to one in international education. There is just something about this program and the city of Copenhagen that you can't find anywhere else. It truly is a magical place and sure to be an amazing experience!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The DIS classes modeled the academic rigor and engagement of my home University, which I really valued. The classes are hands on, challenging and a great way to gain an international perspective on current fields. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The DIS Administration is efficient, organized and extremely helpful! I always felt supported during my time in Copenhagen. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a Danish kollegium and I absolutely loved my housing. I lived with 25 other DIS students, a group of international students studying at KU and, of course, Danish students. It was the best of all worlds and they all really became my family during my time in Copenhagen. It was the best part of my time at DIS! |
| * Food: |
I cooked mostly for myself, since I lived in a dorm (with a kitchen). |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I definitely felt like a part of the Danish culture by the end of my semester. DIS has strong immersion programs that really help integrate the students into different aspects of Danish culture. I participated in the "visiting family" and "Danish Buddy" programs. This allowed me the opportunity to get to know Danish family and a Danish student my age. I am still very close with my family and buddy now! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I felt very supported by the Housing & Student Affairs Office concerning any health issues I had. |
| * Safety: |
Copenhagen is the safest city I have ever been in. I never feel threatened-even late at night! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Copenhagen is an extremely expensive city in general. It is possible to stay within an outlined budget, but maybe not as easy as back home. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $60 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook for yourself, because going out to eat in Copenhagen is extremely expensive! Look for discounts and specials, learn to use Groupon! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | Soak up every single minute of every single day. 4 months will go by in the blink of an eye! Also, don't travel every weekend. Spend time in Copenhagen so you really get to know the city and the people here. |
