Hyggelig! Past Review

By Megan H (Construction Management Minor, Philadelphia University) - abroad from 08/19/2011 to 12/11/2011 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Everything... I'm a completely different person and I don't think any person would argue with that. I appreciate life, love, friendships, family, everything so much more than ever before. It truly made me look at my life and where my future is headed in a new light.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Everyone was warm and welcoming, eager to help you get situated and on your way!
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I lived with a host family - my Danish family. I had such a great experience and cannot imagine the experience without them!
* Food:	I liked the food! It was fun to try everything and learn some new favorites! Alot of students thought it was bland, but that's just because they didn't know how to do it right or weren't getting it from Danes :)
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I felt immersed... I rode my bike everyday, I was speaking Danish, many times I was mistaken for being a Dane, and I loved it!
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I ended up sick a bit and had allergies but it was taken care of immediately at the pharmacy using my health card. My host family also helped me out.
* Safety:	There was never a moment I questioned my safety.
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)	I honestly am not sure... I had saved enough to not worry about that. But I know there were many students who got by just fine!
* 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?	less than $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Save up ALOT! It's easier to have money to spend and not worry. It makes everything much more relaxed.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family Apartment Hotel Hostel
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans
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?	My host family, hands down! Biking to class and during class The professors/ administration
* What could be improved?	Crits... they were kind of confusing schedule wise Traveling arrangements - we did all of it on our own Notification - I wish I knew more things in advanced
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Danes are welcoming and friendly so don't be nervous!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Visual Journal
Course Department:
Instructor:	Sarah Ruck
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This class was extremely challenging, but worth it. It taught me to use art as an instrument to analyze and express rather than just to document. I participated in this class much more than any drawing class at my home institution. I really enjoyed going out and drawing the city!
Credit Transfer Issues:	No issues

Course Name/Rating:	Information Design
Course Department:
Instructor:	Lise Staubo
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This is the first time I had ever taken a graphic design class. I loved it very much! I learned so much that I can apply to my actual major, architecture. It was challenging because I had not been trained as a graphic designer, but Lise helped me adapt my usual process to theirs :)
Credit Transfer Issues:	Nope

Course Name/Rating:	Urban Design Theories
Course Department:
Instructor:	Camilla and Kristian
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This class was great because the professors were outstanding! Unfortunately, this was all a review for me as I had already learned many of the theories (besides those of Copenhagen). But never the less, I still enjoyed learning about Copenhagen and of our professors lives!
Credit Transfer Issues:	Nope

Course Name/Rating:	Rome Short Course
Course Department:
Instructor:	Bro
Instruction Language:
Comments:	I took the Rome short course and it was amazing! It was a bit challenging to cram all the info in before break, but well worth studying before getting there. It's an amazing experience to go to a place and already know everything about it. It makes you appreciate everything much much more!
Credit Transfer Issues: