DIS helped me to change my life and made me fall in love with Danmark. Past Review
By Megan H (Randolph College) - abroad from 01/22/2012 to 05/19/2012 with
DIS Copenhagen: Semester
It was definitely worth it. I learned to be more confident in myself. It helped me to realize that I do want to follow on the career I am on.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Courses were no harder than I am used to, but the assignments were thought provoking in an amazing way. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
This program is amazing. If you ask anyone about anything, things happen. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved living in my kollegium. They provide you with transportation passes too! |
| * Food: |
It was great to get to cook for myself and take the time to learn how to make Danish foods too. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You have to take the time to get out, more than just partying wise. Joining clubs or a church really helps you get to know the Danes. DIS has an immersion fair which helps greatly with this. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got my insurance card and even went to the doctor, it was an experience in itself. Bring OTC meds. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in Copenhagen. |
| 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) |
They give you a food card, budget it wisely, I had leftover money by the end of the semester. Copenhagen is a bit pricey anyway, but find the deals, they're out there. For each meal. |
| * 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? | Maybe $50 if that. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Studenterhuset has great breakfast deals. Buy things at the grocery store. 7/11 will become your best friend. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
There was no need to use Danish unless you wanted to. But taking the course helps with grocery shopping, and the Danes think it's really cool when you can speak some of their language. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Just keep an open mind about it. It's not a terribly easy language, but it's wonderful when you get the hang of it. |
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? | It's colder than you would think. Danes are super trendy, but jeans and a nicer shirt (not a t-shirt) works well too. |
