Positives and Negatives of Studying in Denmark through DIS Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

A few of the highlights include some really interesting and insightful professors and classes, field studies which take you to places around Copenhagen you would never normally get to see (such as a debate in Parliament, the ballet or the former working class district of the city) and the long study tours, which give you and your classmates the chance to spend a week in an awesome European city or cities to see the sights and at the same time learning about your class' topic (my international law class went to Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina and had an unforgettable experience meeting local people including members of the EU,NATO, professors, leaders of the local religious communities and survivors of the war, which would have never been able to do otherwise).

On-site administration of your program

DIS is there for you to use as much as you'd like - you can get their help everyday or never once talk to them, up to you.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing can vary, I talked to people who had good and bad experiences with host families, in kollegiums and in DIS housing so it all depends. My home stay was excellent, and although it limited me socially (especially for going out on weekend nights) since I lived so far outside of the city, their good cooking, the great dinner conversations, insight into the culture and having a family and a house to come home to every night was the highlight of my time in Denmark.

My Host Family's food was excellent, although the program does not provide food.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

DIS offered programs like the "Buddy Network" to get American students to meet Danes. Living with a Host Family, the Visiting Family Program, and taking classes on Danish topics and with Danish professors all offered opportunities for cultural immersion. However, DIS is comprised of 800 mostly American students, and I've heard they are planning to accept even more students next semester, and I definitely felt overwhelmed by the number of fellow American students. It takes away from a more personal experience meeting people and in classes, and it also made it very easy to get comfortable with American students and friends rather than venturing out on your own, meeting Danes, immersing yourself in the culture and becoming more independent and self-reliant.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Denmark has universal healthcare so you are covered during the length of your stay.

Copenhagen is an extremely safe city and at no point did I ever feel unsafe or hear of any alarming issues. The worst that I ever heard of happening was a bike being stolen.

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

The program gives out a transportation passes and a food stipend for those living in apartments, while those living in host families have their food covered. However, Denmark is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. I'm talking $8-$10 a beer expensive. You will spend less with a host family since they provide most of your food, if money's a big concern, I'd be hesitant to spend a whole semester here. The basic expenses are more or less covered - housing, food, and transportation - but additional expenses can be really limiting.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

No encouragement outside of the Danish class.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• International Students

• My Host Family
• Outstanding classes, profs and field studies
• Long Study Tour trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Fewer students
• Make Denmark a cheaper place