Wouldn't trade it for the world! Past Review

By A student (Applied Economics., Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/20/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

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

I had a lot of valuable cultural experiences while traveling in Europe. It may not change a person's view on certain things but it opens up the opportunity for it. I learned more about what I want to do with my life and that I would be comfortable traveling with my job. It was so so worthwhile. It was an unbelievable semester and I didn't want it to end.

Review Photos

DIS - Danish Institute for Study Abroad: Copenhagen - Various Programs Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Unbelievably safe!
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)	Most of my expenses were travel expenses (airfare, lodging, food, etc.) because we had three weeks off of school to do whatever. I didn't spend much money in Copenhagen.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Do your research! You can find a lot of good tips for just about anything you need to know, especially saving money, online. TripAdvisor.com was my go-to source.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language? 0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the 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?	Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	4 years of Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	Practice with your Danish friends and family or even with a stranger you meet at a bar. It's entertaining for them and can be fun for you as well. You can also pick up a lot more if you listen to the Danes carefully when they are having conversations. At the end of the semester I was able to understand a lot more of the language than actually speak it, just from listening.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* 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?	Copenhagen itself Time to travel Study tours/field studies
* What could be improved?	Some teaching styles Printer services
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	That trying to extend a residence permit takes longer than a month. I had an internship in Copenhagen lined up for jterm but couldn't get my permit extended in time.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.	The Outright Urbanite A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Danish Language and Culture I
Course Department:	Language
Instructor:	Ditte Marie Egebjerg
Instruction Language:	English/Danish
Comments:	It was challenging, but the right amount of it. We went on some very neat and relevant trips that were tied into the course nicely. Teacher was great - very approachable and knew what her students needed to get the most out of a one semester language and culture class. Participated more. We had three exams; two written and one oral and a final group presentation.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No problems