Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Unforgettable and Invaluable Experience Past Review

By (Health and Medical Administrative Services., Providence College) - abroad from 08/19/2012 to 12/17/2012 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was definitely worthwhile! It exceeded my expectations and I am so incredibly grateful for my time spent in Denmark. It is such a fascinating country to live in for a semester. During my time in Denmark I challenged myself and was forced to think differently. I saw myself, America, academics, travel, and other people in an entirely new light. The experience is what you make of it.

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.

Academics at DIS are challenging at moments, but not nearly as intense as my home university. I never felt overwhelmed or extremely stressed. However, it was not a joke like some other abroad programs that friends of mine attended.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was living in a folkjeskole, which was located about 75 minutes outside of Copenhagen. At first, I was really disappointed with my housing assignment because I did not want to have to commute for that long. However, I came to LOVE it. I got to learn a lot by living with 75 Danes and 10 other Americans and make a ton of new friends that each had something new to teach me. They also hosted a ton of social events throughout the week and on the weekends. We had lecturers, special dinners, and a lot of themed parties. It was great to have an alternative to going to the city. My living arrangement also helped me to save a lot of money I would have otherwise spent on food.

* 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:

Copenhagen is so safe! I traveled by myself a lot (commuted 75 min. a day) and never felt threatened. There is an insane amount of trust between people, and a lot of Danes simply keep to themselves.

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)

Denmark is an extremely expensive country, but if you budget your money, you can manage and still have a good time.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? A lot of students would buy their lunch at a cafe or local shop everyday. DON'T do that. Pack your own. At nearly six dollars a pop, I didn't buy coffees often. They add up and that money can be used to buy a skydiving trip in Switzerland or a food tour in Florence. Look into couch surfing as an alternative to hostels if you're comfortable with it. Plan your travel trips early if you can and try to split the costs of things with friends. Know and be prepared to to spend money but make sure its on worthwhile experiences.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Travel opportunities: three full weeks are built into the academic calendar so you can travel with your program and independently
  • Field Studies incorporated into class time
  • My living situation: I was in a Danish folkjeskole. Its a very unique concept and I got to meet a lot of Danes and international students
* What could be improved?
  • Accommodations for students who live outside of the city
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known about this website earlier....

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!