Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen! Past Review
By Maria L (Child Development and Clinical Psychology, Tufts University) - abroad from 08/20/2012 to 12/14/2012 with
DIS Copenhagen: Semester
This program was unbelievably worthwhile. I had a wonderful time. As cheesy as it sounds I really discovered who I was once I left the US and had to take care of myself.
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. |
The classes were interesting - nothing like what I could take at my home university. They did a pretty good job of balancing rigorous academics with allowing you free time to explore Copenhagen and Europe at large. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had the most wonderful host family imaginable! I know that not everyone has the same experience, but I would really encourage everyone to try a host family. You learn so much more about Danish culture from them than you would in a dorm setting. |
| * Food: |
Except for liver and herring there wasn't a thing a I was served that I didn't like. The food isn't all that different from the US. The only difference is the price. Copenhagen can be expensive! Don't expect to eat out all the time. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Because I had a host family I really integrated into family life. I didn't get to explore the night life as much as I would have liked, but I felt that living like a day-to-day Dane was a pretty good exchange. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Denmark has free health care for all and within the first month you are registered to be a part of that program. If you need a doctor the people in the main office were happy to help you find one. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt like I was in danger ever. I walked around downtown Copenhagen by myself at night and never once worried for my safety. |
| 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) |
Copenhagen is expensive. But it is not unmanagable. Don't expect to be eating out all the time. Fresh fruits and vegetables are quite cheap. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Not applicable |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy fresh healthy foods. Find off the beaten path cafes. |
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 |
If you wanted to try you were welcome to do so. However, adults in Denmark all speak English and it is faster to just speak English. |
| 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? | Nothing |
| 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? | Involve your host family! My host sister had a great time quizzing me on Danish vocabulary. It really helped us break the ice. I also returned the favor and helped her with her English homework. |
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? | Don't waste a single second in your room alone! Take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself. Homework, while important, takes second place to life experiences. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
