Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Copenhagen: The Best Choice You'll Ever Make Past Review

By (International Marketing., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/13/2013 to 05/17/2013 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be more independent, and I got the chance to experience many different cultures while abroad. Denmark is such a great place to live and I know that I will be back. After speaking to some of my friends about their abroad programs, I've found that DIS is by far the most organized and comprehensive program. The study tours are really a unique experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

DIS is not as academically rigorous as Brandeis is, but the program offers a wide range of classes and the teachers are top professors and professionals in their fields. DIS did a good job of balancing academics with allowing students to have free time to explore Europe. Wednesdays are reserved for field studies, so when you don't have one its nice that you have the whole day free!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The DIS administration is fabulous. The housing and student affairs department is extremely accommodating and will work with you to solve any challenges you may face. For example, I keep kosher and needed kosher utensils. The Housing and Student Affairs department had a full kitchen set delivered to my apartment within the first week.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

DIS offers a wide variety of housing options so I'd recommend reading about each one before deciding which would be best for you. All of my friends loved their housing so you really can't go wrong!

* Food:

I didn't eat out that much because I had a pretty big kitchen and DIS gave us $600 credit to a supermarket down the street called Netto. The food in Copenhagen isn't different from the US. The only difference is that restaurants in Copenhagen are really expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

A lot of people joined gyms or took dance classes in the community. I joined Firnessdk with some friends and was able to meet Danes through the classes offered at the gym. DIS also arranges many opportunities for student to become immersed in Danish culture which you will learn about at the Activities & Immersion Fair at the beginning of the semester. meetings with local youth organizations and faculties in each city we go to which was a great way to meet people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Since Denmark is a welfare state, there is free health care for all citizens. Within the first month of the program DIS registers you with a CPR number so you can receive free health care as well. If you need to see a doctor, the DIS main office will help you get in touch with one.

* Safety:

Copenhagen is extremely 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)

Copenhagen is extremely expensive, but it isn't unmanageable. Luckily DIS gives you a stipend of $600 which can be used at a few of the local supermarkets. DIS puts $400 on your card at the beginning of the semester, and adds $200 more in March to make sure that you don't spend all your money in the first few weeks. I recommend making a budget so you can keep track of how much you spend each week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Black coffee costs about $6 a cup, so if you like coffee I suggest buying instant and making it at home. Going out to eat can get really expensive, but there are a few restaurants in Indre By (center city) that have student discounts. My best advice is to try to cook for yourself and bring lunch to school so you can save money for shopping, going out and traveling.

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

DIS offered a Danish Language and Culture class.

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?
  • Study Tour Component
  • My Living Learning Community
  • DIS was so organized
* What could be improved?
  • Danish Langauge Class was horrible!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known a bit more about Danish culture. During orientation DIS did a great job of exposing us to Danish culture and teaching us how to navigate the city. I would definitely recommend reading up on Danish history before going on DIS, since it will really help you understand the culture better. I also wish I had known how expensive Denmark is, since I would have made a stricter budget at the beginning. Luckily I spoke to some previous DIS students about what to pack so I didn't bring silly things like rain-boots - I know a lot of people who did and they regretted it because rain-boots are extremely heavy, and it doesn't rain that much in Copenhagen! Also, Danes only wear black. So unless you want to stick out like a sore thumb, don't bring your neon orange sneakers like I did!

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.