Denmark--The European abroad experience with some interesting twists. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Rigorous but less resources than I would like because Middlebury is in the middle of nowhere--filled in some of these gaps by going abroad.

On-site administration of your program

Very attentive to my needs, questions, issues, etc. Very accommodating--did not feel alone in my international/foreign decision making.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lived with a bunch of American students in a dorm-like setting, which was great for being right in the city, making fast friends, etc. However, because they were all from America, I was not immersed in the Danish culture as much as, for example, other students who chose to live with Danes.

DIS provided me with a food stipend so I could go to the grocery store and buy food. However, they essentially provide only $800 for the whole semester, and while this was a nice supplement to my expenses, it was hardly generous given the high cost of living exhibited by Denmark.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

To be honest, I did not feel very integrated, mostly because of my housing choices and the fact that the program was a separate "abroad program" per se, i.e. I was not at a Danish university with Danish citizens. So immersing yourself took that extra effort.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Very easily accessible--health care in Denmark is free for citizens and those with Residence Permits, which I obtained with the other students when I got there, seeing as I would be paying taxes on my purchases while there. All other students I heard of seeking medical treatment appeared to have no issues.

Copenhagen is one of the safest cities I think I've ever visited. I cannot even count the times I walked home alone at 3am in the morning and felt perfectly safe. Copenhagen and Denmark in general has a very low crime rate. A prime example is the fact that people leave their babies outside of stores in their carriages when they shop--very strange in terms of American culture, but totally accepted there because of the lack of crime.

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

I would give it a 2. If you know how to spend your money, than you'll be ok. But it takes a LOT of budgeting. For me, this meant only spending my money on groceries, weekend outings, and occasional other expenses that arose--nothing excessive. Copenhagen is a VERY expensive city.

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

They encouraged it, but because English is so widely spoken throughout Denmark and Copenhagen, this suggestion was not well received by the students.

Select all that apply

• Dorm

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• Americans

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• Americans

• Class Variety
• Study Tour Options
• Size of student body

• Immersion
• Danish Language program
• Food Stipend Amount

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