Incredible guided and independent immersion into the Scandinavian life. Past Review

By (Political Science And International Studies, Villanova University) - abroad from 01/12/2013 to 05/17/2013 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Best experience in college by far. Would recommend it to anyone. You learn so much about yourself through living outside of your comfort zone in another country by means of the different culture and the people you meet. Irreplaceable experience. I would recommend someone looking to study abroad to avoid doing a Villanova program so you can meet people from outside of the Villanova-bubble and truly allow yourself to be immersed in the culture and open up to different people.

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.

* 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:

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)

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? For Danish, zero.
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? Good luck. It is very hard to learn and everyone speaks fluent English. Classes and the buddy network help with learning the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Great organization
  • Experienced professors
  • Quality of participants
* What could be improved?
  • Strength of the USD
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That Pennsylvania winters are not quite and cold nor as long as those in Scandinavia... DIS prepares you extremely well for living in Denmark.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.