Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

4 Months in Copenhagen Past Review

By (Economics., Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/17/2013 to 12/15/2013 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained independence, confidence, and responsibility.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

I lived in a DRC in central Copenhagen. The location was perfect, and I really liked living with other American DIS students.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Pack your lunch.

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? High school
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Travel breaks built into the semester schedule
  • Variety of class options
  • Living in central Copenhagen
* What could be improved?
  • Immersion opportunities
  • Communication between administrators and students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known a little more about Copenhagen before arriving, but discovering it was most of the fun.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Globalization and European Economies
Course Department: Global Economics
Instructor: Jorn Sorensen
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Teachers were experts and exposed us to their related careers. The course was slightly challenging. The course was supplemented by relevant field studies in Copenhagen and a study tour to Brussels and Paris. This was the most insightful and educational component of the course.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Development Economics

Course Department: Global Economics
Instructor: Bruno Lauritzen
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course covered the basic theories, methods, and debates concerning global development. The course was challenging. The best components of the course were the numerous projects we completed, including a project analysis presentation and a development project simulation.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Danish Language and Culture

Course Department: Danish Language
Instructor: Morten Egholm
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Learning a new language was challenging, yet fun. Learning about Danish culture in conjunction was just as useful for everyday living in Denmark. The balance of language and culture within the class was correct.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Royalty in the Land of Equality

Course Department: European Humanities
Instructor: Steffen Løvkjær
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course focused both on Denmark's royal history and its current royal family. We studied historical trends and contexts of royalty in Denmark, how Danish royalty related to contemporary European monarchies, and how the royal family exists in conjunction with modern Danish society. The field trips to castles, churches, and city monuments were the best part of the class!
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Food Systems: Ecology, Economy, and Ethics
Course Department: Environmental Studies
Instructor: Rune-Christoffer Dragsdahl
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This interdisciplinary course was very interesting. It took a global perspective in examining the current state of global food and the surrounding debates.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Venice: Power, Art, and Urban Space
Course Department: European Humanities
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: In this course we learned about Venice's complex history, and how it is portrayed through artistic and architectural elements that cover the city. The best part of this course was the concluding study tour for five days in Venice!
Credit Transfer Issues: