Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

At Home in Cozy Copenhagen Past Review

By (Biochemistry and molecular biology, Trinity University) - abroad from 08/18/2013 to 12/15/2013 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about European culture, and I gained a greater appreciation for my own culture and values. I was able to be very independent and grew in confidence because of that. I also formed friendships with other international students studying in Copenhagen.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were not nearly as difficult as the courses I take at my home university, but the professors were great and I felt like I was really learning useful and interesting things.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The DIS program was very well organized, and everyone on the staff was always very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was wonderful!

* Food:

My food was mostly provided through my host family, which was nice because food was pretty expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living with a host family was definitely the best way to participate in Danish culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt very safe, even alone in the city at night.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Living with a host family is a great way to save money.

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

Everyone in Denmark spoke very good English, so I didn't learn a lot of Danish.

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 Latin
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? The Danish Language and Culture class was really useful.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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 tours- travel was integrated into the courses
  • opportunities for engaging with local culture
  • interesting and unique classes
* What could be improved?
  • timing of major assignments
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It would have been nice to know that there are many amazing places to see without travelling outside of 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 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:

Medical Practice & Policy
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class itself was not very difficult, but the material was interesting. I learned a lot from the study tours, and the course gave me the opportunity to see hospitals and other aspects of the healthcare systems in Denmark as well as in Germany and Poland.
Credit Transfer Issues: I only got elective credit for this class, but it was worth taking anyway!