Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Copenhagen is the best European city to study abroad in! Past Review

By (Environmental Studies., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/20/2014 to 05/18/2014 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
From an environmental studies major, I learned an incredible amount living in one of the greenest cities in the world for just a semester. Not only in classes, but even in daily life. It was very worthwhile to live like a Dane because they really know what they are doing to protect the environment in Denmark!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was more academically rigorous than other study abroad programs, but the knowledge I gained from it was worth it.

* 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?

If you put in the effort to really immerse, it will pay off because the Danes are very friendly!

* 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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Copenhagen is very expensive. What one would consider an average cup of coffee in the US is $5-$8 in Denmark. Typical lunches usually are usually $10-20 dollars. Be careful from the start and save that money for the end of your semester when you will get more busy and have less time to cook for yourself.

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? none
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? Talk to your Danish friends/family in Danish and order meals in Danish.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* 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?
  • Classes
  • Cultural Immersion
  • Professors
* What could be improved?
  • Preparation for Danish classes
  • Food
  • Travel break schedule
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There is a lot more culture in Denmark than one would expect from the food to the people to the lifestyle. Immerse yourself in it as much as possible because the Danes are very relaxed and caring. Their perspective on life is one that everyone should experience. It's nice now having a low-stress mentality after studying in Denmark for a semester.

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.