Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Wonderful Copenhagen Past Review

By (Business Marketing and Communications, Trinity University) - abroad from 01/19/2014 to 05/23/2014 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have never been to Europe, so the emphasis on travel helped me gain an appreciation for international culture. I learned HOW to travel from country to country, how to blend in just enough to not be targeted, how to navigate big cities, and how to say just enough words in each language to be able to communicate with locals. It was extremely worthwhile because I gained a love of foreign food, language, and culture as well as the knowledge that I am able to travel and make the most out of a trip to Europe.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was amazing! I would recommend DIS to any student wanting to go abroad. They perfectly combine academics with travel and give numerous opportunities to interact with Danes and other international students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

One of the best parts of my stay in Denmark! I loved living in a kollegium and met so many interesting people from around the world. The kollegium became a kind of "home base," and we really built a little community within our living arrangements.

* Food:

The food was spectacular, but I might be biased because I love seafood and bread and that was what made up a large part of the cuisine. The program also made it easy for us to buy our own groceries - they provided us with grocery cards with which we could buy food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

DIS offered many opportunities to integrate into local culture, our level of integration depended entirely on us and how willing we were to step outside our comfort zones. By volunteering at the Studenterhuset, I was able to meet a lot of Danes as well as witness typical weeknights/weekends for Danish students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have a healthcare experience, but we were provided with Danish health cards that would cover medical expenses (since they have socialized medicine in Denmark).

* Safety:

I never experienced any danger, nor felt threatened - Denmark is a relatively safe place!

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)

Denmark is a very expensive city, so it was difficult to not spend a lot of money each week. This was the only negative aspect of my Denmark experience.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Refrain from eating out! It's SO tempting, because of course you want to sample foreign cuisine, but try to limit it - especially in expensive countries like Denmark!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The people I met (Americans AND internationals AND locals)
  • The emphasis on travel, and the opportunity to go to many different countries
  • The classes - they were all challenging, but so interesting!
* What could be improved?
  • Only the high cost of everyday living, but of course there's nothing anyone can do about the Danish economy.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing in particular, I feel that Trinity's study abroad program (specifically, Nancy) more the adequately prepared me for my time abroad.

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.