Copenhagen is so underrated! Past Review
By A student (Biology and Environmental Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/16/2014 to 12/14/2014 with
DIS Copenhagen: Semester
I became much more independent and self-sufficient. I got to learn about this amazing culture and experience it first-hand. Copenhagen is an amazing city and the perfect place for students to study abroad. The city is safe and fun, the classes are enjoyable and the people are chill.
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. |
Classes relatively easy but exciting. Got a lot out of them and learned so much! |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Denmark is such an amazing country. It was great to learn about it and experience it. I can see why it's the happiest country in the world! |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Lived in Bispebjerg Kollegium. 20 minute bus/bike ride to DIS. Location is great but socially very independent living. It was difficult to meet other people who were not in my program. |
| * Food: |
Copenhagen has amazing food. I cooked for myself most of the time and the quality of products are great. Fruits and vegetables were fresh and tasted so much better than US fresh food. Everything is organic. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
DIS does pretty much nothing to get us integrated or immersed into the culture. The program has an immersion fair but most clubs and organizations are not free. I did not want to pay for something I was not very committed to. I wish DIS hosted some more social events. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
It's freeeee. |
| * Safety: |
Copenhagen is by the far the safest city I have ever been in. There were multiple nights I was out until 3 or 4am and had to go back to my kollegium by myself. The streets were full even at that time! |
| 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) |
The $600 stipend was enough. If you don't eat out a lot or go out too often, it was easy to stay on budget. However, if you want to spend less, choosing a homestay would be the best option. Shopping would have been cool but unnecessary since most material things you can find in the US for much cheaper. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $30 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Spend money on experiences rather than material things. Most material things you can buy in the US unless they are souvenirs. Also Netto is your best friend. |
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 |
Barely spoke Danish outside of the classroom. Most Danes speak English perfectly; however, the class was one of my favorites. Learning the language and culture was very interesting, I am very happy Brandeis requires us to take it! |
| 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? | N/A |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | More about my living situation |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
