A great experience in one of the happiest countries in the world. Past Review
By Jordan S (Media Arts and Sciences, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/18/2014 to 12/14/2014 with
DIS Copenhagen: Semester
I learned about Denmark's history and culture from the people who know it best and I also learned how to be more independent and confident in myself and my ability to navigate new situations. Studying Abroad was definitely a worthwhile experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were academically challenging and kept me interested throughout the semester. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed with a host family, and they were really lovely. I felt like a part of the family and I heard similar things from other students in homestays. |
| * Food: |
My host family provided me with food for every meal and it was very easy in that respect. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt like I was immersed when I was in my homestay, but the program was all Americans and it was very easy to go the whole semester without actually meeting any Danes. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't personally have experience with healthcare, but I, and every other study abroad student, was provided with free healthcare while in Denmark which was very convenient and helpful. |
| * Safety: |
Copenhagen is one of the safest places I have ever lived. You could travel on public transportation alone at 3:00 in the morning and still feel completely safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Being in a homestay and having transportation covered by the program made it possible for me to live within my budget, but Copenhagen is very expensive and I know that in many other housing options people spent much more than they were planning to, just on food. Because I never ate out, bought coffee or went shopping I could stay within budget. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Maybe about $70 depending on what I was doing. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just use the resources that you are provided with and try not to get caught in the habit of buying food if it's provided for you. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Almost all Danes speak English, so while it was fun learning the language, it was not often that practical to speak it, or attempt to speak it as the case may be. |
| 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? | I hadn't taken any Danish |
| 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? | Ask people to teach you some of their favorite phrases and practice with you. Usually people are happy to do it, and rather flattered, so it's also a good way to make friends. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That living in a homestay, while a rewarding experience, is a rather lonely one as well and should only be chosen if you are fine with being on your own. |
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.' |
