Coping in Copenhagen Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall, I had an incredible educational experience with my courses. At DIS, I was enrolled in the Medical Practice & Policy Program. My core course, Human Health and Disease, was taught by two clinicians and was held in a hospital in Copenhagen twice per week. Throughout the course, I got the opportunity to learn different clinical techniques and gain exposure to the medical field in a way that I don't think I would have been able to do at my age while at home. The rigor of the courses was moderate and professors always made themselves available to students for any questions or concerns they may have had. A unique aspect of the DIS program was the field study and study tour component. For all courses, at least two "class trips" were led to institutions that directly related to the curriculum of the course. Also, I had the opportunity to take a trip with my core course to Budapest and Vienna and learn about the different medical systems in each country and how they related to those of Denmark and the United States. That was one of the most memorable experiences of my entire time abroad.

On-site administration of your program

The DIS staff on campus was overall accommodating in helping students with transportation and housing concerns.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was satisfied with my housing accommodations in terms of living in a single room that was studio-style. It had its own kitchenette with a sink, two burners and a mini refrigerator. It was also fully stocked with kitchen supplies. The bathroom was very small but was only for me so the positives outweighed the negatives. DIS supplied a food stipend throughout the semester that was very helpful as well.

I was not a big fan of Danish food, mostly because I was not accustomed to most of the flavors that were commonly used. Throughout the semester, I learned how to cook a lot of my own food, so it was definitely a useful learning experience. Regardless, I suggest trying a lot of the cuisine for those of you who decide to go to Copenhagen!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was very hard for me to integrate to the culture of Copenhagen because my housing situation was very similar to a motel in which students from throughout the entire city lived. It was not restricted to DIS students, and I found that people often had their own friend groups prior to my arrival. The way that the kollegium was set up meant that as soon as I exited my room, I was outside, rather than it being set up in a traditional dormitory style. Also, despite the fact that many Danes, especially in Copenhagen, speak English, it was often difficult to try to learn the language because Danes tried to speak English to me in effort for it to be more convenient for me, but kept me from integrating in that perspective.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any personal experiences with health care issues, though as a temporary resident I had access to health care benefits that Danes did, for the most part.

Copenhagen is an extremely safe city and I always felt very comfortable walking around the streets at night and taking public transportation even late at night.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Brandeis required all students to take Danish during the program, and the course a few times a week. I was also required to practice dialogues and write a reflection paper about my experience with the language at the end of the semester.

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• Dorm
• Apartment

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• Local Students
• Americans

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• Americans

• Academics
• Travel Opportunities

• Ensuring that more students live in areas that will give them more opportunities to live with Danes.

The Academic or Linguist