Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

If I could, I'd study in Copenhagen all over again Past Review

By (American University) - abroad from 01/16/2016 to 05/14/2016 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained confidence in my ability to navigate foreign cultures and cities. I learned that children are basically the same everywhere. I learned through a lot of field trips and hands-on experiences, and I loved it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes weren't hard or work-intensive. They were interesting. The workload was different from American classes; the grade is based on a few major assignments and participation and the standards are different. That takes a while to get used to, but the level of expectations is similar to the U.S.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a DRC and loved it. Highly recommend!

* Food:

Copenhagen is not known for its food. That being said, there are plenty of good options and the sausage wagons are delicious and cheap!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This is a study abroad school, not a Danish university, so I wasn't integrated with a lot of Danes. I also lived with Americans, so that also hindered my interactions with the locals. However, programs like the Visiting Host Family helped me meet Danes and I had a Danish RA which helped me get a sense of what Danes are like.

* 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

I have no complaints about the program. I loved my living situation, my classmates were cool, my teachers were knowledgable and fun and I got to work with Danish children. I learned a lot through unique opportunities no other program could have afforded me. Definitely a semester well spent.

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)

DIS provides a food stipend card that works at the grocery stores, but all other food is on your own.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50

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

I learned more Danish by working with children every week (part of the Child Development Core Course) than I did in the classroom.

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Hands-on experience
  • Integrated travel - both to study and for fun
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack for all kinds of weather! Even though it's rare, Denmark is occasionally sunny and you'll want to take advantage of those opportunities to wear shorts.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!