Getting outside of your Hygge Zone Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The material was interesting and the professors were into what they were teaching, but the academic rigor was a lot less than Pomona.

On-site administration of your program

The program really takes care of you in providing housing and food. I didn't know about the Købekort until I got to Copenhagen. Transportation passes were really helpful too.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living in Sadolin Kollegium was absolutely amazing. It gave me all the resources I needed to live on my own (large space, own bathroom, kitchen, refrigerator, microwave, cooking utencils, etc.)

I mainly cooked for myself just because I really love spicy food, but the food in general were fresh and organic. I felt healthier and more energized than I do in the States.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Other than socializing with the Danes in my kollegium (which was difficult due to language barriers), I didn't really integrate that well within the culture. I think the program should encourage more students to sign up for visiting host families or to partner up with København Universitet to feel more immersed. I felt that in these social events hosted by DIS, I interacted with more Americans than Danes.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

During my time in Copenhagen, I didn't need to see a PA but I asked to see a therapist/psychologist. The DIS care team was really quick to respond to my emails and paired me up with a therapist quickly. My experience with my therapist was mainly positive and productive, but I think some training towards understanding racial issues in America could help out a lot. Also the program provides only 2-3 sessions for each student and I don't think that is nearly enough to help students out during the 3-4 months they're here.

There were a few instances where locals reacted negatively toward me being a person of color (e.g. an elderly woman clutching her purse as I walked past her in broad daylight) but other than that the city is really safe. I was able to walk around late at night without worrying for my physical safety. However, a few gender non-conforming folks have told me that they've had some negative experiences with some locals.

One of the main reasons as to why I had such an amazing time was because I made friends with a handful of wonderful students of color. Had I not run into them, I would not have enjoyed my stay in Copenhagen. I think DIS needs to do a better job advertising their program to students of color. The majority of students at DIS were white & middle-upper class which led to a lot of uncomfortable/insensitive classroom discussions. I oftentimes found myself as the only person of color in my class as well as representing my own race and having to call people out for making xenophobic comments. There were times in which the professors themselves made those comments. With these aside, I think DIS is very accommodating to their students -- food, housing, field studies, etc.

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

This may not have applied to everyone, but I cooked for myself and it costed ~$40-50/week. DIS gives everyone (who's not in a homestay) a Købekort which has $600 on it. I mainly used this for grocery shopping/snacks. Again, Copenhagen is an expensive place to live, but if you can cook on your own, you'll be fine. I had plenty of money left over.

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

DIS doesn't encourage that much activities where you interact with Danes. You have to put in most of the effort. Also most Danes speak English.

Select all that apply

• Dorm
• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans

Select all that apply

• Americans

• DIS is really acommodating
• free transportation (to and from your home)
• fresh & organic food

• the lack of a diverse student body
• communication of host family's expectations with international student
• more funding for students to see therapists

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer