Discover a new way to approach life Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

First off, the most valuable learning experiences one gets while abroad comes from outside of the classroom. That said, you do not want to choose a program that is not equipped to challenge you at all. DIS was not as challenging academically as my home university but it was not something I did not take seriously. It is well funded and the teachers are engaging and interested in forming bonds with students.

On-site administration of your program

Super well organized program that takes care of students needs extraordinarily well. Staff were always friendly and available when I needed assistance with something. Program took care of many logistical details that involved immigration and orientation.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Was in a very nice single room in the middle of the city. There was a communal kitchen and an RA in charge of the floor. The people I lived with, including the RA, were some of the nicest people I've ever met.

DIS only provides food during study tours. During these we were able to enjoy some really nice meals. The food in Copenhagen is fantastic and it is easy to shop for groceries on a budget with the meal stipend card that is provided at the beginning of semester to all students.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was only in Copenhagen for 4 months and I absolutely fell in love with the city, the Danish people, and culture. 4 months was not enough time and I plan on moving back to Copenhagen to live there if an opportunity to do so arises. I was able to join a soccer team where I became close with my Danish teammates as well as meet people in my day to day life.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was never sick or injured but was never worried about this due to students in the program having access to the free healthcare provided in Denmark.

The only crime in Copenhagen is bike theft. I know female friends who raved about how they have never felt so safe wandering around a city alone before. I can attest that at no point in my exploration of the city was there a moment where I felt I had entered a dangerous neighborhood or was in danger of being robbed, etc. There may not be a safer city in the world than Copenhagen.

First off, Copenhagen is a first rate city to study abroad in as an American. People here all speak English, are friendly, young, and have little to no anti-American sentiments. There is a thriving food and art scene in the city, with great tourist attractions and a plethora of great places to hang out in. All of this is easily accessible by bike and the fantastic public transport system. Copenhagen manages to have all of these great features while remaining out of the reach of hordes of tourists. Because of this, it has a local feel, and you do not have to worry about being scammed as most of what exists in Copenhagen feels genuine and authentic. The summer in Copenhagen is truly a special time, the locals are constantly outside and socializing. It makes the entire city come alive and you are right there in the middle of it. Danish people may give off a cold vibe but one must understand this is only a cultural difference between the US and Denmark and that the Danish are extremely friendly and approachable people. The Danish way of life is not so different to the US as to totally shock someone, yet different enough to make someone start to be mindful about how their life in America is very different. This makes it ideal for experienced travelers and novices alike. Secondly, DIS has it down when it comes to providing a comfortable and enlightening abroad experience to its students. The classes are challenging enough but do not interfere with traveling plans. In many ways they take a backseat to the cultural immersion you get from the program. DIS has an extensive selection of choices at their activity fair that allow you the chance to pursue a passion or a new fad in the company of Danes. The Americans I met at DIS remain some of the coolest and most down to earth people I have ever met. I leave Denmark with life long friends, both Danish and American. This program is incredible and I highly recommend it. .

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

I may not be the most accurate resource for this because I was not on a strict budget. That said Copenhagen is a very expensive city, though cheap by Scandinavian standards, and it is impossible to eat out every day on a budget. Cooking is a necessity. A coffee and small sandwich in the morning could cost upwards of 10 dollars. Also alcohol not purchased at a convenience store will be expensive. ~5 dollars for a Carlsberg beer is an average price at a bar. Outside of that, transport is cheap and you aren't really paying for too much else assuming you brought everything you need with you.

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

Danish people can speak fluent English and will often switch directly to English once they detect your Danish is poor. This is not personal, but practicing in the real world can be made more difficult by this.

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Americans

Select all that apply

• Americans

• The People
• The immersion
• Copenhagen as a city

• More free time to travel other places

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer