Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My experience at DIS Copenhagen May 31, 2023

By (Neurobiology, Neurosciences, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/14/2023 to 05/13/2023 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
One of my biggest takeaways is knowing I can live independently in a city. I made so many great friends while abroad and am hoping to stay in touch.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I got very lucky with my location -- just a 15 minute walk from the city center. Public transportation was also so easy to navigate in Copenhagen

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I could not have felt safer in a city

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

DIS made studying abroad as easy as possible -- the VISA process was simple and clear, academic expectations were very reasonable, and many events and gatherings were held to optimize getting to know each other.

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)

Copenhagen is a very expensive city

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? roughly $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage when offered free food!

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

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? a 200 french course
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? I used DuoLingo for 2 weeks everyday prior to coming to Copenhagen

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • where I was housed
  • weeks off from classes to travel
  • field studies
* What could be improved?
  • more immersion into Danish culture
  • larger grocery stipend
  • even more events for students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? four months go really fast -- try to seize everyday and explore new areas you haven't been to as much as you can

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Neuroimaging of the Disordered Brain
Course Department: Neuroscience
Instructor:
Instruction Language: english
Comments: This course is definitely challenging -- we were assessed through two big exams, a group presentation, and several labs. The teaching was effective and interesting, but it was significantly more work than my other courses with DIS.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Cognitive Neuroscience of Creativity
Course Department: Neuroscience/Psychology
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course material was interesting but became a little redundant as the semester continued. I was expecting more of a neurobiology-heavy course, but it was definitely more philosophical.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Watercolor Painting
Course Department: Art
Instructor:
Instruction Language: english
Comments: I loved this course!! Each class I learned new painting techniques and was a great way to see and explore the city. I definitely recommend taking this class.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Digital Media in Marketing
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I had never taken a marketing class before this one -- we spent half the semester talking about marketing strategy and the other half learning about filmmaking. Despite being new to this field of study, I felt very comfortable in this class and would recommend it to other students like me that are interested in business/marketing with little to no previous experience.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Danish Language and Culture
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: english/danish
Comments: I am so glad Middlebury requires this course -- I think all students studying abroad should take a language and culture class of their host country. Camilla was a fantastic instructor and really understanding of the study abroad experience as a whole.
Credit Transfer Issues: