Eventful June 20, 2023

By Isaac X (Environmental Science, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/14/2023 to 05/14/2023 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

The experiences were definitely worthwhile. I think I gained a lot of experiences that I otherwise would not get, but it was not a necessary academic experience, to be frank. Nonetheless, I would recommend this study abroad experience, including the academics of it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Not as rigorous as at Middlebury College, but I still learned a lot, and also left me time to explore other things.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I was living in the basement and the house was quite small, the walls quite thin.
* 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:
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	No I would want to try somewhere different---I think I have learned enough about Copenhagen and Denmark in the meantime.

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 very expensive. So, be prepared to spend or save like hell. On top of that, personal travel experiences (which usually everyone does) can get quite expensive of course. I definitely spent a lot of money but believed it was all worth it in the end (I was, though, privileged to have that money to spend).
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	At least $200 on a cheap week. Personal travel week hit $1000.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	2good2go app to save on food, always check for student pricing at attractions.

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	Almost everybody speaks English in Denmark + they did not expect us to learn too much Danish during our time there anyway.
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
How many hours per day did you use the language?	0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	Don't come to DIS if you are expecting to be in a Scandinavian language immersion.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Host Family
* 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?	Location for accessible travel. Easy to meet others I vibe with. Bicycling
* What could be improved?	N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Don't expect much cultural immersion, expect to spend a lot of money.

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 Networker An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Ice Cores and Ice Ages
Course Department:
Instructor:	Susanne, Sune, Inger
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	It was relatively challenging and very interesting! All professors were knowledgeable and there were notable trips to the ice cores fridge in Broendbyoester, Moens Klint, and Greenland. Assessed primarily through three quizzes and the final (oral---a format that is emphasized in the Danish education system) exam.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Integrated Climate Change Planning
Course Department:
Instructor:	Silvia Dragomir
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Not very challenging, but still learned a lot and really made me think a lot about sustainable planning everywhere I went. The class included a trip to Bordeaux, France where Silvia spent a significant amount of time studying urban planning. Silvia was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about all topics and encouraged group work on projects. I participated almost always and always felt engaged. Assessed through mostly group projects.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Awaiting formal transfer in the fall when I return to campus.

Course Name/Rating:	Getting There: Transportation in Urban Europe
Course Department:
Instructor:	Silvia Dragomir
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Final project was a little challenging partially as a couple of group-mates were not very enthusiastic about it. Otherwise, another masterpiece course by Silvia (who is always very enthusiastic about everything related to urban planning!). I participated in class almost always. My engagement was helped by Silvia taking a lot of class time to show us around Copenhagen to critique its urban planning (a lot of good things, but of course, still things to be improved!). Sometimes she did talk a little too long though, but that is understandable considering her enthusiasm! Assessed through some papers and projects.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Arctic Geopolitics
Course Department:
Instructor:	Alexander Hviid
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Not very challenging, but like any of my other classes at DIS, learned a substantial amount. Course taken partially through a Danish perspective which is interesting as Denmark is an Arctic Council Member but only via Greenland. I really enjoyed learning about this rather unique relationship between Denmark and Greenland politically. Field studies included going to the Greenland House and the Danish Defense Institute. I participated quite a bit as I am interested in international politics. Assessed mostly through two big papers.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Danish Language and Culture through Song and Rhythm
Course Department:
Instructor:	Camilla Kirchhoff
Instruction Language:	English, Danish
Comments:	Not very challenging---felt easier than my middle school French class (that one was pretty difficult actually). Did lean some Danish, but probably the cultural immersion was the most significant gain from the course. Notable out-of-class experiences included exploring Copenhagen Raadhus (some exclusive access!) and choir singing in one of the churches in Amager! Participation was essentially always required of everybody (which I believe everybody fervently accepted). Of course, Camilla was always engaging too and loved teaching us! Assessed through some papers, homework, and a final oral as well as written exam (both were short!).
Credit Transfer Issues: