Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing time in Copenhagen! January 16, 2024

By (Food Studies, Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/18/2023 to 12/16/2023 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much both academically and personally.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved this program! Such a great experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration was so easy to get in contact with and did an amazing job making sure we all felt comfortable in Copenhagen.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living in a Kollegium. It was close to class and was a great way to meet people in the program and other students in Copenhagen.

* Food:

I loved being able to cook for myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really enjoyed being immersed in Danish culture. I found Danes very welcoming and I was able to reconnect with family.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The DIS staff were very easy to communicate with for any health concerns.

* Safety:

I found Copenhagen very safe. People were friendly and I felt very safe walking around by myself, even at night.

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

I loved this program! So interesting, great classes, great people!

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 but the semester stipend was helpful for grocery shopping.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20?
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eating out and travel was the most expensive.

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

We were encouraged to use the language outside of Danish class but everyone in Copenhagen speaks English so it was hard to practice.

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? No prior Danish experience.
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? Effort outside of the Danish class is needed to use the language.

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Copenhagen
  • Organized program
  • Travel as part of class
* What could be improved?
  • Meeting danish students
  • increased food stipend
  • more zones on commuter cards
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to meet more Danish students

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Food Sustainablility
Course Department: Sustainability
Instructor: Camilla Hoff-Jorgensen
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Amazing class! We went on so many field trips and got to understand food production and culture in Denmark and Sicily.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not tried to transfer the credits back yet but do not anticipate any issues.
Course Name/Rating:

Climate Change and Radical Political Movements
Course Department: Political Science
Instructor: Vibeke Schou Tjalve
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Amazing class!! Vibeke clearly explained so many different environmental movements in the US and Europe.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not tried to transfer the course yet but do not anticipate any questions
Course Name/Rating:

Danish Language and Culture
Course Department: Danish
Instructor: Charlotte
Instruction Language: English/Danish
Comments: Loved this class! We got to study both Danish language and culture. I found the culture aspect of the class particularly interesting.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not tried to transfer the course yet but do not anticipate issues.
Course Name/Rating:

Renewable Energy
Course Department: Environmental Science
Instructor: Emanuel Gentile
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I really enjoyed this class. Very interesting material and great teacher!
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not tried to transfer the course yet but do not anticipate issues.
Course Name/Rating:

Death of God: Philosophy of Religion
Course Department: Philosophy
Instructor: Mads Peter Karlsen
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very interesting class! Fun to take a class at KU.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not tried to transfer the course yet but do not anticipate issues.