A Comprehensive Introduction to Copenhagen and Danish Culture & Society May 28, 2024
By A student (Data Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/13/2024 to 05/11/2024 with
DIS Copenhagen: Semester
I really gained an understanding of the Danish perspectives on graphic design and urban livability, which are renowned in this area of the world. I was able to learn not just through traditional assignments but also through explorations of Copenhagen and also in my study tours to Western Denmark and the Netherlands.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I really enjoyed the classes I took in graphic design, urban livability, GIS, and Danish. I felt like taking them specifically in Copenhagen with DIS was really beneficial and I loved all of our field studies and assignments. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The DIS Navigate app was very nice to find resources to connect with any administration. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was very nice and modern with amenities and decent distance from campus. I stayed in the Culinary LLC. My only complaint was the lack of privacy within the apartment. |
| * Food: |
N/A I cooked on my own. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I participated in the visiting host program, so I was able to connect with a local Dane but other than that, I didn't have much opportunities to connect with Danes, especially those my age. I thought the field studies in my classes showed me a lot of the city and I got to explore different parts of Danish culture and society, which I really enjoyed. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The private insurance was very nice since all of my prescriptions were covered. However, it was difficult to get appointments with specialist doctors, such as a dermatologist, when I was referred to by my general practitioner in Denmark. |
| * Safety: |
I have never felt so safe traveling around in a city at all times of the day. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 was a very expensive city. The grocery card provided by the program was very helpful in alleviating grocery expenses but eating out was very expensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to minimize going to cafes and eating out by making your own coffee or cooking because that's the most expensive part! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I didn't realize that not only would there be a cultural adjustment to Denmark but also to DIS because the makeup of students is very different to what I experience at Wellesley. |
