A Great Experience in Copenhagen August 14, 2024

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved my experience with DIS. Copenhagen is the perfect city to study abroad in, as there is a lot to do but it's still easy to navigate. I also liked the large size of the program, as there were a lot of new people to meet from schools all over the US in addition to the connections with local Danes. This program is well-established and well run, with a smooth process for helping us transition into and out of a foreign country. The courses themselves were also very engaging, with qualified professors, relevant content, and a prioritization of travel to gain a truly global perspective. I felt well supported and pushed to learn in my courses, and would highly recommend.

On-site administration of your program

The administration was responsive and supportive, providing clear instructions, ample resources, and constant support.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a three room apartment with one American roommate. The space was a good size and I really liked my roommate, but I wish that I'd had the chance to live in a suite with local Danes. The apartment was also constantly accumulating dust, no matter how often we cleaned it, and was clearly meant for just one person, as our beds were in the same room as the kitchen.

The food in Copenhagen is delicious, from michelin star restaraunts to coffeeshops and bakeries. Grocery stores were easily accessible, and DIS provided an appropriate grocery stipend. Food is expensive though, and you are responsible for cooking it yourself.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

DIS tried connecting us with other Danes, and my participation in the visiting host program was a great way to connect with a Danish family. I wish I had been able to interact more with university-aged Danes though.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

As a public health major, I learned a lot about Danish healthcare through this program, so I may have had more exposure to healthcare information than others. However, the program did a great job informing everyone about the healthcare process and how to connect with a doctor. We all had CPR cards, which are necessary to access the healthcare system. However, it is different in Denmark than in the US, and it's often difficult to get in to see a PCP or get a referral for the care you need.

I very rarely felt unsafe in Copenhagen. As a woman, I could walk home 10 minutes from the metro stop alone late at night and feel perfectly safe.

I felt well supported in my transition to a new country. I also loved Copenhagen, as it was safe, easy to navigate, and had delicious food. I met some great people and learned so much in my classes. There was always something to do, and everything around me was so beautiful, especially as the weather got warmer. I would highly recommend!

(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. Groceries tend to be affordable, but it is expensive to fully experience the city. It's possible to eat out and pay for activities if you budget correctly, but you need to put in the effort.

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

Most people in Copenhagen speak Danish as their first language but know English too. It's not necessary to know Danish, but it's helpful to know some basic phrases. I took Danish language and culture. This helped me to learn the basics, but I liked the culture component much more!

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Americans

• Travel
• Friendships
• Global Perspectives

• Weather preparedness
• Interaction with Locals
• Budgeting Support

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