Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Copenhagen! An Experience You Won't Regret :) December 24, 2024

By (Public Health & Biology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/17/2024 to 12/14/2024 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
As a public health major, learning about the Danish healthcare system, as well as the systems of other countries in the EU that we visited, it was eye opening to learn about other models of healthcare and government besides the US's. Copenhagen itself is a great city to live in -- it's clean, the people are respectful, and it has an amazing culture. Studying abroad in the fall semester was nice because the weather was beautiful when I first got there in August, and by the end of the semester when the days were getting shorter, there were Christmas markets and holiday events everywhere to go to. It's a beautiful city with lots to do, both inside and outside.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Compared to Brandeis, the classes were not as rigorous, which was a nice change of pace. There were many resources available through the professors and DIS itself, so if any problems arose, they were quickly resolved using the available resources.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The DIS staff were all very knowledgable and helpful with any problems. Everyone was super friendly and approachable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in UMEUS, where I had a single bedroom and my own bathroom, with a communal kitchen shared with 20 people. The building itself was new and the facilities were nice, although there were some issues with heating so it got cold in my room often. The location was a little far out of the city but it was close to a metro station so it was still convenient to get around. The building had few Americans and many Danish and international students, and the communal kitchen was a good place to get to know other students.

* Food:

Through our tuition to DIS, everyone was allotted a food stipend card of about $600 to use at local grocery stores. Most people say that this only lasts them half the semester, but I was able to make it last for the whole semester while cooking three meals a day for myself. I ate out here and there, but not too often because eating at restaurants in Copenhagen is expensive, while groceries are relatively cheap.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Exploring the city and taking the Danish Language and Culture class definitely helped me learn a lot about the local culture. Additionally, living with Danish people was a good way to learn about Danish culture from an insider perspective, although there were many students who didn't live with Danes.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not use the healthcare system, but I heard from other students that they were accommodating, though there were sometimes long wait times.

* Safety:

Copenhagen felt super safe, even at night. It was rare to hear about people getting pickpocketed, and taking public transit after midnight felt safe.

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

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)

This depends on how much you travel! I spent minimal money on food while in Copenhagen because I used the food stipend card we were given, but the money I spent was on travel (plane tickets, hostels, food).

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~$175
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out too much, Copenhagen food and drinks can get expensive quickly! Ingredients are inexpensive so instead of going out to eat with friends, staying in and cooking together can be a fun and cost-effective alternative.

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The academic travel weeks and field trips
  • How well organized DIS is
  • The location
* What could be improved?
  • Having all meals provided during travel weeks (instead of 2/day)
  • More student events throughout the semester, not just during orientation/end of semester
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be afraid to independently explore! Plan trips ahead of time but also spend time in Copenhagen.

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!