Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Seizing the moment and reflecting May 14, 2025

By (International Relations, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/13/2025 to 05/09/2025 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about my identities as a mixed person and an American in terms of how different places view these identities and how I should or shouldn't respond or adapt to them.

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.

The academic rigor of the assignments, compared to Wellesley, was significantly more laxed. The academic resources, such as the library, computer labs and databases were very helpful. I really enjoyed using them.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I felt their support right from when I landed in Denmark up until I left Copenhagen. Two of the most helpful resources provided by the DIS admin were the taxi/bus service to accommodations, and the purchase cards

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing was very new with new amenities and a very responsive team. I took out half of a star because here are quite a few numbers to keep track of which was a bit confusing at first. For example, issues with the laundry, in-building amenities, and in-apartment issues all had different numbers.

* Food:

DIS doesn't have a dining hall, but the purchase cards that we could use to purchase food was very good, and the food of copenhagen is very global. Therefore, if you don't like Danish food, it's vry easy to find non-Danish food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

DIS heavily encouraged students to go out by providing biking resources, trails, and social events (on the social bulletin and DIS navigate.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have an experience with healthcare, but DIS was very supportive in having documentation and IDs for the Danish health system during the Visa process.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Copenhagen!

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)

It is a very expensive city -- even though I traveled outside of the country every 6 weeks or so (much lower than other students) and ate at restaurants 1-2x a week, I regularly spent $240+ dollars a week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $240-250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Apply to scholarships and don't feel obligated to spend above your needs -- you can have fun for cheap/locally! I funded my program and savings from saving money while working on campus, but also by getting DIS-specific scholarships and the Gilman Scholarship.

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

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? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced Japanese
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • DIS Purchase Card
  • Fostering community through social events
* What could be improved?
  • Teacher/Teaching style culture
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be more mindful about shopping, and explore locally, too -- not just inter-Europe travel. When it comes to shopping specifically, thrifting doesn't always equate to meaningfully experiencing the city, and over-thrifting goes hand in hand with unsustainability, so I wish I knew earlier to disconnect thrifting with travel in my mind.

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!