First gen in Copenhagen! July 02, 2026
By Paloma A (Psychology, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/16/2026 to 05/13/2026 with
DIS Copenhagen: Semester
I learned much about the European clinical psychology career paths. I also was able to visit Vienna during my time there. We learned about logo therapy and we all visited a concentration camp where we learned about the conditions in which many people lived. Connecting that horrible experience with something like logo therapy was one of the most impactful experiences in my life. As a class we all debriefed after, sharing stories of loved ones who went through those horrific years. It was a very impactful session.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall DIS did a wonderful job with the courses it offered. Not only was I able to take things that are not offered at my university, but I was able to get credit towards my degree. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration of my program had good control over things that went unplanned. During one of my elective travels, we ran into an issue with a visitor and DIS quickly gave us an alternative solution. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was lovely! I had free laundry, a room with a bathroom, and a kitchen! Couldn’t have been more comfortable. I was also close to the metro and the bus to take me to class! |
| * Food: |
We received a stipend to spend on groceries. Although it was a generous amount, with the prices in Copenhagen it quickly ran out. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt like I could express my culture freely. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was trying to schedule an appointment with a dentist and although they had no availability until July, the lady was sweet and the services were cheap. |
| * Safety: |
I lived in the “ghettos” of Copenhagen, but honestly I wouldn’t have know if the local Danes told me. It was so safe that I felt safe to walk at night. I would never do that at home, but I felt really comfortable. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
As someone who is first gen and low income, DIS helped me with getting adjusted there. Financial support, cultural support, and amazing classes. |
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) |
It was hard since everything was so expensive, but DIS facilitated that with their help with transportation and foo. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Apply to many scholarships, you will need more money than you think. (Student visa, souvenirs, food, travel) |
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 was well informed, but please bring your seasonings!!! |
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 LinguistYou 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! |