Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Copenhagen: A blonde-hair, blue-eyed, English speakers paradise Past Review

By (Accounting and Related Services., Trinity University) - abroad from 05/22/2013 to 07/06/2013 with

DIS Summer in Scandinavia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how vastly different the philosophies of different countries can be in terms of government and social classes.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The two classes I took were enough of a challenge but did not consume all of my time, which is exactly what I was looking for! DIS had great resources including several computer labs, classrooms, printers, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My residence hall was about a 15-20 minute commute to class each day depending on my mode of transportation. I was kind of glad that I got to live in a different part of Copenhagen because I got to see a lot of the city! There were about 100 other DIS students in my dorm and at times I wished that I had lived with more Danish people, but it worked out fine

* Food:

overall the food was really good and really expensive. Service was very poor, but that is customary when servers do not work on tips.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated, mostly because of things I did on my own. I met a basketball team that was affiliated with the university of Copenhagen and played with them a few times. From there, I was able to hang out with those same people on several occasions. I really enjoyed the times when I was one of the only Americans in a large group of people!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have an experience with healthcare

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe the entire time I was in Copenhagen! In fact, maybe even a little too safe; but, that is a testament to the culture and the society that has been created by the Danish people. I did hear of a few people getting pick-pocketed, but that can be avoided by using common sense.

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)

Copenhagen was very expensive! I found that if I planned out my meals in advance I was able to manage my money better throughout each week. The food stipend did not last very long.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? grocery shop and cook in your room a few nights

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Location
  • Study Tours
  • Resources
* What could be improved?
  • More organization on the first day
  • Closing Ceremony
  • Having organized activities for students each weeked
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I wasnt really going to learn any Danish, but that is also because I was there for only seven weeks.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.