Copenhagen gave me a unique experience and perspective Past Review
By A student (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Trinity University) - abroad from 05/21/2013 to 07/06/2013 with
DIS Summer in Scandinavia
I gained confidence about living on my own, and learned a lot about the Danish and Netherlands culture and how it differs from my own. It was definitely worthwhile and awesome. While 6 weeks wasn't very long and I wish I had time to do some other things, it was a good length of time and allowed time for me to travel to other cities as well.
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. |
It almost seems ridiculous to get 3 credits for a class that only lasts 3 weeks, and I think summer teachers try to cram in the readings and assignments so that people earn all 3 credits. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
DIS people were always at the front desk and willing to help with any questions and problems. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I really loved my apartment-style living (on Tasingegade), and the neighborhood was cool and varied and pretty. The resident advisor people were native Danish and always very nice and helpful and social. |
* Food: |
Danish food (specifically smorebrode) isn't exactly my style, but there was a large variety of restaurants in the area. I enjoyed cooking for myself in my room with food from the local grocery store. I also had basically the best burger I've ever had at Halifax in Trianglen, and would highly recommend it (also McGrath's bar is right on that street and also awesome and more Danish than a lot of the bars other DIS students went to). |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
6 weeks is a short time to become integrated, but I enjoyed all the people I met and got to experience some cool Danish traditions. Riding the bus is also a convenient necessity. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no health issues, but I assume the health care is great. |
* Safety: |
I would say that Copenhagen felt much safer than other cities I travelled to in Europe (like Amsterdam and Brussels). It is very pretty and clean and there is very little crime. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't be careful, but I think it's a nicer and safer place to stay long-term than other cities many students visit. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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 is kind of expensive because of high sales tax. |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | Don't be intimidated by Danish people or the cultural differences. |
Individual Course Reviews
Course Name/Rating: |
Sociology of the Family |
Course Department: | Sociology |
Instructor: | Michelle Janning |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | There were definitely a lot of readings, but we did a lot of interesting observations, field trips, and discussions of Danish families compared to American. Michelle is a great teacher and was understanding of the fact that it was summer and we wanted to explore the city and not just do homework. |
Credit Transfer Issues: |
Course Name/Rating: |
Cross Cultural Psychology |
Course Department: | Psychology |
Instructor: | Linda Lapina |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | Linda gave a lot of readings and expected a lot from us, but was also a very interesting and nice person/teacher. The trip to Berlin was also very cool with interesting speakers and tours which were relevant to the course material. |
Credit Transfer Issues: |