Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Copenhagen For The Summer Past Review

By (University of Saint Thomas - Houston) - abroad from 05/24/2016 to 06/11/2016 with

DIS Summer in Scandinavia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I believe I gained a greater sense of self confidence while abroad. In addition, I overcame challenges that I didn't even know I would be challenged by.

Review Photos

DIS Summer in Scandinavia Photo DIS Summer in Scandinavia Photo DIS Summer in Scandinavia Photo DIS Summer in Scandinavia Photo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Extremely helpful in every way.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Gammeltoftsgade on the "2nd" floor. The 2nd floor is more like the...5th floor. My friends and I had a love/hate relationship with the never ending flights of stairs. Be prepared to lug your luggage up these stairs upon arrival! Enjoy rolling/throwing them down the stairs as you leave. Overall, the living arrangement was nice. Shared bathrooms with 3 individual showers in the bathroom, shared kitchens, and the sweetest SRA's (Anna and Christian). The location is amazing...spend time on the Party Bridge, and venture across!

* Food:

The food is amazing. You can find anything here that you would be able to find in the US. I recommend visiting the Glass Market, various restaurants, and checking out all of the various grocery stores. Netto and Fakta are great budget grocery stores. I found the Glass Market to be exceptional for produce (price and quality) - and Irma had anything I couldn't find at the budget grocery stores. In all honesty, a group of us had dinner dates quite often at some of the local restaurants. It's a fun way to get out, meet new people, and enjoy some local grub.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Copenhagen locals are amazing. I did notice many of my fellow US students complaining about the Danish people, how they aren't very friendly, etc. I did not find this to be true. I found them to be wonderful, insightful people with the desire to truly get to know someone and have meaningful experiences. Note to US students - try not to be so loud, travel in huge groups, etc.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

While I did not have any healthcare issues, I had three friends that needed medical assistance, which was (according to them) great!

* Safety:

I did not feel unsafe at all while in Copenhagen! I walked most of the time, wandered and explored the streets, and enjoyed my time alone and with groups of friends. My advice would be to be aware when using the train, and to be especially aware when traveling to other countries. My friend had all of his belongings stolen on a train ride returning to Denmark from Sweden.

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

I fell in love with Copenhagen, and know I will be back to Denmark in the future. If I could move there, I would.

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 definitely an expensive city.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Most of my money was spent going out with friends for dinner and drinks. Avoid purchasing alcohol in restaurants or bars. Instead, go to local stores to purchase (you can drink anywhere in Copenhagen - grab some beer and hang out by the lakes or the party bridge). Cook dinner more often than you go out to eat. Food and drinks are the most expensive parts of the study abroad experience.

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?
  • The city
  • The people
  • The class
* What could be improved?
  • Maybe a welcome packet upon arrival with suggestions (places to go, where to find things, etc)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack much lighter. Be prepared to walk or bike, a LOT. Bring very comfortable shoes (multiple pairs).

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.