Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience of a lifetime January 05, 2024

By (Computer Science, Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/18/2023 to 12/15/2023 with

DIS Summer in Scandinavia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile, especially if you like traveling while you're abroad. I got to meet so many people and experience so many cultures, that experience is priceless.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

While expensive to live in, Copenhagen is a great home base to study abroad in Europe. Its a very safe city compared to other European countries, everyone speaks English so you don't have to worry about a language barrier. You also don't need to pay for healthcare before going abroad because a student visa includes the same benefits that a normal citizen would get in Denmark. Flights to and from other countries from Copenhagen are very cheap and the airport is easy to navigate. Copenhagen also had one of the best transportation systems that I've seen in the EU. Also, because most people do not drive in Copenhagen, the air was very clean compared to every major city in Europe. Some study abroad programs will also make it very difficult for you to travel outside of your city on purpose. I liked that DIS was very good about maintaining a healthy work-life/travel balance.

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 one of the most expensive cities to live in in the world.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use TooGoodtoGo to save on food when you're in Copenhagen.

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

Everyone speaks fluent English in Copenhagen, to the point that it would be weird if you tried to speak Danish to them.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Duolingo Danish is pretty good at preparing you for using Danish before arriving.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Healthcare
  • Safety
  • No language barrier
* What could be improved?
  • Expensive
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew going in that racism in Europe is very different than racism in America. This is not the program's fault and I don't think it would've changed my decision to go, but it would've been nice to be prepared. Europeans are very ignorant and unaware of minority issues.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Medical Biotechnology and Drug Development
Course Department:
Instructor: Jeanette Erbo Wern
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was quite challenging, I learned a lot and there was a plethora of field trips. All were relevant and interesting. Jeannette was very knowledgeable and always came prepared with slides. The majority of the graded assignments were comprised of group projects and exams.
Credit Transfer Issues: I did not have any issues.
Course Name/Rating:

Genomics in Clinical Practice
Course Department:
Instructor: Ulrik Kristoffer Stoltze
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was quite challenging but very rewarding. Teacher was INCREDIBLY knowledgeable. I participated in class more that I normally do in my home institution and we were assessed using a combination of exams, papers, and group projects. Field trips were relevant and interesting.
Credit Transfer Issues: No problems with credit transfer.
Course Name/Rating:

Strategic Planning for Leaders
Course Department:
Instructor: Benjamin Holk Henriksen
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The exams were challenging, I learned a lot and the teacher was both knowledgeable and prepared. I participated in class more than i would have i my home institution. We were graded based on participation, group projects, and exams. Field trips were class oriented and engaging.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues transferring credit to home institution.
Course Name/Rating:

Danish Language and Culture
Course Department:
Instructor: Nina Winsløw
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Learning Danish was challenging, but the best part were the field trips. Teacher was very knowledgeable and well-prepared. Grades were comprised of papers, group projects, homework, and exams.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues transferring credit.
Course Name/Rating:

Computational Analysis of Big Data
Course Department:
Instructor: Daniel Svendsen
Instruction Language: English
Comments: One of my favorite courses at DIS. I learned a lot, the teacher was very knowledgeable and always prepared. Field trips were very interesting and relevant. Most of the grade was made of group homework projects and a final project.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues transferring.