Study Abroad in Copenhagen: Random but Rewarding Past Review
By Whitney S (Visual and Environmental Studies, Harvard University) for
DIS Summer in Scandinavia
YES! I have a completely different perspective on things, now that I know that they can be done an entirely different way. It sounds basic, but we forget that our way isn't the only way. This was a great way to experience that first hand.
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Learned a lot about the European way to design. Instruction was constant and constructive. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Sometimes we wish there was more accessibility to professors, but in the end I'm happy that they weren't always there because it forced us to figure it out for ourselves. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The kollegium came fully furnished. The highlight was the communal kitchen, which exposed me to other Danish students and therefore helped me better understand the culture through discussions with them. It was a little far from class, but it actually was nice because I had a reason to explore outside of the city center and see a part of the city which I never would have explored otherwise. |
| * Food: |
Dining-out is expensive, so I recommend saving your money and just buying food at the grocery store. One of our favorite things to do to save money was to go to the grocery store as a group and either picnic outside or make a group meal. Once and a while we splurged and went out to eat - most people got sandwiches (at Local) for lunch, and then we'd find a cafe for dinner (BioMio in the meat-packing district was delicious). |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The study tours are an absolute blast - such an unforgettable experience. The meals that the program puts on every once in a while to mingle with each other are also fun. The people in the program really make it! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Had to go to the pharmacy twice - it was very easy and relatively inexpensive. Others had to deal with healthcare more directly (one friend had a laceration in his hand, another girl broke her arm) and I know they had a very easy time getting help - all at no cost! In fact it seemed like it was better to get injured there than back at the states, since the service was immediate and covered by the state. The "welfare state" in Denmark is incredibly helpful. Didn't need any vaccines and had no health problems. A very safe city during the summer, possibly due to the sun being out almost 18 hours out of the day. |
| 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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Very expensive city. I ran out of money twice and had to wire funds to my account. Spent too much money on coffee (it's about $4 there, at least) and on international transaction fees. I still don't know what the best way to avoid fees are, but they will surprise you! |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you want to go to a place where none of your friends will go, yet meet incredible people, this is your program! |
