Abroad in Denmark: A Life Changing Experience Past Review
By Shaina Å (PSYCHOLOGY., Maryville College) for
ISEP Exchange: Aalborg - Study Abroad at Aalborg University
I realized how culture shapes an individual and how to adapt to foreign situations. My abroad experience has given me the confidence to do anything I set my mind to. I also have more patience than I did before because I realize it takes time to accomplish goals.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I did not like that there were no tests or homework; there were only final papers and an oral exam. I also did not like the teaching method because classes only lasted for 6 weeks and then the rest of the term was used to work independently on the project. I felt that there was no organization or structure at the university because of the difficulty in obtaining the guidelines and deadlines for final papers. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The international coordinator at Aalborg University exceeded my expectations. He was quick to respond to emails and went out of his way to help when I experienced my academic crisis. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was lucky enough to live in one of the nicest student accommodations. I was very satisfied with the spaciousness, the cleanliness, and the community facilities of my apartment complex. |
| * Food: |
Eating out is extremely expensive. The cheapest way to eat is to cook your own food. The majority of people cook for themselves. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My program arranged several trips to different places around Denmark which were enjoyable and culturally educational. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Denmark was very safe and I never felt unsafe. The only health issues were the common cold and the flu. I had a flu vaccination before I went but it was not mandatory. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Everyone spoke English. I didn't take a language course. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Be prepared to work as a team for at least two months because of the project. A student who enjoys working with others would enjoy this program. |
