Hygge :) Past Review
By A student (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/05/2016 to 12/21/2016 with
University of Copenhagen: Copenhagen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained so much knowledge about myself and others while I was abroad and without a question, it was worthwhile. I could write a book to answer this question but I will stop here. Studying abroad in Copenhagen was one of the best life decisions I've ever made.
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 really enjoyed how much independence the classes provided. There was reading to be done outside of class and then lecture and discussion once a week. It wasn't too difficult to keep up with everything as long as you devoted some time to read everyday. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I thought the Psych department did a great job trying to help and immerse the new international students. We had the option of joining the mentorship program which ended up introducing me to the people that would become my closest friends during my stay in Denmark. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was a bit of a nightmare. I had no choice but to stay somewhere that was way out of my budget because I needed a place to stay and housing in Copenhagen is extremely difficult to find. The Housing Foundation has also had lots of issues lately with how they've handled lots of things including students' money. |
| * Food: |
The food in Copenhagen is a bit pricey but there are lots of yummy options. Because it's a big city, you can find pretty much anything. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Buy a bike! It's the best way to feel like and look like a local. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Healthcare in Denmark is great and easily accessible. Because I was considered a resident, I received a health care card. I fell off my bike pretty badly at one point and had to go to the hospital. All costs were covered, which really caught me off guard. In the States, I would have had a hugeeee bill after going to the ER to get stitches. |
| * Safety: |
Copenhagen was definitely one of the safest cities I have ever visited. I never felt in danger and felt very comfortable walking around on my own, even alone at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I absolutely love the city of Copenhagen and still miss it everyday. I would really like to live there again one day. |
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) |
2 - Copenhagen is an extremely expensive city, but I would say it is still worth it. With a budget and watching how much you eat out, it can be done! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | n/a |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Create a budget before you leave and leave some wiggle room. Then amend it once you get to your host country and get a better feel for how much things cost. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| 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? | Spanish 4 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* 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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| 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? |
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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? | I know now that I am capable of so much more than I ever gave myself credit for and I truly enjoy my own company. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
