I had the time of my life. Wouldn't change a single thing about my experience. May 26, 2023

By Charlotte L (International Politics and Economics, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/12/2023 to 05/13/2023 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned a lot about perspective on what life is like outside of my small, rural liberal arts college, as well as how to live in an apartment on my own and plan my own schedule/navigate frequent travel. It was so worthwhile and I think it provides an invaluable opportunity to cheaply see Europe.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Loved DIS - interesting classes, great field studies/study tours where we got to explore Denmark outside of the classroom and connect our studies to real life. I also think the format worked well for abroad, the teachers were understanding that we were busy and traveling often and adjusted expectations/course structure accordingly. Great experience.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	DIS was awesome. They do so much for students: visa help, general support, resources for life in Copenhagen, planning trips, providing us with a community. Best I heard of any program.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Mine were amazing. I was right in central Copenhagen and a few minute walk from classes and public transportation. I loved my roommate and all six of my floormates, I think they do a great job matching students.
* Food:	DIS provided us with a grocery stipend. In my opinion it wasn't realistically enough for a semester for most but still very helpful.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I chose to live with Americans and Danes aren't the most open to others so I wouldn't say I was super immersed but that wasn't a negative - I enjoyed the more immersive experiences I did have and liked learning about Danish culture in class.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	We had access to a DIS care team and medical cards. I had friends who were able to get medical help easily. No health issues.
* Safety:	Copenhagen might genuinely be the safest city in the world, even as a woman I never once felt unsafe at night, on public transit, etc. and it was nice to never worry about safety/pickpocketing.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes DIS does so much for you and Copenhagen is an amazing, safe city with a lot to offer. It sticks out because of the community there for American abroad students, the kindness of locals to Americans, the easyness and accessibility of transit around the city, and the program-provided trips.

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 expensive. It's worth it because restaurants, clubs, shops, museums, etc. are all great and worth paying for - very high quality, well-paid workers, etc. - but students should definitely save up or be prepared to really have to budget. However, I did travel, shop, eat out, go out, and if you genuinely were very frugal and stayed in Cope it could be fine.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	Genuinely no idea but ballpark $500+ (including travel)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Just save up as much as possible and be thoughtful with not buying unnecessary things/eating out too much. Plan your groceries carefully and stretch your grocery stipend as long as possible, split things with roommates.

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
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?	0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	Everyone in Copenhagen speaks English, but if you really want to learn DIS provides resources to practice Danish or do Duolingo/watch shows and movies.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* 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?	0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	My living situation and roommates in the Central City Classes/field studies and study tours Copenhagen itself and the ability to travel
* What could be improved?	Genuine opportunities to meet Danes maybe More money on grocery stipends
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	It goes by so so fast!! Take advantage of every day, push yourself to meet new people, travel but also spend time in Copenhagen!

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Danish Language and Culture I
Course Department:	Danish
Instructor:	Jan Aage Rasmussen
Instruction Language:	Danish/English
Comments:	Great and very knowledgeable teacher, realistic expectations, loved the cultural element, didn't learn a ton of Danish but it's very hard.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No