Why Choose DIS? Study Abroad Programs - Why DIS?

Six Good Reasons to Choose DIS

DIS puts a strong emphasis on the needs and concerns of parents sending their daughter or son on a semester, year, or summer abroad. Because DIS is a dedicated study abroad program, it means the entire institution is structured toward maximizing and optimizing the study abroad experience – for both students and parents.

These are the six key elements that support the DIS philosophy:

• Delivering high academic quality and courses recognized by home universities
• Developing a student’s skills and preparing them for the globalized job market
• Ensuring value for money
• Providing a safe environment and readily accessible support for students
• Supporting students and their parents through their study abroad journey, beginning in the US
• Maximizing the study abroad experience academically and culturally.

Academic Quality: A semester with DIS is not a semester off

While there is no ranking of study abroad programs either in terms of academic or non-academic program elements, DIS has a reputation of being among the best on both scales. High academic quality is a central focus at DIS, which ensures easy credit transfer back to the student’s home university so study abroad is integrated into their degree program and should not delay graduation.

The average incoming GPA is 3.4 and approximately 90 percent of DIS students plan to go on to graduate school. Students come to DIS from over 140 US universities, including many of the best colleges and universities in the country (see all sending institutions here). DIS faculty are experts in their fields, teaching part time while maintaining successful careers in business, architecture, research, media, politics, and other professions. Classes at DIS are small with an average of 26 students per lecture class and 18 per language class.

While DIS is affiliated with the University of Copenhagen and a handful of other local universities, most DIS courses are designed and administered by DIS. Some local university courses are open to DIS students, and vice versa, to facilitate interaction between DIS and Danish students. Overall, about 30% of DIS students take a local university course as part of their DIS curriculum. Our faculty, administrators, staff and students are all engaged in a constant feedback loop through which student impressions, successes and concerns are communicated to the program’s decision-makers – and acted upon.

Building Leadership Skills

DIS has as a focus on the development of skills for the increasingly globalized job market. Central to this is cultural acquisition, the idea of global citizenship and leadership training through classroom exercises in decision making and structured argumentation. Intercultural and interdisciplinary communication skills are developed as the big questions and burning issues of our time are debated and discussed. A multi-cultural perspective and broadened vision helps students become informed decision makers with the ability to table cohesive arguments and back them with well-thought out logic and defined reasoning.

Value for Money

DIS is a high-quality institution that offers so much more compared to other study abroad programs. Combined with top quality academic courses, students experience high-impact learning through integrated and optional study tours. In addition to this, supervised practical application of a previously studied theory is increasingly being integrated into DIS courses. DIS students live and feel what they have learned in the classroom, reinforcing theory with real-life experience.

DIS also offers a number of cultural immersion programs, including a DIS Danish Buddy Network option, Visiting Family option, sports programs, and volunteering options. Additionally, during the weeklong Arrival Workshop in Copenhagen, students have the opportunity to attend the Immerse Yourself Fair, intended to facilitate student’s involvement in the local community.

Safety

Denmark is the 2nd most peaceful country in the world, trailing only New Zealand (Economist Intelligence Unit: Global Peace Index, 2009). Copenhagen as a city is in the same league. Though relatively big, it has a low crime rate and personal safety is high. The safety of students is of primary concern to DIS. DIS staff are service-minded, and are prepared to deal with individual questions or problems from students or parents. DIS has a 24-hour emergency phone number, which can be accessed from everywhere (see Health & Safety for more information).

DIS Services

Student services begin in the United States and continue in Copenhagen. Our North American staff are available to help students pick a program, register for courses, choose the housing option that’s right for them, give general advice, and offer pre-departure advising.

From the moment they arrive in Copenhagen, students are assisted by our large on-site staff, offering a wide range of services from academic and personal counseling to sending mail, accessing the internet and much, much more. We have an information desk where staff are available to answer questions during business hours, and our administrative staff have an ‘open door’ policy so students are always welcome to come talk with us. In all, approximately 65 DIS staff are dedicated to ensuring your student’s time abroad is productive, enjoyable, safe and for many, life-changing.

Experience

Study abroad is all about experience. A semester or year at DIS combines intense learning with a whole range of new experiences that develop the individual, often leading to growth in personality, ownership and maturity. DIS offers credit-bearing, faculty-led, course-integrated study tours and optional study tours, adventure trips and day trips so students discover and experience Europe in an optimal manner – and not through the window of souvenir shops! An optional course in Danish Language & Culture, taken by around 65 percent of students, gives a unique opportunity to see Denmark and Europe from a more intimate and enjoyable perspective.

DIS also focuses beyond academics and offers housing options and cultural programs to ensure students come away from their study abroad program with unique cultural experiences and insights that broaden horizons and fertilize personal growth and development.