DIS: What you make it Past Review

By (Biology, General., Carleton College) for

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. I would not change it for the world. I loved it and loved traveling. The classes and professors were not quite my cup of tea, but it was worth the experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Significantly easier than home institution. Professors were worse than home institution, and the caliber and classroom environment was not preferable. Nice to take other classes, but made me appreciate my school much more.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Larger program than expected. Helpful when questions arose.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was treated as a family member by my host family. They took me into their home and helped me out considerably. They were always there and loved teaching me about their country and culture.

* Food:

Living in a host family made food tricky because I did not want to be rude; however, I did not always enjoy what I was served. I eat little to no meat at home, and was suddenly bombarded by meat at almost every dinner.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Long study tour to Scotland was one of my favorite moments.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The program helped me call the doctor and set up an appointment at the clinic. The healthcare is universal, and I am just used to having my father who is a physician look into medical problems instead of going to a general practitioner. I did not need any additional vaccines.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I could get by without spending anything. Spent if I chose to go out or not eat with my host family.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Medication and joining a gym were the most expensive necessary costs I encountered.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host family
  • Meeting students from other universities
* What could be improved?
  • Professors
  • Group projects
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is great for science majors because it is one of the only study abroad programs that runs in English that you receive academic credit for.