Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Perfect Semester Abroad Past Review

By (University of Richmond) - abroad from 01/17/2011 to 05/05/2012 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got to see Germany, Sweden, Austra, England and Russia during my time with DIS, all while feeling really connected to Copenhagen itself. It was exactly what I wanted.

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.

I actually learned a lot from my classes at DIS, which is more than most can say about their study abroad experiences.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

DIS runs like a well-oiled machine, and is always there to help with anything you need. I was constantly impressed with how well organized they were.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I chose to live in a kollegium, which in hindisght was the best choice. Instead, I'd rather I'd chosen DIS housing, a host family or even a folk high school. But DIS was always very supportive about any housing problems I had.

* Food:

Wienerbrød! Need I say more?

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was a part of the Visiting Family program while I was at DIS, which meant that although I didnøt live with a host family, I had regular dinners with a Danish family. It was a wonderful way to connect myself to the city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I actually was very sick (mono!) during my time with DIS, and thanks to Danish Healthcare, everything turned out fine. DIS was also very helpful in getting me help and understanding when I missed classes.

* Safety:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The professors were brilliant, funny and always made things interesting
  • Copenhagen is a beautiful city. Not too big, not too small. A perfect homebase to see the rest of Europe from!
  • DIS knows how to do study abroad right.
* What could be improved?
  • Could they make it a bit warmer in January?
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would recommend that study abroad students try a host family or DIS housing instead of a kollegium.