Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best decision I made during my college years. Past Review

By (Public Health., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/22/2012 to 05/20/2012 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Cultural awareness, appreciation for a culture I had known nothing about before, pride in what I've accomplished, a sense of reliance. Absolutely worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

DIS is a solid study abroad program in that class attendance is mandatory and grades are based on a combination of exams and papers.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff members at DIS are always so friendy and open to talking.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

If you choose to live with a host family or in certain types of dorms, you will end up having a long (1- to 2-hr) commute into the city for class.

* Food:

If you live in a 'kollegium' or dorm, you will be cooking for yourself. And if you don't want to cook for yourself, you have a variety of international food options available in Copenhagen.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because DIS is and English-speaking program, integration with Danish culture never seems mandatory. However, it enhances your experience incredibly if you choose to take a class in Danish language and culture. And also, feel free to strike up conversation with Danes around Copenhagen -- they are friendly and are amused by hearing why American students have chosen to study in their country!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safer walking around Copenhagen at night than I ever felt walking around my hometown. Crime rate is very low -- I think their biggest issue is bike theft, which attests to the fact that Denmark is a safe country.

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)

I wrote down literally everything I spent money on, on a daily basis, and would keep track of what I would spend in a week. Just based on necessities like food and groceries and occasional social outings here and there, I would spend an average of $120-$170 per week.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $120-$170.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? DIS will give you a food stipend of $600 if you are living 'on your own' in dorm-style housing. If you are living with a host family, it is assumed that your family will provide you with 1-2 meals a day, so you will not get a stipend. Keep an eye out for student discounts around the city, because many places offer decent lunch/breakfast deals that you can take advantage of between classes in Copenhagen.

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

You will use the language a whole lot more if you're taking a Danish class, but otherwise, there is not much incentive to use Danish because the natives speak English everywhere you go.

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 in Danish language.
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? Chat with Danes. They get a kick out of hearing Americans (mis)pronounce the words of their language, but they can also englishten you on how to say words for things that you'll use everyday. Also, practice with other American students. You'll create a sense of solidarity over your fledgling Danish skills.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • How different it was from wha tI was used to.
  • The people I met.
  • The memories I created.
* What could be improved?
  • Expenses. (Though I don't think anyone has control over that.)
  • Having a shorter commute into the city.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That everything will work out fine and that I didn't have to be so nervous before going, because all the other American students are in the exact same position as me. Take advantage of every travel opportunity you can. YOLO, worry about the money later!