Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

DIS is the perfect study abroad program! Past Review

By (American Studies, Business, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/18/2012 to 12/17/2012 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Going abroad (and with DIS) was definitely the best decision I've ever made. DIS was perfect because I felt immersed in Danish society but they also gave us several weeks of travel breaks, so I was also able to inexpensively travel around Europe during the program. I learned a lot about myself abroad, and a lot about different cultures and how people from different countries view things like business, family, and world issues.

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 really helped me gain a new (and international) perspective on subjects that I had previously studied. Also, the numerous field studies were extremely eye-opening and truly enhanced the course material in a way that I had never experienced in my prior education.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My kollegium was great, my room was spacious, and the kitchen was fantastic.

* Food:

Food in the city was too expensive to buy, so I just cooked for myself, which I actually loved doing. I do wish I would have been able to afford trips to restaurants.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I thought the Danes were eager to share their culture if you seemed willing to try to understand their ways.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

There was never a moment in Copenhagen when I felt unsafe, even when walking home alone in the middle of the night.

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 didn't spend much money, but that meant sacrificing a lot of things like going out every weekend or eating food outside my kollegium.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I was glad I didn't waste a lot of money on buying food in the city. Instead, I made my own food, which was still fine, and then I could spend my money on more important things.

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 in Danish
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? I made sure to read every sign I saw while waiting for the bus, etc and tried to understand what it said. That helped a lot with practicing.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Biking to school
  • Study Tours and traveling
  • Learning Danish
* What could be improved?
  • It should have been more encouraged to start DIS Clubs.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew just how expensive Copenhagen is!

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.