Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Extraordinary Experience Guided by a Practiced Hand Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/16/2012 to 12/17/2012 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned how to travel independently and live independently. Learned to not judge others.

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.

Not very rigorous, but that is what I wanted. Allowed for more time experiencing the international setting rather than with my nose in a book.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

extremely well organized, prepared

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Folkehokskole was an amazing experience

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Danish healthcare is a little different in attitude than US healthcare. takes some adjusting. It was very accessible, though

* 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)

It was rough. Copenhagen is very expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? don;t buy food in the city, unless you have a NETTO stipend.

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

All danes speak English

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
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? Make Danish friends and get them to help you. Host family

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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 living situation
  • tbe organized travel breaks
  • the food deal
* What could be improved?
  • danish language class
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? SO EXPENSIVE. I'M SO POOR NOW

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'