Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Cold and Expensive but Worthwhile Past Review

By (Sociology., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/13/2013 to 05/17/2013 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I got to travel a ton and meet great people, but I also learned that this probably wasn't the best program for me.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes are definitely better than most other abroad programs but not as good as classes at my home university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

the folk high school was amazing!

* Food:

Danish food is not great and very expensive

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Denmark is extremely expensive. Occasionally I felt like it affected my quality of life.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Live in a place where you get most of your food.

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

Danish really isn't necessary and it is difficult to learn and use.

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? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Other
* 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?
  • Living situation
  • study tours
* What could be improved?
  • More financial support (food stipends for all housing)
  • less rigid attendance policy
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? how expensive denmark actually 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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!