Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Becoming a Great Dane Past Review

By (Health: Science, Society & Policy, International & Global Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/14/2013 to 05/17/2013 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be really independent. I figured out that sometimes it's ok to be alone because hanging out with yourself is actually really awesome. You figure out what makes you happy and the people you want to surround yourself with. It's really valuable to figure out who you are, so yes, that was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't feel like I became integrated because of DIS, but because I met a lot of Danish people on my own.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The Danish health care system is awesome and free! :)

* Safety:

Super 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)

Denmark is and incredibly expensive country-the only reason I survived is because I chose a housing situation where meals were provided for me.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out.

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

They encouraged, but not too strongly because Danish is and incredibly difficult language. The teachers appreciated it when you attempted it though.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The building facilities
  • The staff
* What could be improved?
  • It shouldn't be all Americans in the program. International students should be able to be a part of the actually abroad experience.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that my commute was going to be a total of 2 hours to get to and from school and that I had downloaded a lot more music before leaving. Also before I left I really didn't think I was going to get homesick. But, it inevitable happened! I kind of wish I had gotten rid of my facebook. Looking at pictures of friends and family made being homesick worse.

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.'