Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

First hand look at the welfare state and environmental policy Past Review

By (Sociology., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/18/2014 to 05/16/2014 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a greater sense of independence and adapting skills. It was definitely worth it.

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.

Classes were definitely challenging and interesting. This wasn't a free academic ride by any means

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

cooked for myself

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was very difficult to meet Danes. This largely wasn't the fault of the program, but more due to my living circumstances. That being said the program could have had more opportunities to meet Danish students. It was difficult to figure out when events were. More easy and accessible listservs would have been nice.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was able to very easily get to a doctor. DIS was very helpful in helping me find and deal with them. Danish healthcare is also free.

* Safety:

Copenhagen is very safe. I could be on the bus alone at 4am with absolutely no issue.

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)

Copenhagen is a very expensive city. What's nice about this program though is that part of your tuition goes to a food stipend and transportation pass within a certain area, greatly reducing costs. If you cook for yourself its a bit easier to keep costs down.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 75$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself, buy basics that will allow you to cook many things without obscure ingredients. Look for special deals, like discounted meat. Make your own coffee it is WAY cheaper.

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 is very difficult and unlike French or Spanish not a language many people would have studied prior to being in Copenhagen. Consequently this was never meant as an immersion program. Furthermore almost every Dane you meet will speak perfect English, making practice a bit difficult

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
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the classes
  • intellectual orientation
  • field studies-where we could learn out in the city or other country
* What could be improved?
  • more study spaces
  • more trying to connect Americans with Danes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? take out lots of money from the atm in one go to avoid fees.

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!