Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Finding Home Abroad Past Review

By (American Studies and Social Justice, Social Change, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/18/2014 to 05/18/2014 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about social democracies and that the way America is governed is not the only way for a country to be governed. I learned how to be independent and create connections with others who initially seem so different. This was the most worthwhile experience of my life!

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.

This program definitely requires a lot of reading and many papers.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was incredibly helpful and kind!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did not live in the cleanest accommodations but everyone was so fun and nice that it didn't matter! Stay in a kolligeum!

* Food:

I am gluten free so it took a little getting used to danish food but there are a lot of omelets and salads which was very helpful.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Having a visiting family and living in a kolligeum helped me integrate!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no issues with healthcare but I was given insurance by the country.

* Safety:

My wallet was stolen but other than that isolated incident, I felt so safe in Denmark. There is very little crime.

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 spent a lot of money on food and personal expenses. Denmark is very expensive and having dietary restrictions made it more difficult for me to purchase the least expensive 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

We were encouraged to speak with Danes in Danish outside the classroom but as the Danes all speak English incredibly well, everyone just spoke English to us!

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? I had never taken Danish
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? My university required that I take Danish but there were many students on the program that did not have to take the language. In some ways, it connected me to the country but it also served as an incredible stressor. Learning a new language is difficult, especially when you are really only studying the language twice a week.

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?
  • My Kolligeum with Danish and American students
  • Class trips to other countries and class trips within denmark
  • The security of DIS as an insitution- it would help me if I needed it
* What could be improved?
  • Less reading
  • Cleaner living space
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Danes do a lot of group projects so get ready to work with your classmates. Danes are initially shy but once they open up, they are incredibly kind. I did not know that Denmark was a big drinking country!

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!