It Can't Be Described in One Line Past Review

By Katherine L (Biology, Health Policy, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/16/2015 to 05/17/2015 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

This was the most forming semester I've had. I learned a lot about myself and what is important to me. I know I want to pursue a career in medicine now, so yes, definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The classes were engaging and provided opportunities for learning but the workload was much less than I was use to at Brandeis. Much of the work we did was for the sake of learning and wasn't graded or was graded differently. Teachers would provide feedback and comments on every assignment and they didn't assign "busy work."
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I lived with a host family; it was a great experience. I would highly encourage anyone studying abroad to either live with hosts or do the folk high school to get the true danish experience.
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I integrated with my host family and through a buddy network but you do have to make an effort to integrate since DIS is all Americans.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	Didn't have any experience with it outside of finding a prescription contact solution.
* Safety:	I always felt safe in and around Copenhagen.
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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)	Host family provided me with food however Copenhagen is expensive.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	30-50$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Pack your lunch, and if you buy coffee or tea often consider buying instant coffee or teabags from the grocery store, since hot water is free at DIS

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	Everyone speaks English incredibly well which can make learning Danish 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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	I had taken five years of Spanish
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?	Speak as much as possible and don't worry about making mistakes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students 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 medical class My host family The people I met
* What could be improved?	more classes at KU more opportunities to meet locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	It matters who you travel with, almost more than where you go.

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 Avid Adventurer The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Medical Practice and Policy
Course Department:
Instructor:	Peter and Malin
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	A great course for anyone who wants to enter the medical field. The course was a combination of lectures, discussion, hands on experience, and patient interaction. We has a class of 14 so you get to know your classmates and instructors well. Everyone participates in class, and the instructors help encourage participation. We had 2 exams, 4 patient cases, a project and a final.
Credit Transfer Issues: