Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I Loved Every Second of it! Past Review

By (Medical Practice and Policy, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/17/2015 to 05/17/2015 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Living in Copenhagen for several months is definitely worthwhile! You learn the meaning of a welfare state, and pick some healthy habits such as biking and walking everywhere and in every weather condition.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

DIS was academically rigorous but the courses are taught by experts in their respective field which made classes and field studies more interesting and relevant. DIS provided computer labs and other work/study spaces for students, free printing, access to libraries and many more resources to support students throughout the semester. The program was also spaced out well enough to allow students ample time to travel either with a class or individually over the course of the semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All the staff and administrative members in the various departments at DIS were well-informed and helpful when needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a Folkehøjskole, which meant I lived with Danes and a few other DIS students. Being around Danes in this capacity where I was able to have meals with them, attend events, etc., made a huge difference in my study abroad experience.

* Food:

* 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? 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200 kroner, which is about $37

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

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had no experience at all with Danish. The highest I've gone in any language at all was French 30, which is a conversational level French class.
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? As soon as you learn something new in class, start to use if right away outside of the classroom. The minute I learned how to count and in Danish, I began to order my meals in Danish; the Danes appreciated the effort and over time, I became very comfortable pronouncing Danish words and having conversations in Danish.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • The structured traveling with core classes
* What could be improved?
  • Students should be given more time in the beginning of the semester to shop classes and switch their schedules around if necessary
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There's ample time to travel, but you have to plan ahead of time in order to be able to make the most of that time.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.