Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Exploration, Discovery, and a Change in Perspective Past Review

By (Health Professions, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/19/2015 to 05/18/2015 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad in Copenhagen made me realize that I am very adaptable and can make a home anywhere. This experience has given me the courage and reassurance to move in the future if desired. I also grew as a person, learned a lot about myself and gained confidence and independence.I really appreciate the progressive and open-mindedness nature of Denmark. Traveling to many different countries and learning about their customs as well has living in Copenhagen has changed my perspective about life. It caused me to compare the U.S. with Europe a lot and helped me to realize parts about the U.S. that I don't appreciate as well as components that I do appreciate. I was so amazed about how easy it was to travel from country to country. Choosing Copenhagen is hands down the best decision I have ever made and would recommend it to anyone who wishes to have the ideal study abroad experience. It became my home and will always hold a special place in my heart. I shall return soon.

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.

The Medical Practice and Policy core course was incredible! The hands-on experiences we had in this course are experiences that you would most likely never have in the U.S. at an undergraduate level. This course challenges you to think on your feet in various patient case scenarios and teaches you to think with a more systematic approach. We had classes in the hospital and were taught first hand by doctors. We also travelled to Budapest and Vienna and were able to see differences in how healthcare systems run in different countries. What we learned in this course and the way we were taught was very beneficial and valuable. I will take what I've learned and apply it to my future courses and career.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

DIS is a well greased wheel and is ready for most any problem.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I recommend taking the Danish Language and Culture class.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We were issued a CPR card which allows one to have access into the healthcare system. We were assigned a day to do enroll with our program which made it less daunting and a much easier process. In addition, DIS made sure to provide us with a list of doctors we could see if we needed to before we received our CPR cards.

* Safety:

Copenhagen is super safe; I feel safer in Copenhagen than I do in the U.S. There is no cat-calling here.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use the stipend you're given on food, and do your best to make it last for the semester. Buy food that you can use to pack lunches each day and only treat yourself to food out once in a while.

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? Beginner
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? Use it in your living environment if you live with Danes. Ask if you can practice with them. Use it in the grocery store or when ordering a meal. Even if you just try to say a few things here and there you will progress faster than not using it at all.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I like that DIS was good with communication and preparation for our time abroad.
  • I appreciated that we had a set schedule and simplified process to get our CPR cards and resident visas.
  • I enjoyed the field studies that were implemented into our schedule and I am very grateful that we had the opportunity to learn from professionals in the actual field of our programs. I also really like that we had socials and dinners set up for our core course; that made our time really special and allowed us to bond. I am extremely happy that we had two travel breaks, a core course week, and a short study tour.
* What could be improved?
  • DIS should coordinate with the mobile phone companies a time for students to return their devices at the end of the semester rather than have us send them back once we are home in the U.S.
  • For the free market, there should be donation bins at the end of the semester to make it easier for students to donate their items.
  • The finals should be a bit earlier in the semester so students can enjoy their last days in Copenhagen.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I overpacked and could have gotten by with less stuff. I would advise anyone studying abroad to pack less than you think you will need, because we often tend to overpack.

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.