Brisk Mornings and great views, candle-lit evening and gourmet grub Past Review

By (Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/16/2015 to 05/16/2015 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about being independent and reflective. About speaking up when I feel injustice. I also value the education and mentoring I'm receiving at my institution more.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were responsive when i had concerns about a professor and classroom experience, but took no action, and failed to respond to the issue at hand.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I felt incredibly safe and happy in the Saddling Kolligium

* Food:

They need to give us a larger stipend for grocery shopping. Things are expensive in Denmark...

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I believe that they could have done a better job of this. Especially for students who are not living with a host family.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Thankfully I didn't have to see a doctor.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Copenhagen. The most I experienced were racially and gender-based aggression... Which is arguably equally violent.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? 200-500 Depending on whether I was traveling
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save at least 2,000. Look for grants before and while you're abroad. and don't work abroad unless it's with an organization or part of a larger project.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? N/A
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? get a translating app

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Housing
  • time to travel on my own
  • The Food
* What could be improved?
  • Lang. Requirement course
  • More collaborative events with Deis Community
  • More specificity in programs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was going to be a AAAS major.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.