I loved feeling Danish and learned a deeper understanding of community. Past Review

By A student (Neurobiology, Neurosciences, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/22/2015 to 04/18/2015 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

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

I learned that our American "freedoms" have profound effects on other's rights to be accepted and equals in society. One person's right to be different, "better", or an individual, impacts another person's ability to feel adequate as themselves.

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.	I did not find the material to be particularly difficult or rigorous. Rather, I found it interesting and casual in nature. This however made it difficult to motivate as the classes seemed to be slightly slower in pace.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	I had an issue in which my grade in my core class was unfairly affected by the administrations academic honest policy, I did not feel like I was given a fair voice. I recognize this is a very specific issue.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I enjoyed my privacy in housing, but towards the end of my experience, my location in Hvidovre made me feel isolated from the Copenhagen activities.
* Food:	I gained so much weight and loved every second of it!!!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Danish Culture, while shocking, is incredibly interesting and complex, especially from an American perspective. I would suggest Denmark as a host country for its challenging and enriching culture alone. Hint: embrace the notion of a "tribe".
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I didn't have problems.
* Safety:	It is a very safe country.
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)	I lived very cheaply for living in Denmark and still enjoyed the finer things (bacon wrapped hot dogs).
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	200? I don't quite remember.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Get used to cooking. I lived off burgers and fried rice.

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	The program definitely encouraged and gave opportunity to use the language, but it is not realistic considering that the Danish language is so difficult to learn, speak, and read, and the whole country speaks English fluently.
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?	Advanced Spanish...
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?	Go out and speak it. Don't stay inside, and challenge yourself to apply vocab. If you're lucky and look Danish (like me) people will speak Danish with you. Reciprocate that. I didn't use much more than thank you and excuse me for getting around.

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?	Food Danish Friends Christiania (Free Town)
* What could be improved?	I felt lonely and isolated at the end of my time Being in the city is important Communication with professors
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	The values of self care, a whole lot more science literature, and aspect of scientific research.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Neuroscience of Consciousness
Course Department:	Neuroscience
Instructor:	Claudia C-A
Instruction Language:
Comments:	This class is why I chose DIS and was totally worth it. It was a great way to learn a wide amount of information regarding a seldom taught field. I would definitely recommend to anyone that enjoys being both cerebral and confused at times.
Credit Transfer Issues: