Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Fun and Great Scandinavian Experience Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/16/2016 to 05/17/2016 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be independent. I also feel like I've learned the impact the US has on the world, since it is election year. I feel like I appreciate my role as a citizen of the US more. I have a more global view of more things now. This was a super worthwhile experience and would recommend it to everyone.

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 program I chose was the more challenging ones from DIS, which I did appreciate. I felt like the course load was what I was used to at my home university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

DIS really helps you get integrated into the country you are living in and makes the transition easy.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living in a kollegium is the best option for students. Living with Danish students really opens your eyes to the education system in Denmark

* Food:

The food is good! I d miss spicy things and other american foods but Danish food is different in a great way. If you are planning on studying here be prepared to eat a lot of pork.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since I live in a kollegium, I was surrounded by Danish culture, at least Danish student culture,. I was introduced to typical Danish things and learned new Danish words I did not learn in my Danish course.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not use the healthcare system

* Safety:

I feel so safe in Denmark. Walking around late at night I do not feel unsafe.

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

I wish I was able to take courses with Danish students at Copenhagen University, so I probably would have looked into an exchange program through them instead of DIS.

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)

Denmark is expensive. The food stipend lasted me until the very last month of the semester but I had to plan accordingly.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you do not need to, do not buy lunch everyday, do not go out every weekend, make your own coffee (unless you're buying it from the vending machines at DIS or at Studenterhuset)

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 in Denmark speaks English extremely well so you don't feel forced to use the language you are learning in class throughout the semester

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? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • Danes
  • Travel
  • Courses
* What could be improved?
  • Immersion
  • Connections between students in the same area
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The Danish mentality.

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.