DIS Spring 2016 Semester Review! Past Review
By Elizana Joseph (University of Rochester) - abroad from 01/15/2016 to 05/17/2016 with
DIS Copenhagen: Semester
I learned a lot about myself, the world and other people. It was a worthwhile experience that i'll remember forever.
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 really enjoyed the hands-on approach to learning that several DIS instructors brought to many of the offered subjects. There are certain things that cannot be learned in a text book and so having an instructor who teaches from their experiences while also taking students on relevant field studies gives students great insights into the areas they are studying. However, this "teach from experience" concept does not work well with every subject because a lack of a true PhD or teaching degree sometimes meant that there were DIS instructors who were "experts" in their field but did not know how to teach and communicate those ideas, principles and practices to students. I think it is important that students look at the syllabus and the instructors credentials to get an idea of what the classroom may be like but I think DIS should also evaluate instructors to ensure that they are able to teach effectively with or without a PhD. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Although I originally had an unpleasant home-stay arrangement, DIS helped to rectify the issue and were very caring and supportive throughout that process. My second home-stay was a much better match and I had an absolutely wonderful time with them. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. |
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I lived with a family so I felt incredibly integrated with the 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
i picked DIS because of academics. I wanted exposure to an area of study that my home university does not offer and I learned a lot as a result. |
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 went over my intended/expected budget. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| 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? | None |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How hard it is to say goodbye to your host family. I knew it would be difficult but I was not prepared for how much I'd miss them and cry when I left. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
