Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Worthwhile Cultural Experience Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/13/2017 to 05/13/2017 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The cultural experience really affected me as a person. I learned things that would be impossible in America (e.g. open prisons, leaving babies unattended outside of shops) and the new perspectives enabled me to make social and cultural comparisons.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed at a kollegium in a single room with my own bathroom and kitchenette. It was cozy but felt small at times.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to adapt to Danish norms but I did not talk to many Danes/use Danish outside of the classroom and I sometimes felt out of place because it is a very homogenous country.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not need healthcare but we all received a card which allowed for free healthcare if needed.

* Safety:

Very safe. I felt comfortable traveling alone at night.

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

Although I love Copenhagen, I would choose a place with more diversity and is cheaper.

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)

Most of the time I cooked my own meals because it was a lot cheaper than eating out. The program provided a food stipend as well which was more than enough for the semester. But it was still nice to go to a restaurant or cafe every week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~150 dkk/$22.

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

Because Danes also speak English, it was easier to speak English

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? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try to talk to your RAs or host family in Danish. It'll be more helpful and comfortable than talking to strangers.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* 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?
  • Study tours
  • Professors
* What could be improved?
  • Field studies
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not only in Denmark but authentic Asian food is quite hard to come by in Europe.

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!