Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Unforgettable Growing Experience Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/13/2018 to 05/13/2018 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be completely self-reliant and independent while navigating cross-cultural boundaries. These skills will serve me well in the future.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local 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

DIS's structure provided me with a sense of security, which in turn allowed me to explore experiences outside of my comfort zone.

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)

Copenhagen was one of the most expensive cities I've ever lived in. I wish Brandeis had expressed that a little more clearly prior to departure.

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Traveling with my core course to Prague and Vienna
  • Living in a Kollegium with Danes and Americans
  • Spending time with my visiting host family
* What could be improved?
  • Notifying students prior to departure about the expenses that they'll incur in Copenhagen - everything was just so expensive
  • n/a
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known just how expensive Copenhagen would be.