Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

No matter what, it's always about the people! Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/18/2018 to 12/14/2018 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I made so many new friends, gained the confidence to live independently, and became comfortable in numerous foreign environments.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

Not a great location. Abysmal WiFi that often prevented me from being able to work efficiently.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Never had any issues.

* Safety:

Copenhagen felt very safe, especially because I am a white male.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Copenhagen was just such a great city. It was more about the city then the program, but the program understands that and doesn't get in the way too much.

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 is insanely expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $150 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use all of your grocery card and don't waste it on expensive groceries.

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

Yes, all the time.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 103, no Danish.
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? Listen to the provided audio exercises.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The city
  • The people I lived with
  • Public transportation
* What could be improved?
  • Terrible wifi at my housing
  • Bigger food stipend/more provided meals
  • Better library hours
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't take Game Development as your core class.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Computational Analysis of Big Data
Course Department: Computer Sceince
Instructor: Ulf Alsak
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was a good course. There were not many class meetings but I still felt that I learned a good deal. If you aren't self-motivated this is not a good class though.
Credit Transfer Issues: Nope.
Course Name/Rating:

Game Design: Programming and Practice
Course Department: Computer Science
Instructor: Benno Luders
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was entirely vocational and I did not become better at computer science in general through the material that was presented and provided, though I was led to believe I would. The teacher was terrible and lacked the confidence and social skills to communicate well with students, lead class, and make trips feel worthwhile.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Strategies for Urban Livability
Course Department: Urban Studies
Instructor: Bettina Werner
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was an excellent class and I'd recommend it to anyone. Great material and you learn so much about the city just by participating.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Danish Language and Culture
Course Department: Danish
Instructor: Mette Jungersen
Instruction Language: English/Danish
Comments: I was required to take this class by my home institution but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Danish is a hard language but I had fun learning it.
Credit Transfer Issues: