Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible Program, Country and People. Definitely Recommend! Past Review

By (Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/18/2018 to 12/15/2018 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad allowed me to grow independently and explore subjects and places that I wouldn't otherwise be able to.

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.

One of the coolest things about DIS is that the professors teach what they do, and do what they teach. For example, I took two medical based classes and both were taught by currently practicing physicians which really adds to the experience. It also was a complete blowoff semester but the professors were all considerate of students being there for more than just academics.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I was suprsied how much DIS truly cares about the student experience. They are very accomodating and really take into consideration the student evaluations of TA's and instuctors.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was lucky to be placed with an incredible host family! They were so welcoming and made such an effort to spend time with me and show me traditional danish life. I even met many of their family and friends.

* Food:

I ate dinner with my host family most nights and they provided me with food for breakfast and to pack a lunch. I loved pretty much everything I ate but I am not a pickey eater. Copenhagen also has a lot of great restuarants it is just pretty expensive so keep that in mind.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living with a host family definitely helped with this. Without them I'm sure I would've spent all of my time with the other Americans. I gave this four starts though because I simply didn't make enough effort to meet locals myself.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had to use the health system but with the Danish Visa you become part of the Danish universal healthcare system and have access to everything a Dane would.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Denmark, even walking home in the middle of the night. I did always try to be aware of my surroundings and careful of pickpocketing but never had an issue. Copenhagen is also know for its overall safety and low crime rate.

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

I was apprehensive before going abroad but honestly loved every minute of it and the program was one of the main reasons. They were very student oriented and the classes were phenomenal.

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)

Although I didn't really establish a budget for myself, I think keeping one in Copenhagen would be pretty difficult because it was very expensive. Also, many people traveled so it was hard not to jump on that bandwagon which cost a lot.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Limit how much you eat out and find the cheap grocery stores. If your program hosts a finance session at the start of the semester, attend it becuase they have great tips.

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

I was require to take Danish by my university but I didn't hate it as I expected. It was a fun class and they did not expect perfection. It was also really fun to speak Danish with my host family.

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?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • My Host family
  • The classes and professors
  • The other students
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing I can think of
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't rent a bike just becuase everyone else did, especially if you know your not the type who will use it. Save that money to travel!

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Human Health and Disease: A Clinical Approach
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: This course was taught in a hospital which allowed us to tour some facilities as well as interact with a few patients. The professors were also great teachers and nice and easy going people.
Credit Transfer Issues: