A full, exciting, educational experience that was also hard. Past Review
By A student (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/12/2019 to 05/12/2019 with
DIS Copenhagen: Semester
See above
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were on interesting material, but were mostly not engaging. There were too many reading assignments and not enough time to review and talk about it in depth. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed with a host family and while all of my basic needs were met, and met well, my host family and I were not matched well on our expectations of what would occur over the semester which created some tension and discomfort. |
| * Food: |
The food was delicious and I felt that I truly experienced what Danish people typically eat. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Due to the program being a fully American program, I don't feel like we really integrated with the local culture. I received some integration from my host family, but due to the age of the kids, I wasn't able to meet many Danish people my own age. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Overall, safety was excellent. The only problem was that people were more sexually forward at clubs and bars than I am typically used to. The program did warn us about this though, so we were prepared in advance. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Although it was difficult at times and I didn't really get along with my host family, I made really good friends, I got to travel a lot, and I learned a lot, both about my topic of study and about myself. It was an unforgettable experience, and it's crazy that I now can say I know a random city in Europe well enough to be a tour guide for others. |
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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 70 dollars |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Live with a host family, pack your own lunch, research free days for museums and which restaurants are cheaper. |
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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| 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? | Find Danish people who are willing to help you with your Danish, and practice with your friends in a way that makes it fun. |
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? | 0 |
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? | That Danish people can be very reserved with their feelings and disappointments. I think if I knew that going in, I would have approached my first conversations with my host family about expectations differently. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
