Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Wonderful Unique Insightful Experience July 29, 2022

By (Philosophy and Legal Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/15/2022 to 05/15/2022 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained some maturity and independence, setting my own schedule, and exploring while learning an incredible amount in each of my classes through the field studies which added vibrancy to the course material and a collegiality to the experience as well.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program was really good, it seemed to really depend on your core course and the individual courses in terms of academic rigor, but for the most part it seemed to be you got out as much as you put in. Resources were provided and helpful and my professors were really responsive to emails and very helpful. The course topics are really interesting and diverse and the courses

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was a pretty clear and supportive structure to the DIS program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements were very varied and dependent highly on placements.

* Food:

we took care of and made our own food, we were given kitchens and new kitchen supplies. The one issue/heads up that I may have appreciated is that you may not have an oven in your housing, or some other part of the kitchen may not be complete.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In my experience, the social and cultural integration mainly came through experiences with my visiting host and the Danish language and culture program. My other main integration experience was outside of the program so take advantage of the club fair like initiatives they have that can help with connection beyond the program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program was supportive and helpful especially given many people's experience with COVID abroad, they provided isolation housing, and instructions for how to get food. It was still a little stressful and difficult of an experience for many especially as sometimes the element of comfort or care/understanding of how one may be feeling took a little bit of a backseat to logistics. One thing which may also be helpful and especially cool about Denmark is that there is a healthcare line for just regular questions in addition to the emergency services.

* Safety:

Copenhagen is really safe city.

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

The program was very good and I gained a lot from the experience. It was also nice being in a large program as there were a range of possible experiences.

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)

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

If you were in the Danish Language and Culture program (depending on your professor) there could be a high level of encouragement to use the language. It could sometimes be difficult to integrate into every day life as Danes switch to English so regularly and relatively comfortably.

Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Duolingo and Borgen are both very helpful.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • my courses were really interesting and provided such a unique perspective on so many topics - I had wonderful professors which added immensely to this as well
  • my visiting host was phenomenal
  • Copenhagen is a really pretty, historical, and overall welcoming city.
* What could be improved?
  • living arrangements could have provided more of a network/community
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It could have helped to have more knowledge about the living arrangements.

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!