Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Copenhagen was a cultural adventure! August 16, 2022

By (Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/15/2022 to 05/14/2022 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Prior to going abroad, I knew almost nothing about the Scandinavian countries and the Nordic region. I think my main takeaway is that I am so happy to have gained so much cultural understanding and political background to the country and the surrounding areas.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I would not say the academic rigor was at the level I was accustomed to at my home university, but I did enjoy my classes and appreciated the mindset that most professors had in encouraging their students to explore beyond the classroom.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I really appreciated all of the organization for such a large program. I had some individual issues, but overall I was very impressed with the program implementation.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had large personal issues with housing given my extensive dietary restrictions that I specifically told them about on numerous occasions. If I were to remove that element, however, the housing space I was assigned (kollegium) was very pretty, clean, and convenient for a daily commute.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a dental emergency while I was abroad and I was unable to get help from DIS in navigating the process. I ended up calling a bunch of private dentists myself who would not take me as a patient because I did not speak Danish.

* Safety:

I walked everywhere at all hours and felt very safe 100% of the time.

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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Really invest in your own groceries and coffee makers etc because food is incredibly expensive and you should spend your money on experiences rather than food you could be making yourself.

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? Intermediate Spanish
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? Don't be embarrassed and get a host family or visiting host family to practice with.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The large size
  • The trips!
  • How incredibly accommodating the professors were towards my religious needs.
* What could be improved?
  • Structural organization- because the program is so large, sometimes it was hard to pinpoint a staff member or admin to help with an issue. Often you would be emailing a very general inbox and never get a reply.
  • Religious accommodation in relation to housing. This was my biggest issue during the semester.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is very large and you won't meet most of the students on the program, but there are so many opportunities to engage in the country with the friends you make.

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.