Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Exploration in a safe and comfortable city. January 10, 2023

By (Psychology and Education, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/19/2023 to 12/17/2023 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained many life experiences starting with making a group of friends while also managing being in a new environment. Living in a city. Learning to explore what is around me and make the most of being in a new place experiencing a new culture. Learning from that culture and bringing it back home with me.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses I took were very interesting and fun to take but compared to courses at my home school they were not a rigorous in the amount of work given. Teachers expect you to come to class having completed the work required and ready to participate in class. But they weigh grades in a way that benefits students with different strengths in the classroom.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They seemed great and very attentive to the students need. Fortunately I did not require there expertise because the program ran very smoothly for me.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my roommate and housing was in a great location. My bed was in the living room and the kitchen did not have an oven or dishwasher which could have been useful to be in-unit.

* Food:

We got a grocery card the lasted me until the end of the semester. I got to cook for myself which was great. And it allowed for a lot of bonding with my roommate.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had to use those resources but the process to get a health card was very easy and the program helped us with that.

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe where ever I went!

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)

Copenhagen is a very expensive city and some spending weeks were better than others. But, if you create a budget for yourself it is doable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-$200 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook in as much as possible and share dishes when going out.

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

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?
  • Great variety of classes
  • The set up of trips and field studies
  • Being in the city
* What could be improved?
  • Updates of activities in the city
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know that even though a situation seems and feels scary/overwhelming there are always people there to support you and the effort you put in to making a situation work and beneficial is what you will get out of it. Bring positive energy into your life and this experience is a great way to branch out and try something new.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.