Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Semester I won't forget January 31, 2023

By (Psychology, 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?
Studying abroad was completely worthwhile— I got to have a broader understanding and context of where others come from as well as an opportunity to reflect on how my life priorities may be a result of the culture I come from.

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 classes were incredibly organized in applying classroom knowledge to experiential learning. They were not as rigorous as my home college courses.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was extremely satisfied with my living arrangements—I lived in a Kollegium in which I had a Danish and Portuguese suitemate!

* Food:

I did a lot of cooking since food in Copenhagen is expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I personally felt pretty integrated to the local culture since I had a Danish roommate and a visiting host family (highly recommend). I know some students who did not meet many Danes however.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

DIS was so organized in ensuring a positive educational experience that involves application of travel and the outside world.

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)

The food stipend lasted longer than expected, however, there were many expensive involved in traveling abroad.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook!

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

Very little, the teachers know everyone speaks English

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 32
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? Use it with ordering food at cafes! And with any danish people you know

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Living Situation
  • Classes
  • Copenhagen hygge!
* What could be improved?
  • integration
  • Expense
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much I'd value just staying in Copenhagen as opposed to traveling other places.

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.