Soaking up Scandinavia May 24, 2025
By A student (Biology and Public Health, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/11/2025 to 05/10/2025 with
DIS Copenhagen: Semester
A new sense of self-confidence and global perspectives.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses were really interesting. However, the rigor of them was not as difficult as it is at Brandeis, which is not necessarily a bad thing when you're studying abroad because you still want to make time to travel and explore. But, you're still learning and growing during this period abroad. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All the administrators were very easy to access and friendly. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I felt okay about my housing arrangement, but unfortunately, I was not able to make any friendships or connections with my roommates, Americans and Danes. The majority of the Americans in my apartment building were from the same school and were all friends, which made it very hard to make friends in the building since everyone was just one big clique. In addition, the Danes that I was living with were very closed off and busy with school and work, which I completely understood. But, the expectation I had going abroad was that I would get an opportunity to live with local people and spend time with them, but that was not really the case for me. On the other hand, the Americans that I did meet in my apartment complex had a great experience with their Danish roommates who were very friendly and open and they would invite me over to make meals, etc. So, I believe that my experience was a unique situation because many people were able to connect with their Danish roommates. |
| * Food: |
You will never have a bad meal in Denmark and even in Scandinavia as a whole. Just be prepared for the prices, however, it is worth every single penny. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Copenhagen is one of the safest cities in the world. I never felt unsafe walking home at night. Just always be aware of your surroundings no matter where you are, especially if you are alone. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
We were given around $600 to spend for groceries and I was able to use all of it up until I left. Very easy to budget. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Keep a spreadsheet of what you spend. But also, don't be afraid to splurge on trying new foods, experiences, clothing, etc. You're only studying abroad maybe once in your whole life. Make the most out of your experience! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | I had not taken any Danish classes prior to departure. |
| 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? | Practice with your Danish roommates! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Research before hand things to see in the area and the surrounding countries. Try to make some travel plans before. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
