Life-Changing July 19, 2022
By A student (Biology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/15/2022 to 05/13/2022 with
DIS Stockholm Semester
Every second of it was worthwhile. I learned how to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. I have definitely changed as a person. I am more spontaneous and appreciative of the people and nature around me.
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. |
Intense, but understanding of the study abroad experience for students and their wishes to travel. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program administration was very hands-on and listened to their students and their concerns. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I absolutely loved the living arrangements. Met so many different people from around the country while also being integrated within the Swedish community. |
| * Food: |
Great food, tried many new things and stepped out of my comfort zone. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
DIS stuck together as a group, so you must shy away from staying in the school bubble and explore on your own. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Healthcare was extremely accessible and the program assisted me with any issues I had during the semester. |
| * Safety: |
I did not encounter one unsafe incident in my time in Sweden. |
| 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) |
Not very easy, but the program gives each student a food stipend which helped out a lot. |
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 |
My Swedish professor would encourage us in our daily tasks to speak Swedish to the locals even though English is their second language and are extremely well taught in it. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Junior year 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? | Speak to locals as much as you can, they will be happy you are trying to immerse yourself in their culture. |
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? | I wish I did more research on Sweden and its history. I feel as though I spent more time travelling than appreciating Sweden. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
