Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A very exciting and unique adventure. May 26, 2024

By (Biology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/12/2024 to 05/11/2024 with

DIS Stockholm Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much independence from navigating a new city and it was completely worthwhile. I also was given the opportunity to compare health care systems while actually being in the different countries. This was also an extremely worthwhile experience.

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.

Assignments are concentrated around midterms and finals but are manageable and the content is rigorous but interactive so classes were enjoyable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I felt like the administration was very supportive and extremely communicative. They also planned several events to show us around Stockholm and meet each other.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really enjoyed the apartment-style housing, DIS provided very comfortable bedding and the communal kitchen was super fun. The location of the apartment was also super convenient (only a 20 minute commute to DIS) and near parks and a lake.

* Food:

The food served at the restaurant in DIS was excellent. At my apartment, the grocery store was two buildings away and all the meals I cooked my myself were so good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like I was very well integrated into the Swedish as I took public transportation everyday and went to stores where I was always with other Swedes. Although my classes were only with Americans, the building was apart of the music school so even at school I was around Swedes.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

While I never needed to go to the doctor, I knew several people who visited the doctor DIS connects students with and had very enjoyable experiences there.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Stockholm. Even being on the train, alone at night, I never felt unsafe.

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

This program has amazing classes for pre-med students. The medical simulation lab gave me invaluable experience that I could not get anywhere else. There is also travel embedded in the curriculum to enhance the experience.

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)

Travel can get expensive but living in Sweden is very reasonable so it is manageable on a student's budget. DIS also gives everyone a transportation card that cover's the entire semester.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look for student discounts, and cooking at home as often as possible will also save money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • hands-on experience
  • location
  • travel with class
* What could be improved?
  • more field study locations
  • teacher office hours
  • grades returned faster
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Field studies every Wednesday are great cultural experiences outside of lectures. It can be snowy and cold until April You will learn the public transportation system very quickly and it is easy to navigate.

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 Linguist
You 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!