So Glad I Chose DIS Stockholm January 24, 2025

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My study abroad experience was a very great time and the classes I took were engaging and professors were knowledgeable, friendly, and accessible. Best part of the DIS program is definitely the field study component- students are treated super well and it's built-in travel across Europe in the semester! Would say academics at DIS Stockholm felt easier than my home institution and I spent less time working on homework/completing projects than back home. Bigger emphasis on learning outside the classroom, guest lectures, collaboration, exploration, and I didn't have any exams.

On-site administration of your program

DIS staff were overall very friendly. Personally didn't have too many administrative issues where I needed help but staff were generally responsive.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Apartment style with one roommate, large living room + bedroom + bathroom, and functional kitchen. Met a lot of my friends through my housing site and me and my roommate got along very well. The studentboende did have less local student interaction than anticipated though. I was in a quieter corridor of the building but other parts were louder/had more partying from other DIS students.

Cooked 80% of my meals in Stockholm and the 6000kr ICA stipend can get you a long way (covered the majority of my grocery spending for the semester). I enjoyed cooking in my apartment but would be a more difficult experience if I was in a room with a smaller fridge.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Had the most local interaction through meeting local students at volleyball, my visiting host family (would highly recommend if you're not in a Homestay), and the BIPOC affinity group. You kind of have to seek out local interaction in the DIS program but it's definitely available. It was nice learning more about Swedish culture in class as well.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Personally didn't seek health assistance but friends were able to get medical help/therapy pretty easily over the semester.

Felt safe in the city and walking alone at night. Some neighborhoods have greater incidents of gang violence and shootings are increasing in Stockholm but nothing compared to the level in the US. Gang violence is really only a problem if you are involved in the gangs themselves so as a foreign student I felt very safe.

Had a great time traveling with my classes, met so many incredible friends, great exposure to Swedish life, and a very good balance of academics and free time while abroad.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Was able to spend less than my planned semester budget, but I cooked a lot and did one personal trip outside of Sweden during Thanksgiving (other students traveled more often). Stockholm is an expensive city but you may be more used to the prices based on where you're from in the US.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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• Dorm
• Apartment

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

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• Americans

• Field Studies
• Core Course/Small Classes
• Nature + Urban Life Accessibility

• More Local Connections