Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Everything I've Ever Wanted in Life January 17, 2026

By (Public Health, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/16/2025 to 12/12/2025 with

DIS Stockholm Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a great deal about Swedish and European culture in general, as well as healthcare specifically, through many of the courses I took. I feel like I've gained such a better perspective on my life and what I actually want for my future. I also learned that solo traveling is one of the best experiences because of the unique people you meet on your way. The people I met were definitely the best part of my experience by far :)

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

A majority of my classes were really enjoyable and I truly felt like I learned a lot by the end of the semester, except for one of the courses. The experiential learning style is great and works well for being abroad with the more interactive learning.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had an issue with my homestay I was placed in originally but after I was switched into other housing I had an incredible time with my housing!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We were able to get free flu shots in the fall, given at the school itself, which was really convienient and there were no specific vaccines I needed to get to go to Sweden.

* Safety:

Stockholm felt so safe and was an incredible place to live!

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

Stockholm is such an underrated city with such a peaceful atmosphere that I fell in love with :) I met some amazing new friends that I will be staying in touch with I hope for a very long time.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? maybe around $30-$100 extra depending on the week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? make meals with your friends if you can

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

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? none
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? talking with your friends

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the classes and community
  • the housing sites
  • public transit system
* What could be improved?
  • more thorough research into homestay hosts
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that I like being in the city itself, so I wouldn't have chosen a homestay program first.

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.