Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life-Changing Experience Past Review

By (University of Wisconsin - Madison) - abroad from 05/24/2016 to 06/11/2016 with

DIS Summer in Scandinavia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an understanding of Denmark as well as some professions related to my future profession. It was worthwhile.

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.

The program I did involved a lot of hands on learning. We did field studies once a week and had a two day practicum. These field studies helped me get a better grasp of the material covered in the course.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved the location of my housing and my roommates. I ran into a weird situation with my SRA (similar to an American RA but more relaxed) because she moved out half way through my program. She was very helpful, but we didn't have as much structure after she left.

* Food:

I mostly cooked for myself. The food in Copenhagen was really good. Some must haves include shawarma, smorrebrod, and the Donut Shop.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I understood the culture, but being with my American roommates all the time, I didn't feel like I was part of it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I feel safer in Copenhagen than I do anywhere in the US.

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

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)

I spent less money than I expected, but still spent about $200 per week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you plan to go out, google happy hours and download bar apps.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Copenhagen
  • My roommates
  • My class
* What could be improved?
  • Communication from DIS
  • On-campus orientation
  • DIS bonding activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Figuring out how to use a cell phone in a foreign country is hard. You should make a plan for your cell phone before you leave the US.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Children with Special Needs
Course Department: Psychology
Instructor: Kari Gustafson
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The field trips were the second best part of the course. The absolute best part was the instructor. Kari cares about her students, and her career is her passion, which is the perfect combination in an instructor. I couldn't have asked for a better class to take while abroad because it encouraged me to explore Copenhagen as part of the curriculum. We were assessed through four papers, a presentation, and participation. I would say it was comparable to a Human Development and Family Studies class or an Education class at my home institution.
Credit Transfer Issues: I'm still waiting for my course equivalency to process. I would recommend that you send in your course equivalency request after the second week of your class. This way you know what the class is like, but you also have time before the request deadline.