Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

WHAT AN EXPENSIVE ADVENTURE Past Review

By (University of Maryland - College Park) - abroad from 05/23/2016 to 06/11/2016 with

DIS Summer in Scandinavia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that when you are uncomfortable or lost, just calm down and make a move. It was worthwhile.

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.

I loved the material taught in this course. However, I was completely blind-sided by the amount of time and effort needed for the course. Most of the class had already been exposed to Anatomy, but I had yet to do so. Second, the exams were very detail-oriented and difficult. Also, the assignments were graded pretty harshly and points were deducted for things we were never taught or instructed to do or not. Lastly, out of the 3 professors, 2 were good. The other was very monotonous and not the best teacher. In addition, there was only one day that we learned anything hands-on, while I was under the impression that a majority of the class would be hands-on, not mostly out of a book. Overall the facilities were nice; however, a lot of construction was being done, so I did not get to see the fully finished product.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I loved the city of Copenhagen. The people were great. The food was amazing. The night life was fantastic. The sights were breathtaking. And everyone there is nice, polite, and pleasant to talk to, well most of them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was in a Residential Community on Amagerbrogade. Although the room, kitchenette, and bathroom were fine, I do have a few complaints. First, my room was directly above a dance studio on the floor below. This meant that I had to hear loud music of all types from 9 AM to 10 PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK. I find this unacceptable. I paid a lot of money to go abroad to be a student, do well, learn, and have a great experience. I did not pay to be woken up in the morning, kept up at night, and distracted while I studied by a dance studio that sometimes played the same song for a half hour straight. Second, the beds were very uncomfortable.

* Food:

Although fairly expensive, the food was amazing. I suggest you eat at a hot dog kart at least once, and if you have the money to spend, check out Paper Island. It was some of the best food I've had in a long while.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Although I did go out, eat at local places, and used public transportation, I always felt like a foreigner. The culture is pretty different but liveable. However, I wouldn't say that I ever fully integrated into it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no medical experiences.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in the city, unless I was alone or near a homeless person.

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

I would simply vent my complaints described in this survey, make sure they are addressed, and then go back. I loved it overall.

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)

EVERYTHING is expensive in Copenhagen, and NOTHING is free. Be prepared to break the bank, but the food, adventures, and experience make it all worth it in the end.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? A LOT
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to shop in local supermarkets for food, and cook at home as often as possible. Second, buy your alcohol at supermarkets because it is way cheaper than the bars. Last, find Australian Bar. Some days of the week they allow DIS students in for free. Other nights they have free beers or Rum and Cokes for free from 11 to Midnight. You can also download their app to get in for free once. Next. use your public transportation because it is already paid for. Don't use a taxi or uber. I didn't rent a bike in order to save money, but a lot of my friends there used it primarily to go anywhere and loved it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Sights
  • Food
  • Friends
* What could be improved?
  • Living Arrangements
  • Pre-Departure Education
  • Better Description of Course Workload
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? My class would be one of the hardest I've ever taken.

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!