Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying abroad in Denmark was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Past Review

By (Purdue University) - abroad from 05/23/2016 to 07/02/2016 with

DIS Summer in Scandinavia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I made very good friends with other students from different universities as we explored the depths of Copenhagen. I had the opportunity to travel to other counties and within Denmark.

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.

Courses provided an in-depth exposure to the relevant subject matter. Session 2 course provided a great extension to the course with the international study tour.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Apartment complex was decent and included a kitchenette. There was no air conditioning or sufficient curtains to block the sunlight (the days are lengthy in Scandinavian summers).

* Food:

DIS did not provide food, but we were provided a kitchenette. Our apartment complex was located directly above a discount store and in proximity to many small restaurants, allowing easy access to food nearby the living premises.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The DIS instructors were all Danish and provided insight from their culture. We took public transportation to class and had the opportunity to interact with the locals during the program. However, our exposure was impeded in the apartments since we lived with American DIS students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

DIS provided access to the national healthcare system as well as European insurance coverage.

* Safety:

Copenhagen is widely considered as one of the safest countries in the world. I had no trouble traveling around the city at any given hour. The locals are friendly and willing to help others out when in need.

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

I had a fantastic time, and DIS was very organized and provided students a meaningful 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)

I needed about 700 DKK (about $100) a week for food and personal expenses.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40-50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try cooking some meals (pasta and sandwiches are particularly easy for lunch) and find some good restaurants that have filling and inexpensive food. Make use of places with student discounts! Cooking with friends in the apartments is great as well.

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

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • It was very insightful
  • The DIS staff was very helpful and provided sufficient guidance
  • The instructors truly wanted their students to learn and absorb everything they could
* What could be improved?
  • There can be air conditioning in the residential communities
  • DIS can suggest things to do in the host country for students to do outside of academic activities
  • DIS can give students tips on integrating with local culture
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I felt very well-prepared for the program and didn't find any shocking surprises about the country or the culture.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.