Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Hermit's View of Study Abroad Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Trinity University) - abroad from 08/19/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I adopted several Danish values and gained several very close friends whom I intend to remain in contact with for the rest of my life. It was very worthwhile- even for someone who isn't fond of traveling.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was very little work with the exception of finals week. Overall, there was little academic rigor. There were very few assignments which were legitimately challenging, but I expected them to be as such.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

DIS was very good about being involved with their student body.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing itself was fine. The fact that I lived a substantial distance away from most of the other students was troubling, but the room itself was good.

* Food:

DIS didn't supply any food. Everything I ate was bought independently of the program, but the food was good regardless.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt relatively engrossed in the culture, and any time I didn't was a result of my own withdrawal. DIS did an excellent job in encouraging the students to take part.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

At no point did I ever feel unsafe. Denmark has an overwhelming sense of social justice and standards. There were a few instances of theft that I had heard of, but these were isolated to a single touristy area and could be easily prevented.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Not really. The knowledge that Europe is expensive and the conversion rate (~5.5kr to $1) makes spending money intimidating.

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? Three years of Spanish, no Danish
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? Interact with Danes. You're not going to learn the language without a teacher, so that's pretty much out of the question. Take the class and engross yourself in the population.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Making friends
  • Study tours
  • Field studies
* What could be improved?
  • More organized field studies
  • More advertisement for local events
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been a little more willing to spend money. I didn't miss any major opportunities, but there were so many pastries I could've eaten.

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!