Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

So many adventures! Past Review

By (Sociology & Gender Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/20/2013 to 12/15/2013 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worth it, but the lack of immersion in my program made it hard to really feel part of the Danish culture.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

It was tight since Copenhagen is extremely expensive, but DIS pays for so much that you can almost cover all the basics from what they give you.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Spend your money when you're traveling and try to save money while in your home country.

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

Everyone speaks English in Copenhagen, so there wasn't a need to learn Danish.

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? I had never taken Danish before.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Meeting Americans from across the country with similar interests as mine
  • The ability to travel relatively cheap across Europe
  • Visiting family program
* What could be improved?
  • Integration with Danish society
  • Academics
  • Faculty
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you are looking for integration into a culture or something more than just partying, DIS might not be the best place for you.

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.