An experience of a lifetime!!!!!!!!!! Past Review
By Elizabeth C (PSYCHOLOGY., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/19/2014 to 05/17/2014 with
DIS Copenhagen: Semester
I learned so much more about the world and culture than I thought would be imaginable. I grew as a person as well, meaning I now have more self-confidence and comfort with my own self.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Compared to my home university, the school was easier. However, compared to most abroad programs the academics were harder. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
DIS is a machine and they are very good at running their program! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Personally, I did not live in the nicest places (Kollegium)- but you aren't suppose to be sitting in your room all the time so it was fine. |
| * Food: |
Grocery shopping is tough and there is a limited selection. Pastries are outstanding. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
This program makes a huge effort to integrate you into the community. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
They have universal health care coverage and as a student you get access to that. |
| * Safety: |
I've never felt safer in a city in my entire life. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
You can do well if you keep a budget. But Copenhagen is a very expensive city and things can add up quickly. Ex- Coffee is $10 easily |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent on average less than $50 a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I kept an excel sheet documenting every expense I made. I found this helpful because it helped me keep track of the food stipend the program gives you and keep track of other things I would purchase. Remember- you are actually going to spend more money than you think you spend. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I took Danish Language so there was an emphasis to use the language. But everybody does speak fluent English so it is easy to get around. |
| 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? | None. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Read signs and pick things up naturally. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | More about Denmark. Unfortunately, I did little to no research beforehand so I had no idea what to expect. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
