Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Once you fall in love with Copenhagen, no other place will ever compare! Past Review

By (Psychology, International & Global Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/20/2014 to 05/16/2014 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile! I learned how to push myself out of my comfort zone and challenge myself to do something new every single day.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

You are expected to do a substantial amount of group and individual work, most of which is challenging. The courses here at considerable more rigorous than your average study abroad program!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

DIS takes good care of you. They encourage you to be independent and create your own experiences while abroad but ensure that you will always have someone to go to whenever you have questions or feel lost.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Food in Denmark is expensive! DIS doesnt have dining halls so you have to cook everyday or eat out.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I traveled to a number of cities in Europe and Copenhagen was, without a doubt, the safest city I have been in. I was always aware of my surroundings but I never felt unsafe or threatened, even late at night.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you plan on traveling, book flights in advance. It's hard to plan trips early on during your semester but you should try to. You can save so much money if you book even two weeks before your trip instead of the week before.

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? 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? Try and speak to locals. When you order food, practice your Danish even if you aren't confident. The locals will encourage you and maybe correct you when you make a mistake. It's the best way to learn!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • The professors
  • The study tours
  • Location of DIS - it allowed you to explore the city
* What could be improved?
  • Events for cultural immersion
  • Food options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the winter is much more cold and dark than you expect, and that the spring semester isn't the ideal time to study abroad there. Also, that the Danes are nice people, but also very shy and quiet - you have to work hard to draw them out of their shells.

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!