Underrated and Overjoyed Past Review

By (international and global studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/16/2014 to 12/13/2014 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and who I am. I learned that I really like meeting new people that are passionate about whatever it is that they do. It was absolutely worthwhile!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Host families are an incredible part of being in Denmark. You get a great exposure to the culture in such a natural way!

* Food:

Delicious and fresh. They care a lot about quality and taste so everything is good!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

If you're outgoing enough, yet not overbearing, you'll make a lot of friends very easily.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Its a super safe place. I'm barely 5'2 and i was comfortable walking by myself anywhere at any time. I never felt endangered or vulnerable. However, bikes are a hot commodity, so be careful where you leave them and make sure they're ALWAYS locked.

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)

Its a very expensive city. Even normal items are inflated by about $5 regularly, and sales aren't very common. If you make a budget, reevaluate it regularly and make sure you stick to your plan!!!!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $175
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you aren't gonna drop dead, don't buy it.

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

They teach you how to order so you can start practicing immediately!

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
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? The more people you can talk to the better you'll get at it

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • My Host Family
  • Meeting Danes
  • Traveling
* What could be improved?
  • Classes
  • Institution Layout
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That four months would go by incredibly fast and you should just say yes to everything.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Cultural Diversity and Social Capital

Course Department: Sociology
Instructor: Deivida Vandzinskaite
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was very discussion based which had its pros and cons. It was eye opening to see the similarities and differences that exist around American society and people's views on the rest of the world, but I thought the instructor could have been a little more involved. I had to participate because I felt like the minority/underprivileged/middle class voice was sometimes lost, but it's the same at my home institution as well. We take awesome and relevant trips all over Copenhagen, and to Sweden, and Istanbul. All of which are incredibly fun and incredible experiences. The papers were open enough where you can take your own angle and present what you've learned in your own way.
Credit Transfer Issues: