Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Explored a New Culture and a New Continent Past Review

By (Economics, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/20/2015 to 12/09/2015 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about independence, self-motivation, and how to get experiences that are not necessarily academic out of an academically based situation.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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? 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? $15
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Live with a host family

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? 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? Live with a host family and tell them that you think it is fun to practice using the language. I learned a lot from my host siblings.

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
  • The freedom to travel and explore
* What could be improved?
  • The academics in my particular field were subpar. It was fun to take exploratory courses in things I did not want to major in, but the classes about my major were not at Wellesley's standards.
  • The communication between professors and students was not the best especially because Danes have a different idea about teaching styles.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Everyone speaks really good English in Denmark, but there is still a language barrier. It turns out that being surrounded by Danish is not intimidating--it's fun. Coming home to Denmark after traveling abroad made Danish signs feel comfortable and familiar, which is a really cool feeling.

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.'