Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Unforgettable Experience Past Review

By (University of Wisconsin - Madison) - abroad from 01/18/2016 to 05/13/2016 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and what I can endure when I am basically on my own, I also learned about a culture, people, and a new city that I can call another home of mine. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I would say that DIS had more intensive courses than other study abroad programs from what I could see, but still some of my classes were considered to be not difficult. This isn't necessarily a bad think when you're trying to get to know a country, family, friends, and continent in a short time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed with a family in Copenhagen and truly got to know and experience the culture. Now I will always have a Danish family as well!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Again, I was lucky because I could have this experience through my host family. Others who did not stay with families were unable to experience the same culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did end up in a Danish hospital, but the healthcare in Denmark is wonderful and I was definitely taken care of.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

DIS made this program go smoothly and extremely fun. We had the opportunities of traveling with students at our school, but also some travel breaks where we could go on our own or with our friends/host-family. Copenhagen was undoubtably the right choice as well-it was an amazing, beautiful, lively city and I now feel as though I have a deep connection with it.

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)

Through what I paid for the program, DIS paid my host parents for my living expenses. The things I paid for out of pocket while there were leisure or my own doing. It was difficult since I wasn't working.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10-15
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would continue to save ahead of time as much as possible. It is difficult when you have rent, textbooks, tuition, and other expenses beforehand, but try to set aside that abroad-only money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?
  • Smooth
  • Effective
  • Integrative
* What could be improved?
  • Price
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That there is so much out there in the world we don't even realize. I also know so much about the United States that I didn't know before I left it. It takes being away and from the out looking in to really know about the U.S.

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!