Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best decision I've ever made. Past Review

By (University of Colorado - Boulder) - abroad from 01/16/2016 to 05/17/2016 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot more independence and self acceptance, which is one of the most beneficial lessons I've learned, ever.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were well adapted for abroad students, however maintained intellectual rigor

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I think there should be more on the stipend account for groceries

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think there should be more opportunities to get to know danish people. Living in a DRC with other Americans made it harder to meet Danes.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Unfortunately there was a problem when registering for my CPR number, so I never got a card. However, I was still able to visit a doctor with the insurance provided by DIS, I just had to file insurance claims and wait for the money which was frustrating.

* Safety:

I feel safer in Copenhagen than I do when I'm at home in Boulder

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

I loved Denmark and everything about it and miss it desperately. DIS was the best!

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)

Copenhagen is an expensive city, and the costs of groceries and things like cover fees and coat check added up very quickly and I wasn't prepared for these. Also it is much easier to spend money abroad than at home and I wasn't prepared for that either.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? variable
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? yes- if you plan on studying abroad start saving now and budget for more than you anticipate spending

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

the Danish class was full so I couldn't take it, but my friends who were in it said it wasn't helpful at all and they weren't able to use the Danish they learned in day to day use

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? for Danish- nothing.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? try and pick it up before, but since practically everyone speaks English in Copenhagen it is okay to go there without knowing any Danish

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • flexibility
  • immersion
  • charming
* What could be improved?
  • room mate assignments
  • grocery stipend money
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? how much money to have had saved

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.