Enlightening Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/19/2017 to 12/12/2017 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was probably one of the most enlightening 4 months of my life. It was so worthwhile. DIS had a great balance of academics and free time for exploring. Often, courses took a culturally relevant approach, allowing me to experience my subject in a way I never could have imagined.

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.

The academics were far easier than at my home institution, but certainly not easy. It did provide a nice break. Part of this may have been due to not receiving grades while abroad that counted towards my GPA at home.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

DIS was phenomenally organized and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing arrangements were above and beyond expectation. It was in perfect condition and in a great location.

* Food:

I cooked for myself, but was provided a stipend. Meals on program trips were exceptional.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt incredibly knowledgable upon leaving, especially after enrolling in a culture and language course through the program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was quick and easy. My only complaint was the delay in receiving our CPR cards that allowed us access to healthcare.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in the city. It was always clean and calm.

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

DIS was phenomenal. Since my return a month ago I have already recommended the program to several peers. They made my experience unforgettable. I never had to worry about anything logistically. They took such great care of us. I couldn't imagine my first ever abroad experience going any smoother.

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 was a relatively expensive city, however I did receive a food stipend that covered some of my stay.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150-200

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

We were encouraged if enrolled in the course.

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? 201
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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?
  • organization
  • opportunities
  • care
* What could be improved?
  • testing (finals)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had taken more advantage of the short breaks to travel more. I also wish I had learned more about the course tours. They were absolutely incredible. I didn't know before arriving how much time would be spent with my core course. It worked out so well for me because I was in a course I deeply enjoyed, but it is just something to be aware of. The class times are longer and all trips are done through that course.

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!