Enlightening Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/11/2019 to 05/12/2019 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that the world isn't always a great place but if you have some people that are passionate about change, there is potential to make it better.

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.

It was not as intense academically in the beginning and then at the end it got really intense.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a Kollegium and it was a really great experience to live with a bunch of other people and native Danes.

* Food:

I mostly cooked for myself but the grocery card that they gave us lasted me until the very last week of the semester and I still had food leftover.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was definitely still with much of the United States students, but living in a Kollegium and having a visiting host family helped.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health concerns while there

* Safety:

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

I learned more about what I'm really passionate about and what job area I would really like to go into in the future.

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 very expensive. The grocery stipend really helped but generally it's expensive to get around

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely try and plan your trips early on because you can get better deals on airfare and bus tickets.

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? Beginner
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? the highest level of just Spanish language courses that my University offered (32)
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? Listen to the audio guides for pronunciation. You might think that you don't need them but you really do!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The people
  • my classes
  • traveling
* What could be improved?
  • clubs for minorities
  • social clubs to connect with other students
  • more emphasis on Danish culture
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it would be as expensive as it was

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!