Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Hyggeligt! January 13, 2022

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/21/2021 to 12/18/2021 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was so valuable to learn about Danish culture. I learned quite a lot about American culture as well! The time difference between my friends/family at home was pretty isolating, but I gained a lot of valuable knowledge about myself and grew a sense of independence and maturity that I would not have otherwise done at my home university. The study tours and trips we took were unparalleled, and some of the coolest academic and social experiences I've been on. Attending DIS was the only time I really felt that my college tuition was being spent on me, and creating valuable and rewarding experiences for me.

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?

I would recommend taking the

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick a few times, and DIS had specific resources in place and doctors to connect me to that accepted patients without a CPR card. Their resources were extremely helpful.

* 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)

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? half of a duolingo course
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? One of my favorite things to do was repeat the stops announced on public transportation as I took it places. It's helpful in understanding the pronunciation, and a great way to get to know the area as well!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?
  • Study tours
  • Kollegium (living with local students)
  • Emmanuel Gentil
* What could be improved?
  • A little more guidance on picking semester bike/commuter card before departure
  • 3hrs for a class is a long time.
  • Maybe local kollegium students move in around the same time as the Americans, and move out at the same time. It might be easier to connect with one another that way.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring cold/flu medication (cough medicine, decongestant, etc). If you get a semester bike, go to the Biking in Copenhagen seminar at the beginning of the semester. Even if you opt for a commuter card, consider getting a bike independently as well. Pack a raincoat. Set a card up on Apple Pay on your phone.

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!