Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Once-in-a-lifetime January 18, 2022

By (Middlebury College) - 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?
I learned so much during my time abroad. The places I traveled to, the people I met, the adventures I went on are all irreplaceable memories that I will remember forever.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

During my semester, there was construction for three months. Our building was robbed. In the middle of November, we were without hot water for a week. Our location was wonderful, but I felt DIS did not provide the best housing for what was expected.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $75-150 depending on the week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan ahead. Research your city ahead of time to get a feel for what the living expenses are like in that place.

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

Danish was not required as most Danes speak English.

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? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The diversity of course selection
  • Our core course travel week
* What could be improved?
  • Housing assignments
  • Increasing food stipend
  • Providing more activities for people to meet others in the start of the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be open-minded. try new things. Take many pictures. I miss being abroad and wish I had more time to try things.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Neuroimaging of the Disorder Brain
Course Department: Neuroscience
Instructor: Julian Macoveanu
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was quite challenging. I found the first few weeks where we only focused on imaging methods to be really intense. While no background was needed, it was evident that you should have somewhat of an understanding of how a PET scan, MRI, fMRI work. After assessments, Julian was willing to meet, but not willing to change grades even after talking with him.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Danish Language and Culture
Course Department: Danish
Instructor: Charlotte Beuck
Instruction Language: English and Danish
Comments: I really loved taking Danish. I wish we got to focus a bit more on learning the language but found the history to be really interesting. The assessments were similar to other language class assessments with a written, listening, and speaking portion.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Psychology of Adolescence
Course Department: Psychology
Instructor: Bethany Chamberlain
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was my favorite class of the semester. Bethany really emphasized creating a welcoming class atmosphere and it helped a lot. I thought our midterm and final were appropriate, and the case study papers helped dive into the perspectives of being an adolescent in a different country.
Credit Transfer Issues: