Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

DIS is a really fun and enjoyable program October 30, 2022

By (Media Arts and Sciences, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/24/2022 to 05/16/2022 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained new skills like game development and watercolors, but I also learned new values, such as intentional kindness and intentionally making time to relax and be with friends.

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.

I didn't find the program to be too academic rigorous, but it also wasn't easy. Classes were mainly project based and I didn't have any exams to take. In my opinion, the intensity was just right, making me still feel challenged in classes while also allowing me to have free time to enjoy being abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I think the on-site administration was pretty smooth. The program had built in trips for each of our core classes, and those trips ran smoothly without any major issues.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was pretty satisfied with my living arrangements. I really appreciated the chance to be able to room with older Danish students, and it gave me a new perspective that I don't think I could have gotten in a US students only dorm. The facilities in my living space were also pretty nice.

* Food:

While there were no dining halls (or anything equivalent) and I had to cook my own meals because of the housing option I chose, they did provide a meal stipend that did cover pretty much all of my groceries.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't feel that integrated with the local culture. While I did learn some things from the Danish language and culture course I took, I was definitely not as immersed as my friends living with a host family.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Denmark had a free, easily accessible covid testing system which made things much easier. The program also set us up for the testing, and gave us the resources needed. I did get covid while I was abroad. While they did provide a meal reimbursement program for me while I was in quarantine, I also wasn't able to quarantine in a hotel room by myself. They told me to just quarantine in my room, since my roommate had gotten covid previously, a decision that didn't make me or my roommate feel comfortable.

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe in Copenhagen. The public transportation stops were near to where I lived/my destination (usually), and the streets are lit well at night. Still, keeping to populated areas and traveling with friends is probably best practice for future students.

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

There aren't many study abroad programs that support my major, and I really enjoyed the classes that I took while abroad, as well as the experience of living in Europe.

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? 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? CHIN 204 (near fluency)
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? Practice with Danish students/families if you are living with them.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Class trips around Denmark/Europe
  • Game development course
  • Nice balance of academic rigor
* What could be improved?
  • covid response
  • cultural immersion
  • more opportunities to know other students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how heavy of a drinking culture Denmark has.

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!