Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was a truly once in a lifetime experience I loved and am so grateful for. July 09, 2023

By (Health Sciences General, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/14/2023 to 05/14/2023 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was a very worthwhile experience. I gained a whole new outlook on the world in terms of different living education systems and cultural beliefs and values- such as hygge.

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.

The courses were very manageable and not too difficult. The program provided many academic resources that were very helpful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program is incredibly well set up and aid in making very smooth transition into the country and the abroad educational experience. The program offered many ways to learn the culture of the country, meet other abroad students and local students, and offering many different kinds of resources.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my housing and the experience it gave me. My housing was in a great location, was very clean, and provided a great social setting to create and strengthen relationships. I was able to meet other abroad students and local students.

* 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:

I felt very safe overall while living in Copenhagen. The program provided lots of advice on how to remain safe and about the safety of the country before arriving.

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

I was very comfortable in the country and the program. I was worried about the language barrier prior to leaving abroad, however it was not bad and the program's language course really helped. I loved my living situation which enhanced my overall experience. My classes were interesting and transferable at my home university. Denmark was beautiful and has so much culture.

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? 0
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?
  • How helpful the DIS administration was.
  • The interesting courses.
  • The housing styles and communities.
* What could be improved?
  • A few more mandatory social meetings at the begging of the semester to help with meeting more people.
  • More living community gatherings
  • earlier notifications/reminders of projects and assignments from course instructors.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That many people going abroad are going alone and to put myself out there more at the begging because everyone is trying to make new friends and have new experiences.