Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Don't Miss out on Stock(HOME) Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/13/2018 to 05/12/2018 with

DIS Stockholm Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think that living in Sweden has taught me so much about cross-cultural differences and ways individuals and society can improve as a whole. Being apart of a welcoming community that works to be inclusive and kind really opened my eyes to another world. My host family, professors, and new friends all made my experience memorable and I can only hope to be able to go back soon. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall, I feel like the course load was reasonable and the exams would line up well with the material.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was always really accommodating. Marcel in particular is someone that always worked well with students and I felt very comfortable approaching him with any questions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host family. They truly made my study abroad experience into something I will never forget. The relationships we built were invaluable and I would recommend it to everyone.

* Food:

The food is good quality, but expensive when you go out to eat in Stockholm. Nothing too special.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The healthcare was easily accessible and DIS Stockholm has a really great doctor that works with them close by the school. When I was sick the first month everyone was very accommodating.

* Safety:

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

I just had an overall great time in this country. If anything, it would be nice to do this program during the summer when the weather is really nice. Going in the Spring was still great, but I did miss the sun and warmth.

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)

Sweden is definitely not a cheap place. Being apart of a homestay helped me save money. There are definitely ways to budget the best you can but all the expenses do add up.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Less than $70
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make lunch from home and bring it to school instead of buying lunch from the cafes.

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Host family
  • Classes
  • Opportunities to travel
* What could be improved?
  • Ways for the students to get to know each other better
  • More intensive language course
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how tough the weather could get. I went during the spring and knew it would be cold, but I definitely could have been more prepared for the grey skies and cold weather. I ended up spending a lot of money on new winter clothes so just being prepared for that would have been nice.

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!