Falling in Love with Stockholm July 29, 2022

By (International and Global Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/15/2022 to 05/15/2022 with

DIS Stockholm Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about history, politics, traveling, and myself, and yes it was completely worthwhile.

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.

I loved my classes and especially what I got to learn abroad that I would not have been able to in the US.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

DIS was pretty on top of everything, except for COVID protocols, but not to a dangerous extent, just a little mismanaged.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was amazing, and the amenities were lovely, just wish I could have had a single.

* Food:

We prepared all of our own food, DIS only provided a stipend for groceries.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very integrated, I lived with locals, and hung out with them on a regular basis.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We had easy access to an amazing doctor, and pharmacies, however if we were sick and had health issues we were pretty on our own.

* Safety:

Stockholm is the safest I have ever felt in my life.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

The program was great, I would just choose more carefully about where I think people I would get along with and like would travel to.

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)

We had to supplement our own money to pay for groceries, however I think the finances were pretty what you made of it. We had all our transportation paid for, and paid flights for trips to other parts of Europe. Stockholm is expensive, but you can budget to make it livable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably around $100-$150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy tupperware early, and start packing lunch.

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

Lots of encouragement.

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

  • 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?
  • The classes and professors
* What could be improved?
  • Taking care of the students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You will have a roommate, people are spread out all across the city, your commute may be long, but it will be worth it.

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!