Adding to a beautiful life :family, friends, and knowledge Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Wellesley College) - abroad from 07/12/2013 to 05/17/2013 with

DIS Summer in Scandinavia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about cultures and different ways of running and being a part of a society. The experience was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Many classes and lots of work, but the level of the work was not overwhelming.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Disliked my housing very much and was uncertain why I was placed in this particular housing.

* Food:

I was responsible for my own meals.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My visiting family allowed for me to become very integrated into the 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)

The country was very expensive, but good budgeting allowed for me to spend less.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $15- $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? When living on own, packing lunches and making meals as opposed to buying meals everyday saves a lot.

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

Mainly needed the language for reading and getting around but not much for speaking.

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?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Practicing with native speakers on pronunciation helps.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Culture
  • Core Course
  • Visiting Family
* What could be improved?
  • Means of informing
  • Way public transportation works
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More about the housing and where I would be located. Housing was given at short notice, and I ended up being very unhappy about my housing.

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!