Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Being a STEM student while making your way through Europe September 08, 2026

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/16/2026 to 05/13/2026 with

DIS Summer in Scandinavia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to speak up in class and become more confident in public speaking.

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.

I appreciated the intensity of the classes; they were a bit easygoing yet still provided engaging material that encouraged discussion in class. It's typically difficult to find advanced neuroscience and STEM classes, but DIS provides a good variety of courses in engineering, biology, neuroscience, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I really appreciated being able to immerse myself in a foreign environment while being with my American friends. I got to explore environments that I'd never been in before.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very satisfied with my housing assignment, and I appreciate living so close to my friends in one apartment complex.

* Food:

Not enough money on the stipend to sustain you throughout the semester, and lots of restaurants in Sweden are quite expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

DIS provided activities to get to interact with the local culture and activities.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had some medical complications and DIS has their own clinic that you can visit and get treated at, and will provide compensation for any external procedures or medications that you need assistance with.

* Safety:

Quite a safe environment, and I felt quite safe as a woman.

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

It's a good program for STEM majors who are looking for a worthwhile but less intensive program.

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)

Only given $600 food stipend, and a meal at a restaurant costs between $20-30

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Work during the summers and semesters to save up, starting sophomore year

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?
  • Intensity
  • Courseload
  • Independence
* What could be improved?
  • Class Structure
  • Difficulty
  • Class Size
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much it would cost to live in Sweden

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.