Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Abroad in Denmark: A Life Changing Experience Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Maryville College) for

ISEP Exchange: Aalborg - Study Abroad at Aalborg University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I realized how culture shapes an individual and how to adapt to foreign situations. My abroad experience has given me the confidence to do anything I set my mind to. I also have more patience than I did before because I realize it takes time to accomplish goals.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I did not like that there were no tests or homework; there were only final papers and an oral exam. I also did not like the teaching method because classes only lasted for 6 weeks and then the rest of the term was used to work independently on the project. I felt that there was no organization or structure at the university because of the difficulty in obtaining the guidelines and deadlines for final papers.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The international coordinator at Aalborg University exceeded my expectations. He was quick to respond to emails and went out of his way to help when I experienced my academic crisis.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was lucky enough to live in one of the nicest student accommodations. I was very satisfied with the spaciousness, the cleanliness, and the community facilities of my apartment complex.

* Food:

Eating out is extremely expensive. The cheapest way to eat is to cook your own food. The majority of people cook for themselves.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My program arranged several trips to different places around Denmark which were enjoyable and culturally educational.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Denmark was very safe and I never felt unsafe. The only health issues were the common cold and the flu. I had a flu vaccination before I went but it was not mandatory.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

Everyone spoke English. I didn't take a language course.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The activities and trips set by the program's administration
  • The international student life
* What could be improved?
  • Academics
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be prepared to work as a team for at least two months because of the project. A student who enjoys working with others would enjoy this program.