From speaking to friends who have studied abroad previously, regardless of location, I have heard one constant warning: Abroad goes by so fast, you won’t even realize it. Make the most of your time! Well, I haven’t even left yet and I am already having this feeling! My flight to Copenhagen leaves in about 45 hours, and it feels like just yesterday I was applying to the DIS program. This will not be my first time living or studying abroad for an extended period of time (see “About Me” section), but it will be the first time doing either of these in a country I have never been to previously and I consider 100% foreign. Of course, I did research on Copenhagen and DIS before choosing this city and program, but I would not say I am someone who did a significant amount of research and reading about Denmark in the weeks leading up to the program. Rather, I would prefer to soak in all the new sights, sounds and cultural immersions when I get there and have them be completely new—without much prior knowledge.
In Copenhagen, I will be living in a Kollegium, which is a type of dorm style building that houses both DIS students and local Danish university students. I chose this option, because I wanted to be able to live in a setting with other students in the same position as me (studying abroad), as well as immerse myself in the culture of Danish living with Danes around my age. I think a Kollegium will be the best fit for me, as I will be able to blend the new cultures and lifestyles of Denmark with the ones I am accustomed to.
I look forward to updating my blog this coming week with my first impressions of Denmark, and throughout the semester. I hope you’ll join me on my adventure!
From Happy Valley to Scandinavia 