Dear Copenhagen,
Over the past 6 weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to take two inspiring classes, travel to five new countries, and meet so many amazing people from around the world, all thanks to you. Tak, København, for being my home away from home. I really could not imagine studying abroad anywhere else. Copenhagen, I love your quaintness and coziness. I love that I feel safe here. I love all your canals and that (slightly chilly) sea breeze. I love all your small shops and cafés that truly embody ‘hygge.’ I love walking down Strøget after class to window shop and people watch.
And, there are many things that I did not love or understand at first, but by now I have definitely gotten used to. I’ve gotten used to looking for cars and bikes before crossing the street. I’ve gotten used to not being able to understand anyone else’s conversations on the bus. I’ve gotten used to carrying my own bag to the grocery store. I’ve gotten used to the 17 hours of sunlight.
However, I do feel ready to return home to Indiana. Being abroad for six weeks was the perfect amount of time for me because it allowed me enough time to explore and understand European culture, but it also was long enough that I miss and appreciate a lot of the things I have back at home. Honestly, I miss my family and my friends at home. I miss my shower that doesn’t turn off the hot water 5 minutes in. I miss driving in my car and not having to rely on public transportation. I miss my cats. I miss cheap iced coffee. I miss Target. I miss college life at Indiana University.
So, I guess you could say that I’m looking forward to being back in The States, but Copenhagen will surely hold a special place in my heart. It truly has been a journey here, but I have learned more than I ever thought I would. Yes, I learned a lot in my classes about psychology and other academic concepts, but I also learned how to be my own person and to live in the moment. And now, I feel more confident in myself. If I can survive living in a foreign country where I knew absolutely no one, I can do anything! (maybe?) Above anything, I am just thankful for this experience. I always felt like studying abroad should be a part of my college experience, and now I have officially done it!
Copenhagen, I will definitely try to visit you again someday. I would love to walk along Nyhavn with my future family, show them some of my favorite places to eat, and tell them all about my best memories here. But for now, I must return to my real home.
Tusind tak,
Anna Hopkins