Astrid, Carleton College, studied abroad at DIS Copenhagen. Following her semester, she passed on advice for future students and expectations for studying abroad during a unique time for the world.
Read Astrid’s letter and learn more about what to expect from a semester abroad with DIS.
Time flies when you’re having fun.
I’ve heard that expression so many times, but I’ve only come to understand just how true it is after finishing my three months at DIS. Before I flew to Scandinavia, I was scared—I’d never travelled abroad, never been away from home for that long, and never lived alone. And because of COVID-19, I wasn’t sure if the program would continue, or what the general future would hold. It’s hard to live with so much uncertainty, but you can learn a lot from it.
DIS gave me the perfect amount of structure: just enough to keep me academically engaged and tuned into Scandinavian culture while also giving me lots of freedom to explore and come into my own.
I remember feeling overwhelmed when I stepped out onto the street after my quarantine period and thinking I couldn’t wait to be more adjusted. Now I realize how valuable and exciting that adjustment period was! DIS gave me the perfect amount of structure: just enough to keep me academically engaged and tuned into Scandinavian culture while also giving me lots of freedom to explore and come into my own.
With DIS’s support, I built a wonderful life and community that I will reminisce about for years to come.
With DIS’s support, I built a wonderful life and community that I will reminisce about for years to come. I can’t wait to go back and visit the places I grew to know and love! I can’t promise that your semester will be like mine, but I can guarantee that you won’t regret studying abroad in Scandinavia—there’s so much to learn and experience. Some days may be tough, but with an open heart and mind anything is possible.
I wish you all the best!