At the end of the semester, alongside inquiries from students about how to return textbooks or submit finals, there is one question that DIS faculty and staff receive time and time again: ‘How can I return to Scandinavia?’ The answer is less straightforward than the question. There are various paths one can take, and some are connected with DIS.
Jess studied Healthcare Systems: A Comparative Approach at DIS Copenhagen in fall 2021, but that wasn’t the end of her time in Scandinavia. Upon graduating, she returned – this time to pursue a Global Health Master of Medical Science from Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.
The KI-DIS fellowship is awarded yearly to a single DIS alumnus who is accepted into any of the nine Global Master’s Programs at Karolinska Institute. Co-funded by the two institutions, this merit-based fellowship covers up to $20,000 per year in tuition fees.
Jess shared with DIS what it has been like to return to Scandinavia, highlights from her time as a student in Copenhagen, as well as advice for future students.
Time as a DIS Student
How did you become interested in studying abroad with DIS?
Denison University encouraged students to look [for learning opportunities] outside of our borders, so as a sophomore I started researching the available options to go abroad. Based on my interests in health sciences and psychology, my insightful off-campus study advisor recommended DIS. The course offerings and various experiential learning opportunities were the perfect fit for me. As I learned more about the lifestyle and educational approaches in Scandinavia, I was excited to live and study in a location that aligned with many of my personal values.
If you could choose one highlight of your time as a DIS student, what would it be?
My favorite experience during my time abroad would be the experiential learning opportunities. Whether it was taking a break from the city in a unique therapy garden, interviewing coordinators at the world’s largest safe injection site, or feeding reindeer on a Long Study Tour to Finland, I was constantly learning from new environments and people around me. My volunteer experience at YouPeople, a café for unhoused people, gave me an additional perspective on an at-risk group living in my host city. These experiences truly made my abroad experience whole as I interacted directly within the community.
Whether it was taking a break from the city in a unique therapy garden, interviewing coordinators at the world’s largest safe injection site, or feeding reindeer on a Long Study Tour to Finland, I was constantly learning from new environments and people around me.
How did studying abroad impact your future career and life path?
Prior to studying abroad, the thought of living outside the United States after graduation was inconceivable. However, after volunteering with local organizations, meeting master’s students within my housing site, working with families in the community, and networking with my professors, I began to envision how I could make the transition work. These conversations motivated me to explore a range of opportunities in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Madrid, Munich, and more. I am so grateful that DIS has provided me with the means and opportunity to continue my education and pursue a future career abroad.
Returning to Scandinavia
What are you up to now?
Along with many of my classmates and new friends, I live in a beautiful new furnished apartment complex on campus in Solna. I am currently enrolled in the Global Health Master of Medical Science at Karolinska Institute. After finishing my final two classes this January, I will begin working full-time with the Epidemiology and Public Health Intervention Research (EPHIR) group on my master’s thesis focusing on the associations of mental health and social support among older adults in Stockholm County during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond the classroom, I am enjoying experiencing Swedish culture and exploring the city as well as other areas of Europe whenever possible.
How would you compare being a DIS student to being a graduate student abroad?
There are very different expectations for each institution. DIS encourages students to cultivate their own experiences beyond the classroom, on Study Tours, and through personal experiences within the community and other countries. While the Karolinska Institute supports a Swedish-style work-life balance, the master’s program is rigorous and the expectation is to treat the studies like a full-time job.
With newfound awareness of the world around me, I feel more equipped to engage in opportunities and exploration with a cultural sensitivity, gratitude, and appreciation.
How do you think this experience has shaped you and your development?
My experience abroad has absolutely changed my life. With newfound awareness of the world around me, I feel more equipped to engage in opportunities and exploration with a cultural sensitivity, gratitude, and appreciation. While also learning more about myself, I gained a sense of confidence and independence. As a life-long learner, I value the moments that pushed me out of my comfort zone and developed me into the leader, student, and global citizen that I am today. I have learned to see opportunity in everything and not be afraid to put myself out there, make mistakes, and grow.
What advice do you have for future students considering studying and living abroad?
My first piece of advice for future students studying and living abroad would be to just say “yes.” While it is important to make healthy and safe decisions while living in a new place, take advantage of the opportunities that you are offered and make the most of the wonderful places, discounts, and cultural events across the city. Secondly, for those students who are interested in moving back abroad after their semester or two of studying with DIS, my advice would be just to apply. Applications do take time and effort, but there is no harm in exploring your options and putting yourself out there because you never know where life may take you.
Learn more about returning to Scandinavia: