For the longest time, I considered “study abroad” as something that looked incredible but that I would never have the time or opportunity to do.
I have a friend, Tyler, who did two summer sessions last year through DIS. He would always text me about what he was up to in Copenhagen and how much fun he was having. After I saw what an incredible experience he had through DIS, my interest in going abroad spiked dramatically.
I did my research on countless programs and found that DIS was the best fit for me due to its good reputation, incredible location (Copenhagen), pricing, and how welcoming the program seemed. I decided to take the leap and fulfill my dream of international travel by applying for a program that seemed to excel in every area, and that happened to be DIS.
Now, after months of anticipation, I am finally here. I have gone from the city of Columbus and the cornfields of Ohio to the bicycle-filled “hygge” streets of Copenhagen. Thankfully, I just so happen to also be visiting while Copenhagen is having beautiful weather. The city is absolutely stunning and everyone I have met has fit the “happiest city in the world” Danish reputation. Every once in awhile I have to stop just to take it all in.
It feels as if I have spent much more time here than the mere three days I have stayed in my housing. In that time, I have already been to The National Museum of Denmark and Christiansborg Palace. I also have begun taking Meaning of Style, a 3-week course with the legendary DIS faculty member, Anders Larsen.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Copenhagen without trying out some of the local food. My personal favorite so far has been smørrebrød, the famous Danish open-faced sandwich. I have already had three of them and I can guarantee that I will have plenty more.
I have several goals for the six weeks that I will be spending with DIS.
Primarily, I want to become acclimated to Copenhagen and perhaps even begin to call it home. It would be to say that I never feel out of my element here. I get that sensation that several times every day, but that is to be expected.
I want to experience the city in as many ways as possible. While doing so, I hope to connect with other people. I hope to become close to other students in the program and meet locals as well. Through all of that, hopefully, I begin to understand and appreciate the culture of Denmark.
Of course, I also plan to gain a lot from the two courses that I am taking! I chose two courses that I consider extremely interesting (Meaning of Style and Food and Identity) and plan to put my full effort into both. I want to get the most out of each course I take. It doesn’t hurt that the Food and Identity course involves eating and going on a study tour to Barcelona, Spain.
I wish to take advantage of the incredible opportunity that I have through this study abroad program and enjoy it to the fullest. I am not sure when I will ever get another chance to do something like this and I want to get the most out of it!
I can only imagine how many more incredible experiences the rest of this program has in store for me.