Just the Beginning

Hej! My name is Timary and I am studying abroad in Copenhagen this summer for six weeks with DIS! Studying over the summer was the best option for me for two reasons: Europe was the place I wanted to study in and summer is beautiful here. Secondly, I play ice hockey, and now softball, at my home university so I would need to miss my seasons, which was why I made the personal decision to study in the summer. This also goes to show that being an athlete in college does not affect your ability to study abroad. Yes, it may limit some options, but it is possible and extremely worth it!

Studying abroad with DIS was a no-brainer for me. I know numerous people who have studied with DIS and there is never anything bad to say. I have actually been waiting to apply to DIS for a few years now, as I had to wait until I was a junior in college. DIS provides academic and extracurricular experiences abroad that I most likely would have never encountered. They offer strong and challenging academics, top-notch faculty, superb support in your home-away-from-home, and much more. I love the idea of a study tour, as well, because it truly reflects the “Scandinavia as your home, Europe as your classroom” motto at DIS. It allows you to use your resources and journeys as learning experiences for both the classroom and personal development.

It still seems unreal that I am in Copenhagen! I have only been here for a few days and I feel right at home. I honestly do not want to leave (sorry Mom and Dad). It is a beautiful city with personable and friendly residents, clean streets, an incredible atmosphere, and bikes everywhere (literally everywhere). I have even rented my own bike for my entire stay here in Denmark to get a feel for what it is really like to live in Copenhagen, as biking is the main form transportation.

I have actually done a lot in my short time here already. I have visited numerous parks, which were all gorgeous, had lots of coffee, tried hindbærsnitter from Lagkagehuset, went on a run with three of my Danish floormates, and much more. I have even slightly improved my Danish accent! It has truly been an experience of a lifetime so far, and I cannot wait for what is to come.

This summer, I look forward to so many things. I look forward to immersing myself in a new culture, trying new things, meeting new friends, getting out of my comfort zone and trying different things, and most importantly letting go of worries and living in the moment.

I know that six weeks may sound like a lot of time, but in reality, it isn’t. It’s going to fly by in the blink of an eye, and I know that if I truly want to enjoy every second of my abroad experience, I need to enjoy every moment and live in the present. That’s a little tricky for me as I am a future-oriented person, however, I am willing and excited to make the change and try something new. Look at that, already stepping out of my comfort zone! So far, I would say I am doing pretty well with my goals for my time here.

I am very excited for both of my courses, which are Sports Medicine: Performance and Fatigue (Session 1) and Positive Psychology (Session 2). With my Positive Psychology course, I embark on a study tour to Scotland. I also have planned to spend the few days in between sessions in Amsterdam, Netherlands with my roommate and a couple of other people who are also studying with DIS.

Tomorrow, my class gets to embark on a Field Study. We are traveling to FC Copenhagen to speak with the team physiotherapist prior to their match against Aarhus Gymnastikforening. It is going to be an outstanding and unique experience! I am extremely excited to see what comes during the rest of my time here in Copenhagen!