Owen, University of Minnesota, spent a summer in Scandinavia. During his time abroad, he passed on advice for creating a unique study abroad experience.
Read Owen’s letter, and learn more about what to expect from a summer with DIS.
I had always dreamed of studying abroad during college but with my busy school schedule, I didn’t think it would be possible. Every semester I had large commitments and even my summers would fill up quickly. Then one day I came across a summer program that really sparked my interest. I found out that with DIS, I could pick what I wanted to learn, where I wanted to learn it, and how long I wanted to stay. What’s more? A week-long Study Tour to another country! It had to work. How could it not?!
Through observation, reflection, and real life experiences, you open your eyes to an entirely new type of knowledge.
When I applied to study abroad with DIS, I had no idea how much it would impact my life. Even though my summer sessions only lasted six weeks, the amount of new knowledge I cultivated while abroad is still expanding. For me, it started the second I was dropped off at the airport. I had flown plenty of times, but never alone. The new independence was slightly frightening, but also extremely exhilarating. I was going to SCANDINAVIA!
Every single day here has been a day to remember. There are so many highlights that range from a local music festival, to eating peanuts in Prague, and a graffiti tour in Berlin, but the final highlight is simply riding my bike. I have never found myself more content than riding down a bike highway, surrounded by trees, grass, parks, and dozens of other people enjoying their afternoon.
My advice to any student who gets the opportunity to study abroad is to wander. After class, I would dedicate a few hours to getting lost by myself. Through observation, reflection, and real life experiences, you open your eyes to an entirely new type of knowledge. For me, it was these findings that truly shaped my time in Scandinavia and my character moving forward.
Want to Learn More?
>> Check out the courses available this summer in Stockholm and Copenhagen