Why did you choose this program? I wanted to go somewhere a bit different while also in Europe because that is where my family is from.
Describe your favorite class abroad. Danish Greenspace was an amazing class that focused on how the Danish culture and people shaped how green their city and surroundings were. It also discussed how the land has shaped the lives of the Danish culture and people throughout history. It was interesting to realize the complex dynamic between nature and culture.
What was the housing like on your study abroad program? I lived in a residential dorm with other American students on my program. I roomed with another girl from a different university. We had a shared bedroom, study room, bathroom, and kitchen. My building had 8 rooms (with 2 people each). Everyone was really friendly and there was always an open door policy. I made some of my best friends in my dorm.
What advice would you like to give to future study abroad students? As fun as it is to explore with your friends, take a little adventure by yourself. It can actually be fun to sightsee alone and just wander. You learn a lot about yourself as a person.
What’s your best memory from your time abroad? Going on a GoBoat that my friends and I rented out for the day and going to Tivoli.
What was your biggest surprise about the location, culture or other aspects of your program? They're all models.
Describe your experience with culture shock or reverse culture shock. There wasn't anything major. Just the amount that they bike. They are very fit.
“If I could do it over, I would…” Be less shy and reach out to other people more.
What do you know now that you didn’t know before you went abroad? It's harder to navigate for the first few days but you get a hang of it. Also people are always willing to help you out if you just ask.
What do you wish someone had told you before you left? That they wear black every single day no matter what.
What was your greatest challenge? My homesickness was pretty bad in the beginning. I think I held back too much which really hindered by ability to meet a lot of people in the program.
Discuss: “Going abroad vs. staying on campus.” I really learned a lot about myself going abroad. I wouldn't have had the opportunities I did if I stayed on campus like learning a new city by myself and learning to be comfortable with myself and my abilities in a different city.
What fact about your host country do you think people would be surprised to learn? Everyone is obsessed with wearing black. Also, everyone is really friendly once you talk to them but they'll never start up a conversation with you first.
How did you find scholarships for study abroad? Hutton meeting and going to the website.
Would you recommend other students pursue any specific scholarship opportunities? YES. I benefitted greatly from all of the financial aid that I received. If you don't think that you'll get it, you should at least try because you never know what might happen.