It’s almost been two years since I completed my summer abroad in Scandinavia, and I still remember the days leading up to my arrival like it was yesterday. Fear and excitement combined, I had no idea of what to expect. 10 weeks and 9 flights later, I leave a completely new person. To summarize my entire experience to its fullest would require me to write a book (which I don’t have the time to write, nor do you have the time to read). However, here’s a quick rundown of my time abroad, and some tips for future study abroad students reading this!

Work Hard Play Hard

In my head, I was coming to DIS to get some credits out of the way, and then go back home. However, the learning experience here was something I was not at all familiar with (in a good way I promise!) The best way to describe it is that the learning is centered around the students, and not the typical top-down system we’re so used to. I took three classes–Public Mental Health, African American Studies in Copenhagen and Paris, and Public Health Policy in Practice–all teaching me so much about the health system and the impact of African American artists on an international scale. To have guest speakers, field studies, and study tours in Ireland and Paris, I felt truly immersed in what I was learning about, and it brought so much more passion and love for each of my classes (and I never felt weighed down by schoolwork). I can say that these classes are some of the best I’ve ever taken, and it’s another reason why I’m so glad I got the opportunity to take them. There are so many different class options as well, which can also fit into elective and major requirements for pre-med students and those interested in the public health program!

Self-Growth, Self-Care, and Self-Love

Living in a new country—and continent—was not a walk in the park. It wasn’t just a week long family vacation, it was over 2 months on my own in countries I’ve never been to. There were times of fear, loneliness, and many moments where I wanted to hope on the next flight back home. However, this was a summer not only where I learned things in the classroom, but also built skills and learned lessons that I will remember for the rest of my life. I came on this trip with two of my friends from HSSP, but left meeting so many new people from the University of Michigan, but also all across the globe, who I still keep in contact with today. I’ve also grown a new appreciation for independence and built confidence to go to new places all on my own, and enjoy the time by myself. I started to take more walks to clear my head, and writing journals and blogs help get my feelings out of my system. And I’m now a lover of exploring new places, and the beauty of nature. As I was leaving, I realized how I’ve made it through many obstacles, how I did so many things this summerall on my own, and how much I love and admire the person I’ve become.

To Future Students

To all of you who may plan for a trip abroad, you’re going to have a wave of different emotions. Frantically reading through student blogs and binge-watching study abroad YouTube videos to prepare for your time abroad? I’ve been there. I understand the fear, I understand the excitement, I understand every feeling in the book. Here are some pieces of advice that I wish I knew prior to coming here, and I hope it’ll help you on your future journey!

  • Never be afraid to ask for help! There are so many friendly and welcoming people that made this experience so much better
  • The friends will come in no time, and you are never alone! Everyone at DIS is in the same boat as you, and that shared feeling is what brings people together
  • Be open to trying new things! Whether it be foods, taking weekend trips or random boat rides, don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone
  • Pack light (I mean it)—you think you’ll need everything in your closet, but you don’t
  • Take care of yourself—there will be highs and lows, and practicing self care before, during and after the trip will help tremendously 

 

I’m still having to look through my camera roll over and over again to remind myself of the best 10 weeks of my life because even today it still feels so unreal! I wish you all the best on your future journeys, and thank you for taking the time to read about my journey abroad!