Summer in Copenhagen, Denmark
Sydney Prescott (MCS, '25) spent the summer 2024 semester studying abroad with DIS in Copenhagen, Denmark. Sydney says:
What is your favorite memory from your time abroad?
I spent a day biking around the area surrounding Copenhagen. I picnicked in a beautiful park and then went on a 35km bike route to find some of Denmark's Forgotten Wood Trolls. These trolls are designed by artist Thomas Dambino and constructed from recycled scrap materials. On my route to visit six of the trolls, I happened upon many fun activities like a thrift market, war reenactment fair, farmer's market, and lots of wildlife. I really enjoyed how much I was able to explore the area using just a bike and public transportation.
How has living in a different culture challenged or expanded your perspective on the world?
Living in Denmark expanded my perspective on how urban planning impacts individuals' daily life. Denmark has very inexpensive buses, metro, and trains that go into suburbs which makes transportation very accessible. There is also ample biking infrastructure, leading to a saying that the right of way goes: bikes first, pedestrians second, and cars third. Practically all bike lanes are protected by a curb, have their own bike traffic lights, and are wide enough to accommodate three bikes side by side (which is important during rush hour). Beyond accessible transport, urban planning of Copenhagen promotes the happiness of city goers. There are many public playgrounds, adult sized jungle gyms, pedestrian only streets, public beaches/swimming areas, and my favorite were random trampolines in sections of sidewalk.
What were some unexpected challenges you faced while abroad, and what strategies did you use to overcome them?
On a long bike ride, it rained much more than I was expecting and all of my things got soaked. This became an issue when I got home and my phone would no longer charge, having been destroyed through water damage. This was a big challenge as I had been using my phone for translation, directions, and as my bus pass. I got help from the DIS staff who printed things out for me and gave me advice on how to use public transit without a phone (which is not easy in Denmark!). It was good that this happened near the end of my trip so I knew the general directions and basic Danish words. I was glad that I had made a few close friends as I did more group activities with them. In the future I think I'll travel with a disposable camera because it's a bummer that I don't have many photos from the end of my trip.
What personal growth have your experienced during your time abroad and how has it impacted your future goals and aspirations?
As I was packing up and flying to Denmark, I felt a little underprepared. I didn't know as much Danish as I wanted to, I hadn't reached out to other people in the program, and I should've spent more time getting to know maps of the area. Despite all this, the start of my trip went pretty smoothly, I was able to overcome challenges, and overall I had a wonderful time. I think this trip showed me that I can be a little more spontaneous and not every activity needs to be so carefully planned. My experience abroad definitely made me want to travel more. Going to Copenhagen was my first time going abroad (and was even my first flight) and now I am eager to travel more post-graduation.
Any advice for other students thinking of studying abroad?
Do research ahead of time to assemble a list of some places or activities you'd like to do. You can do this online or by talking to people who have gone to the country. Once you get there, you'll be busy so having some goals ahead of time can be helpful.