My time in Copenhagen was incredible. I am so happy that I decided to study abroad, and even happier that I am returning for a second semester. Since I won’t have to deal with a lot of the typical preparations, I’m reflecting on my first semester in order to better prepare for the second.
This post serves as a reminder of how fortunate I am, despite the bad days that are always mixed in with the good. I also wanted to sum up my experiences for friends who are studying in Europe in the near future (shout out to Lexie and James, could not be more excited for you both!)
LIVING
Living in the arts LLC had a huge influence on my time in Copenhagen. The majority of the experience was positive, but near the end there were definitely some speed bumps. In retrospect, I wish I had spent more time getting to know the LLC members who lived on different floors. I made some close friends who I am really excited to see next semester though, but I am also determined to get better at exploring and traveling on my own. I am returning to Copenhagen with an open mind and a positive attitude, especially since I get to live in the Arts LLC again next semester!!
I’m so glad I will get to live in the inner city again. Copenhagen is incredibly diverse, and there are always exciting events happening nearby.
LEARNING
I’ve really come to appreciate the learning approach here at DIS, as well as the unique opportunities I’m afforded here in Europe. It’s so inspiring to be here in this city, and even more so to be able to incorporate my experiences into my academic work. The variety of architecture styles I’m exposed to on a daily basis is astounding, and I recognize this as an opportunity I would not gain elsewhere in the United States, and definitely not in rural Vermont. I’ve also been supplementing my with reviews of museums, concerts, exhibitions, and individual art works in order to practice my critical thinking and writing skills. With so much material to write about, more free time, and an excitement to learn, this seems more like a hobby I enjoy than an academic chore. Apart from academic work, I’m constantly learning how to navigate unfamiliar places and cultures when I’m here and when I’m traveling elsewhere. Which is a nice segway into the next section…
TRAVEL
I learned that travel is a great distraction from heartache, but obviously not a permanent solution.
I’ve learned that I’m happiest and most at peace at a museum (as long as it’s not an organizational nightmare @trapholt) and prefer looking at art to observing architecture, though both are fulfilling and wondrous and inspiring, and serve different purposes.
I learned that the fewer people you travel with, the better– and best can even be traveling alone!
From my time in Córdoba, I was reminded that real friendships are so valuable, and can withstand time and space apart. It was so nice to see Eliane, who I know will be back in my life after this amazing journey abroad is over. I’m thankful for all the people I’ve met so far and experiences I’ve had with them in Copenhagen, but it’s a transient state of being, and I know that I’ll likely not see the majority of them again. But surprisingly, I’m okay with that.
From my time in Málaga, I first learned that I can handle tough, unfamiliar situations, as long as I stay calm and am willing to ask for help. I also learned that I actually do very much enjoy traveling by myself, and am not afraid to pursue similar adventures next semester!
Ribeira was a bit trickier, in terms of lessons learned. I went there in part to better understand my own background, and out of a sense of duty to be a good grandchild to my grandparents. But it was also frustrating and lonely at times, so if I were to do it again, I would either want to bring a friend or asset more independence in another way. Overall though, I’m really proud of myself for all the times I really stepped out of my comfort zone, and being there without my parents forced me to practice my Spanish more and spend time with new people I didn’t know!
I learned a lot, challenged myself, grew into a more confident and well-rounded person, and I’m really looking forward to continuing that experience in these upcoming months.