Who chooses to study abroad, and how do they decide that a semester overseas is right for them?
Our students arrive in Sweden and Denmark at different stages of their academic and personal journeys, each with unique motivations and aspirations. Some are focused on exploring a career path, some want to experience a new cultural context, some are seeking to step outside of their comfort zone and develop their independence, and others set even more specific personal goals.
Read each blogger’s story below to learn why they chose to study abroad in Scandinavia.
Tharaly (she/her), Spelman College – To set an example for others
Tharaly’s blog is titled “Beyond the 6%,” inspired by the statistic that only around six percent of Black college students study abroad.
Originally from Haiti and now a student at an HBCU in Atlanta, Tharaly writes about the transition from Spelman to a semester abroad at a predominantly white program in a Scandinavian country. She shares her successes, challenges, and how her Positive Psychology Core Course influences her perspectives of belonging and identity while abroad.
“I want to use this blog to share my experiences abroad, the good and the bad, to inspire more students of color to take the risk and find the opportunity to go abroad.
It’s easy to feel as though you don’t belong. Your school may be unfamiliar, your hometown unknown, and your culture or identity questioned. But whether you’re studying abroad or stepping into any unfamiliar space, remember this: you belong.”
Read more from Tharaly on her blog
Grace (she/her), University of Colorado Boulder – To learn about her future career
Grace already knows that she plans to work in healthcare after she graduates, but she’s still working to figure out exactly what path she will take.
She landed on the Medical Practice and Policy program at DIS when she saw how it related to her career goals and allows her to learn directly from working physicians and healthcare professionals in the field.
“The unique learning experiences at DIS were a big part of my decision to study abroad. Before I left home, I can’t even tell you how many times I told my family and friends: ‘I’m going to Denmark to learn about their healthcare system and compare it to ours AND I’ll get to visit doctors in the hospital to learn from them.’”
Read about Grace’s career aspirations on her blog
Oli (he/him), Kenyon College – To explore his identity, both past and future
Oli grew up in a small Wisconsin town and studies at Kenyon College in Ohio, an equally small and rural spot.
But “Denmark has been an unread, ever-rooted page” in his life thanks to his grandfather, who grew up in Denmark just a short distance from Copenhagen, which is what inspired Oli to travel from the American Midwest to the Danish capital.
Aided with old stories and photos from his grandfather, Oli’s blog is dedicated to discovering his family history, while also charting his own path and exploring different facets of his identity.
“As a sociology major, you can bet that identity is something I mull over often. There is more to identity and your personal narrative than where you’re from or where you used to be. I think that purpose is important too.
Not just the whole idea of ‘where do you come from?’ but maybe also ‘What are you doing here?’
I have a whole new identity to consider as ‘a student abroad.’ But what does that mean for me? As of now… I’m still working on that.”
Read Oli’s reflections on his blog
Elise (she/her), George Washington University – To inspire personal growth
Elise self identifies as an over-committer, involved in many extracurriculars at her home university. Reflecting on her packed schedule, she admits that she often measures her success by how much she does for other people.
Studying abroad, she decided, could be a way to break out of this pattern.
“I wanted to do something that was just for me. Studying abroad wasn’t something that was going to win me brownie points with the people back home. Instead, it was an opportunity for me to explore a new part of the world and experience a new culture, allowing me to grow and learn for myself.”
A semester in Sweden was the perfect chance for Elise to set aside her commitments at home, at least temporarily, so that she could invest in her own academic success and personal growth.
“I’m excited to try a whole bunch of new things with the freedom to keep pursuing what is interesting and fulfilling to me, but also the willingness to let go of the things that aren’t for me.”
Read Elise’s predeparture insights on her blog
Jacques (he/him), Vassar College – To fuel his passions
Jacques had experience with international travel before coming to DIS, but studying abroad was the first time he had stayed for so long in another country.
It was a daunting choice to study overseas, but a deeply intentional one. Moving to Stockholm allowed Jacques to pursue his academic passions, further his career interests, and meet people from diverse places.
“DIS Stockholm offered me the opportunity to continue my passions: Blogging [with the Student Media Team] will foster my love for writing and journalism, studentboende living will allow me to meet new people from around the world and immerse myself in a unique lifestyle, and the Politics and Security program will cater to my interests in immigration, political security, and international relations.”
Read Jacques’s reasons for studying abroad
Want to learn more?
>> Read about a semester in Stockholm
>> Read about a semester in Copenhagen
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