It’s been 3 weeks in the lovely CPH so here are some thoughts on adjustments!
One of the hardest adjustments has been the weather as I arrived in the middle of the Nordic winter. Anyone who knows me knows that I get cold no matter what time of year it is. The wind is brutal since CPH is located on a small island but it’s definitely something that you can get used to. I might even dare to say that I am beginning to appreciate the wind.
Another big adjustment was being in a walkable city. I have spent my whole life in the suburbs of cities so I have to drive to get anywhere. Here, I walk everyday all day. CPH is one of the most bicycle friendly cities in the world so the deeper into the city you go, the less cars. To help with perspective, I am more likely to be hit by a bike than a car. I have really loved how much people genuinely want to be outside and are okay with shifting convenience to the side. It’s refreshing. My walk to class is about 20 min, depending on how many people there are and if there are any worker trucks blocking walkways. Its such a lovely walk where I can people watch and also just have some time to think before I get on with my busy day.
I wouldn’t say that classes have been that big of an adjustment. They certainly are different than Wofford classes in that the Danes like to emphasize group learning, so there are always activities or something to keep us actively engaged as opposed to strict lecture. One of my classes is strictly discussion based so there is no lecture at all. It’s been really nice to have these kinds of classes because I feel more engaged in the content, but it also pushes me out of my comfort zone and forces me to talk to more people in class than I normally would.
As for first thoughts when I arrived in CPH: When I got to my dorm, I was really overwhelmed because it’s this huge complex. It’s actually really lovely because there is a system of students that throw different events throughout the semester as a way to keep the whole community engaged with each other. My room itself is fairly nice; I have a twin sized bed, an armoir, and a desk. I share the kitchen and bathroom with one roommate but some people have 8+ roommates!
To anyone who may be considering going abroad, I can tell you that the adjustments that you will have to make are nothing too severe to where you’ll be unable to do them. It is such a wonderful experience to be able to immerse yourself into another culture and to do so for an entire semester. I remind myself that the uncomfortable is a beautiful thing and is where the most growth happens.