Community Engagement

Make a point during your summer abroad to meet locals, exchange perspectives, and gain a sense of intercultural understanding.

Engage With the Local Community

Engaging with the local culture is a part of studying at DIS, as you interact with locals in both your academic setting and in your housing. In your classes, you meet experts when on Field Studies throughout Stockholm or Copenhagen. Come prepared to network, ask great questions, and build your knowledge from Swedish or Danish perspectives. While the DIS summer study abroad sessions are short, if you make an effort, you can meet locals and become a part of your host city.

Go Outside Your Comfort Zone

While DIS empowers you to make local contacts, it’s up to you to make that extra effort while you are here. Make the most of each day and use your spare time to observe and be involved in the local culture.

Interact with Your Host City

  • Join an outdoor fitness class
  • Study at a nearby library
  • Catch music shows in your area
  • Volunteer at a city event
  • If in Stockholm, do as the locals do and enjoy the great outdoors by hiking or kayaking
  • If in Copenhagen, rent a bike and cycle to class

Use Your Passions to Meet People

Get creative; think about your interests and see how you can pursue them while abroad. For example, if you like to read, find out if the local bookstore hosts events such as authors speaking or writing workshops. Or, if you enjoy running, see if there’s a running club in your area. Some effort and research at the beginning of your session will go a long way for your abroad experience.

Tip: Scandinavians often use Facebook to publicize open events, so try starting your research there.