DIS Blog
Growing my cultural competence in Copenhagen
After spending a summer session in Copenhagen, Sophia reflects on her time there. She discusses the course she took, The Human Health and Disease: A Clinical Approach and how being immersed in a new environment with new people has impacted her.
Studying abroad has always been an aspiration of mine, and it is safe to say that my experience in Copenhagen has fulfilled that goal, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect upon my arrival in Scandinavia, and many thoughts bombarded my mind from the time I was packing to the time I first arrived in my apartment to even now, as I reflect on this experience. Friends from my university had come home from their own study abroad experiences with so much love for their host country and admiration for the relationships that they had formed while they were there, and I craved the same experience, but I just needed to mitigate the nerves first.
Even though I have travelled outside of the United States before, studying abroad was a whole new territory to be charted, and I worried about making friends, enjoying my coursework and professors, budgeting my time and money, alongside being able to keep up with my healthy habits and mindfulness. I also worried about adapting to the uniqueness of a new culture to ensure that I respected, admired, and cherished everything that I would be exposed to in Denmark.
About the blogger
Hello! My name is Sophia Reynolds, and I study Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. I took the courses, Human Health and Disease in Copenhagen, as well as Precision Medicine in Stockholm, during my time with DIS.
My blog focuses on my perspective of my life while in both of these places, touching on how I have felt that I have grown professionally and personally!
The Human Health and Disease: A Clinical Approach
All those worries, yet very understandable, are just hindrances if left to be, and my first night after arrival was my realization of understanding that these nerves were merely thoughts I brought with me from a place of comfort. Making friends with my roommate and local flatmates, exploring the city, and engaging with my course material allowed me to find comfort in what used to be uncomfortable, allowing myself to truly enjoy that Copenhagen would be my home for the next three weeks, and the memories made would stay with me for years to come. I had to let go of some expectations of perfection with my study abroad experience and just take in all that was about to come, the good, the bad, the in-between. That is what it is all about, and I think realizing that all experiences are worth cherishing made my excitement grow even more.
When deciding what class in the study abroad program I wanted to engage with, coursework was a huge factor for me. As an individual who wants to work in the healthcare field, I knew I wanted to find a course that would discuss the biological sciences in depth and expose me to clinical practices that I could take with me into my future. The Human Health and Disease: A Clinical Approach course that was offered in Copenhagen encapsulated both of those aspects perfectly and both directly and indirectly improved my education and professional outlook on healthcare.
This course offered me the chance to not only engage with the theoretical information about human body systems such as cardiology, respiratory, and gynecology, but also put diagnostic and therapeutic techniques into practice. My classmates and I were able to participate in field studies throughout the course where we could practice clinical skills such as IV insertion, intubation, medical imaging, and suturing. We were given models to practice these examinations and procedures, making the experience more engaging and unique. We got quite good at some of these techniques after some practice, so if you ever need to be intubated under 30 seconds … then you know who to call!
In addition to the clinical hands-on sessions we were able to feel and examine a real human placenta during our OB/GYN lesson which was so incredible! We ended our course with an emergency medicine session where we were able to take everything we learned from the course, from signs and symptoms to diagnostic techniques to physical care intervention, all to diagnose and save a patient. This experience, while nerve-inducing, was definitely one of my favorite experiences of this course, and it wrapped up the entire course with application of everything we had learned previously. I gained so many tools through this practice, such as maintaining a level head, collaboration, and knowledge application that is extremely valuable for me as I make my way into the medical field.
One part of this course discussed the healthcare system comparisons between Denmark and the United States, and let me tell you, I knew there was a lot wrong with the healthcare system in the US, but when comparing it to Denmark … whoo, it is almost devastating. This lecture was also one of my favorites out of everything the class covered primarily because it dove into the issues with disparities in healthcare and society, it covered economic instabilities with our governments and it opened my eyes to what needs to be fixed in the future.
Hearing about a system that provides its citizens with accessibility, efficiency, and effective care makes you wonder why other systems haven’t been set up that way. I walked away from that lesson slightly disappointed, but also inspired to become a healthcare professional who cares about their patients, who understands what is wrong with the system, and one who actively makes efforts to advocate and protect their patients.
It wasn’t only the material that made this course so memorable; it was also the instructors and classmates I was able to form relationships with. Even though all of us students were from the United States, we each brought unique upbringings, values, experiences, and personalities to the class that made engagement that much more valuable. This new engagement indirectly influenced my learning and I came out the other side a more well-rounded clinician and individual.
My social integration
Even though my coursework was the reason I was in Copenhagen, it didn’t deter my capability of exploring the city. Before and after classes, I was able to walk around with my friends throughout the streets of Copenhagen. I was able to explore museums and galleries, as well as enjoy running along the lakes outside of my apartment.
The first weekend there, my friend and I easily surpassed 25,000 steps walking through Nyhavn and by finding the Little Mermaid and Rosenborg Castle. When it was sunny, it was remarkable to see everyone gather along the canals and soak up as much sun as they could. Some were even brave enough to jump off of the high dive into the frigid waters of the Baltic Sea, brrr. Amongst little trips throughout the town, I also embarked on some longer day trips such as to Lund, Sweden and Møns Klint, Denmark, both of which were such treasures and some of my favorite memories of my time abroad thus far.
There is so much significance in exploring a new city and completely immersing yourself within the new lifestyle, and what makes that time even more cherishable is when it is spent amongst those closest to you. I have found such great friendships in my roommate, my flatmates, friends from class, and many more.
Having local flatmates was a little intimidating at first, but ended up being the best experience I could’ve asked for. Not only were they a great resource for local restaurants and cafes, but they offered so much more insight into what life was like in Copenhagen and around the world. Their travels and motivations for life were so inspiring to live amongst, and that is definitely something that I take away from my social experience as a whole.
All of the new individuals that I had met and will continue to meet, fulfill a newfound curiosity for the uniqueness of culture and community. It fostered such a great respect for the idea of meeting new people and holding on dearly to those already close to me. I am eternally grateful for everyone that I have met and am so glad that they have become such an integral part of my journey in Copenhagen.
Leaving Copenhagen
Even though my study abroad experience isn’t over, it is still bittersweet to leave behind Copenhagen, where I cherished these opportunities. I will never forget the late-night talks with my friends and flatmates, the countless movie nights, dinners, pastries, cups of coffee, and the countless “when in Europe” quips.
I will be leaving Copenhagen and journeying to Stockholm with a full heart and unique cultural appreciation. Although my cultural education and personal growth journey is still maturing, I know that my time during Session 1 has taught me so much about what the true meaning of life is to me and to others and how global awareness in our education, cultural, social, economic, and personal differences is what builds such a sense of gratitude and empathy.
I will take with me the newfound knowledge of the Scandinavian healthcare systems to further my professional career, and I will take my social experiences with me to adapt, understand, and integrate into the identities, behaviors, attitudes, and values of those around me. I am so excited to keep building new memories and revisit my old ones as I navigate my future, and I am forever grateful for this opportunity that allows me to do so!