DIS Blog
Student Blogger Digest
Living abroad, slowly
How can you live slowly and still feel fulfilled as a study abroad student?
A semester abroad only lasts four months. Many students are intent on getting the “most” out of their semester – traveling every weekend, seeing all the sights. Sometimes this lifestyle isn’t sustainable, however, and it’s wise to consider how to stay grounded and recharged after an especially busy period.
Think about it: What if you refrained from making any plans one weekend? Traveled by train to experience a town outside the bustling city? Spent a day exploring with no map or goal, except for exploration itself? Browsed secondhand shops to find a new style through reuse?
Former students share their stories of slowing down while studying abroad, finding moments of rest and mindfulness. Read their advice below.
Learning from locals
Alena, Catalina, and Xavier got inspired by examples of slow living in the city around them.
“It’s getting nicer being in my own mind. I think with all of this time listening to new people, having all these thoughts, and sitting there with them and not having to down it out with any sort of noise or constant intake of news… I guess I’ve been able to be more comfortable with silence.”
Listen to their conversation as they talk reflect on the importance of taking breaks, spending time alone, appreciating silence, and getting more comfortable being in their own heads.
Slowing down without plans
Shortly after arriving to Stockholm, Diane made a promise to herself: to fight the urge to cram a day full of plans. From a family of fast-walkers and jam-packers, she knew this new mindset wouldn’t come easily.
In her blog, she writes about the value of being present and letting go of always needing a plan.
“Whether that is reading on the train, enjoying a pastry by myself while listening to the buzz in the café around me, setting aside time to get to know new friends one-on-one, or spending as much time as I want to in a museum, I know I have remained true to my ‘taking things slow and savoring’ mentality.”
Read Diane’s slow living intentions at the beginning of her semester.
Read Diane’s thoughts on planning and doing things as her semester came to a close.
Recharging through slow travel
A weekend trip to Fredensborg, a town just north of Copenhagen, was a restorative, low-cost way for Joshua to escape the hustle and bustle of life in the city.
Just an hour away by train and bus, Joshua walked through nature, enjoyed a moment in a small village, and listened to the sounds of the ocean. He also took public transit to visit nearby sites like Fredriksborg Castle and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, exploring on his own and at a relaxed pace.
“I was reminded that even amid the busyness of city life, it’s possible, maybe even necessary, to seek out moments of stillness. Whether it’s in a small railway town, a silent and grand castle, or a seaside museum, these pockets of calm offer more than just a break from routine. They offer a chance to reset, gain perspective, and return to daily life with a clearer mind and a lighter heart.”
Trying out mapless exploration
Hannah hopped on her bike one morning and turned off Google Maps. With no destination in mind, she hoped to stumble upon something special.
Just ten minutes into her ride, she found herself passing through fields with horses, winding roads, and forests. After spotting a body of water in the distance, she made her way toward it, eventually taking a dip and bringing her friends there later that week.
“It’s a wonderful thing to learn what you don’t know… If the whole point of being abroad is to see the world beyond the perimeters of where you were born, then digital exploration (while helpful at times) can actually be a barrier to adventure.”
Read Hannah’s musings on the joy of learning what you don’t know.
Embracing sustainable fashion
Heading into her semester abroad, Katie hoped to be more intentional with her shopping habits. This meant avoiding fast fashion and buying secondhand as much as possible.
To her delight, being in Copenhagen made this easily achievable. From flea markets to vintage stores, there was no shortage of ways to explore the slow fashion scene.
“One of my biggest takeaways is that sustainability doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It can start with small changes like taking the train instead of a plane, using reusable bags at the grocery store, or choosing to buy secondhand over new. The difference is that here in Copenhagen, these small choices are already a normal part of most people’s lives.”
