DIS Blog

Affinity groups at DIS Copenhagen

As a daughter of Salvadorian immigrants to the U.S., Erika knows what it’s like to be a minority in a predominantly white space. Moving from the U.S. to Denmark to pursue her master’s degree in migration studies, she has herself experienced the culture shock of moving to Copenhagen as a person of color.

Erika admits it was a challenging transition. To make sense of her experience and ease her anxieties, she sought out a community. “I joined a support group for students of color at University of Copenhagen, created by social science faculty and anthropology students.” 

It helped so much, she says. “Spending time with other people of color helped me feel confident in myself that I could go out in a majority white society and feel comfortable. If I hadn’t joined that group I don’t know if I could have lived in Denmark long term. So, if I could do something like that for students, that would be amazing.” 

Students of Color affinity group 

Erika describes the affinity group as a space for students of color to meet others and form friendships, a way for members to gain a support system right off the bat. 

The group is diverse, encompassing a range of identities. “Being able to reflect and share together as well and hear each other’s perspectives can be really affirming,” Erika said. “They may learn something from someone else and teach someone else something too. It’s not just learning about the city, but about getting to know each other and growing together and connecting as a group.” 

Part of the project, Erika says, is to challenge students’ preconceived notions of Denmark. Many, upon their arrival, view it simplistically – as an extremely white space. The affinity group provides some context and challenges that, showing students where diversity exists and thrives in the city. 

Diverse programming for a diverse group 

The social events are varied and intentional. Early on, students want to orient themselves in the city, and Erika points them to spots they might find helpful.

A spirited speed-friending event kicks off the semester, followed by a neighborhood tour of Nørrebro – the most racially and ethnically diverse part of Copenhagen – showing students where to find grocery stores, hairdressers, and clothing shops geared toward different identities. 

Other activities on the agenda include board game night, dumpling making, a zine workshop, a soccer match, timely celebrations like Day of the Dead or Mid-Autumn Festival, and a festive concluding dinner. With eight-or-so events throughout the semester, Erika considers the interests and demographics of the students who make up the cohort. 

A place of comfort and belonging 

Sometimes students don’t need a structured activity, they just need a place to feel at home. 

Erika acknowledges that many students of color find it challenging to acclimate to a new cultural context. “I think a lot of students can be hard on themselves. If they’re having difficulties, they take it personally,” she says.  

In a time of stress, she’s intent on providing a safe, inclusive space. “I want to make sure that they feel taken care of a little. Here’s some food, here’s some company, just relax for a little bit. I know things are very stressful. Just have it good for now.” 

Mentorship in mind 

As an American expat who has now lived in Denmark for nine years, Erika’s students often inquire about how she ended up in Denmark. Sometimes they just want advice or a listening ear.  

“I meet with students to talk about what they want to do, like a master’s program in Europe and what that entails, or even the DIS post-graduate internship program. I’m very open about sharing everything I know that could be helpful for them.” 

Beyond offering her wisdom and insights, at the end of the day Erika helps them make connections with each other. “I’m here so they have spaces and designated times where they can feel that their stories and realities are reflected, and where they can see themselves reflected in their classmates.”

Devin leads the LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group with a deep personal investment. As a non-binary, transmasculine, queer local who’s highly knowledgeable about the LGBTQ+ community in Copenhagen, he’s committed to sharing relevant spaces and opportunities with DIS students. 

Devin sees his role as a mentor, role model, and cultural interlocutor all at once, acting as a bridge between the DIS students and the queer Danish community in Copenhagen.   

LGBTQIA+ affinity group 

More than ever before, students are saying they chose to study abroad in Copenhagen because of its LGBT history or because it’s a safe country, Devin says. These days, he has lots of discussions with students about transgender rights and safety. 

Devin cultivates a group environment where students can be themselves, outside heteronormative pressure. “That’s my hope, to give them that safe space. A norm-critical, friendly space.” 

“I make sure I’m introducing them to each other. I make them feel safe. I’m setting a good example. Everyone can use a new name, a new pronoun, every time we meet. They don’t have to use their legal names. They don’t have to use the same pronouns every time.” 

New terrain 

Over time, Devin has gleaned that some students are from very small towns where there aren’t many queer or gay spaces.  

To help them navigate their new home, Devin leads a “get to know your gayborhood” event at the start of the semester. He points out clubs, cafes, and other places of interest right by DIS, like LGBT Denmark, an activist organization with headquarters just a short walk away. His suggestions and pointers give affinity group members the lay of the land. The very first week, students visit the LGBThursday Café (a cozy spot for folks of all ages), and later Salon 7, a space for good company and activism run by young people, for young people. 

Learning from each other 

“I learn from all my students,” Devin says. “And it sounds corny, but I’m really grateful for American and international students coming to Copenhagen, because I appreciate the way of thinking they bring with them.” 

Introducing the students to older generations of the queer community has been a particularly rewarding practice. Devin brings students to a gay house in Christiania, giving them the chance to strike up conversations in an older space. “If you grew up LGBT or queer, you might not necessarily have anyone who you identify with in your family. Or know anyone who’s out and open. And that’s one of the reasons I am really vocal and honest about being non-binary, transmasculine, and queer,” Devin says. 

It’s not only gratifying to introduce DIS students to the Danish community. “I love introducing the older generation to this really progressive, inspiring, firework energy, newer generation,” Devin adds. It’s a great opportunity for students to find older role models, and to engage in valuable cultural exchange. 

Life after DIS 

After what is often a liberating semester abroad, the prospect of returning home is sometimes difficult to face. In recognition of this, Devin hosts a “homecoming event” towards the end of the semester, encouraging students to prepare for their departure from Copenhagen. 

“Going home can sometimes be really, really rough when you’ve been able to be completely out and feeling safe,” Devin says. Facilitating discussion about what that return might look like helps prepare them for their reentry. 

It’s bittersweet to say farewell, Devin says. But by the end, he hopes he’s instilled in his students “the safety they’re deserving to have, their value and rights, and that they’re good enough as human beings.”