Making this dorm a home 

One of my concerns was the dorm life. My dorm was a couple of metro rides away from classes, and I lived with two other roommates. I lived with three roommates back at college, so sharing a space wasn’t a problem. But I was really nervous about meeting new people. I would describe myself as an introvert who loves to socialize, but I hold back out of fear of being too talkative or energetic. It’s also nerve-wracking when you can’t really meet your roommates face-to-face until you get to Copenhagen, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. 

Fortunately, I didn’t need to worry. From the second I walked in our room, the three of us instantly clicked. We shared a lot in common, and we mostly hung out together after our classes. We’d come home and make dinner together as we talked about our day, and I found myself getting excited to come home so I can tell them about my day and the things I learned in class, while also ready to hear what they did during their class time. I even noticed feeling more social and clear in my conversations, something I struggled with back at home.

We took a day trip to Sweden by ferry (which was a twenty minute ride!), walking around Helsingborg and visiting Kronborg Castle and Kärnan fortress. We even stopped for some lunch and Swedish candy, which was a highlight of our day. We would also try out cafes or bakeries whether it’s walking around Copenhagen, thrifting, or trying new bakeries and food spots. On our walk-arounds, we found Broens’ food market, a really busy spot with different cuisines and food stands. We got gyros and sat by the water, watching people on boats or paddleboards pass us by and under the bridge. As the sun was still shining, I realized I conquered my first fearful thought when coming here: the fear of being alone. 

Community through class

I took Applied Psychotherapy during Summer Session 2. This class explored the history of psychotherapy, the many approaches that can be used, and included hands-on activities, like a workshop on art therapy, and engagement to show how these approaches can be applied (pun unintended). Session 2 also includes a study tour, and our class visited Zurich, Switzerland for a week. Our class went on walking tours around Zurich, academic activities and lectures, and special cultural activities like a cheese farm! (Never been to a cheese farm, so I can check that off my list!) 

Maybe it was the time we went to Lucerne to hike Rigi Kaltbad and toured in heavy pouring rain. It could’ve been the lectures we attended and the Carl Jung Haus we toured. Maybe it was the numerous times we would explore Zurich after our day was done. But something about that week made me feel more connected and closer to my classmates. We interacted with each other one way or another. It felt refreshing, not having to hide behind a mask and feel like I can be comfortable with a small group of people. I even found myself wanting to interact with people and ask about what they think about what we experienced during our time in Zurich. 

After the Study Tour, I found a new sense of confidence in myself personally and academically. My burdens and worries of not feeling like I can fit in, or if I’m even “smart enough” wisped away as quick as it came. I believe it was the element of meeting people who are from different places in the world, as they give you new perspectives and observations in life you have never thought of. It made me realize despite us being different, we are experiencing the same thing: new people, new countries, three weeks. And I developed and believed the idea that I’m not alone in this anymore.

Things to do, sights to see!

Something I really like about Copenhagen is the walkability and how calm, yet lively it is. As someone who loves to walk around and explore the city, I spent my time after class walking through streets and discovering bakeries, parks, and areas I haven’t discovered! I grew up in both New York and New Jersey, and I’m used to walking a short distance to go places. I even prefer it! But now, going to school in San Diego, to get places you would have to rely on cars or other public transportation. Safe to say, Copenhagen became a nice change of pace.

I became a bit nervous about wandering around a city I have never been to, especially as a person of color. I understood that being in a new country with no perception of the diversity would be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing. Hanging out with friends and walking around helped ease my anxiety, and overtime it became easier walking by myself. I discovered places that remind me of home while also giving me a new environment. For instance, I would dine in Buka for a pastry before class, and sometimes head to Alaska Kaffe for a brunch plate or hojicha. As a cafe and pastry lover, finding places to unwind and caffeinate is my ideal morning/noon activity. 

Walking around Copenhagen can also be fun when you find things you never see in the states. After our classes, my roommates and I found small trampolines down Havnegade and had the best time jumping! That day led us to finding other places that have small trampoline spots, like the Konditaget Lüders rooftop playground! Being in Copenhagen made me appreciate my surroundings and my connection with people and the area I’m residing in. I felt calmer and more appreciative of the buildings, the colors, the surrounding nature and trees, and the statues/sculptures that occupy it.

Moral of the story… 

Taking this leap of faith was one of the best decisions I could have done for myself. I feel more confident as a person and as a student. Applied Psychotherapy introduced me to topics and approaches I can take with me to my academics.

As a person, I realized a change of scenery and new outlooks of thinking can heavily influence my mood and well-being. Looking back at the person I was before DIS, I’m certain that I’m in a better place mentally, thanks to the people I surrounded myself with, the environment, and the activities I was able to do throughout my time.

If you are an incoming student, and you have any qualms or doubts about your time here, just know you aren’t the only one. My experience may not be similar to yours, and your time here could bring you a different feeling. But just know that there are others who are on the same boat as you. 

The world is your oyster, dig in!