DIS Blog
The “When in Europe” mindset
Throughout high school and college, Cynthia (she/her, Cornell University) only knew the “cookie-cutter model of success” she was taught growing up. Then, she came abroad.
During an incredible fall semester in Copenhagen, Cynthia opened herself up to explore new ways of approaching life, jump at spontaneous opportunities for adventure, and find a new mindset to bring home with her.
Read Cynthia’s reflections on studying abroad below.
Hey! I’m Cynthia.
Packing up my life into two suitcases and moving thousands of miles away from friends and family for five months sounds like a wild idea, but I stand by it.
Before applying to DIS, I’d heard people rave about their study abroad experiences, calling them the best times of their lives. Yearning to experience it for myself, I enthusiastically applied, ready to be inspired by the design-forward culture in Copenhagen.
I didn’t know yet that studying abroad would change my whole perspective…
For one, living abroad made me more open to new experiences, removing my hesitations about traveling and engaging with my environment. I embraced a “When in Europe” mindset, saying yes to things I’d always wanted to do but lacked the confidence to try before. Through impromptu weekend trips and spontaneous activities, I found a new level of freedom by letting go of rigid expectations.
Growing up, I fit neatly into the cookie-cutter model of success in the American education system. I worked hard to create this path for myself; I did well in high school, then I was accepted to a prestigious university, and recently, I secured a job in corporate America that’s waiting for me when I graduate. But in Denmark, I was introduced to the Scandinavian approach to education and a life that challenged my streamlined, pre-professional mindset.
In my Danish Language & Culture course, I learned about the concept of folkehøjskole (folk high school), residential schools with no grades that allow students to explore their passions. I met Danes who took gap years and explored their interests before committing to higher education. These ideas starkly contrasted with my career-driven path, and they inspired me to consider new paths for myself.
In all of these lessons and conversations, I felt free to explore, ask questions, and fully immerse myself in Danish culture. Slowly, I started to understand what hygge, the Danish concept of coziness and wellbeing, meant. And I learned how I could bring more of it into my life.
At DIS, the emphasis on small classes and experiential learning gave me a new perspective on what education could be.
The small ratio of students to teachers allowed for more personal and genuine connections when we ventured outside the classroom on Field Studies. Through my Cyberpsychology Core Course, I learned about the origins of robotic and internet technologies.
My class took Study Tours to Århus and then to Amsterdam to gain new perspectives on our academics, all while I explored Denmark and Europe and got to know the other students in my course better.
“I felt free to explore, ask questions, and fully immerse myself in Danish culture.”
Living abroad strengthened my sense of independence while also highlighting the importance of staying connected with those close to me.
A small sense of “travel guilt” crept in at times, knowing I couldn’t fully share my adventures with my loved ones back home. To stay connected, I made a habit of documenting my days and sending photo dumps to group chats. I wanted them to share in my journey, even from afar. My friends and family are in for a treat when I come back with souvenirs and stories!
The most surprising thing about being abroad that I’ve learned? Day-to-day life is not as different from the States as I expected, which speaks to the universality of the human experience. No matter where you are, you want fun experiences, good eats, and genuine connections. No matter where you are, you can find kindness, curiosity, and wonder.
Studying abroad is about the knowledge and insights you gain by disrupting your routine, but disrupting your routine doesn’t always require a passport or an ocean between you and your everyday life. It’s about meeting new people, trying new things, or exploring your city with a fresh perspective.
Personal growth doesn’t require distance–you just need to seek out experiences that challenge you, wherever you are.