DIS Blog
What can be found abroad? Advice from Student Bloggers
Published
January 9, 2023
Study Abroad Tips
Before you come abroad, you might be searching for some advice from students who have already experienced the study abroad journey.
We’ve compiled excerpts from our Student Bloggers, sharing what they hoped to learn and experience arriving to Scandinavia, and reflections on what they found as they depart. Read their advice below.
Pre-departure thoughts
In preparation for departure, Ben (Northwestern University, DIS Copenhagen) acknowledges the uncertainties of the time ahead, while feeling ready to tackle whatever it might be.
“Even in the face of forgotten luggage, daunting language barriers, and intimidating first impressions, I feel more confident than ever. That confidence assuages my fears and reminds me of what I’ve known since I enrolled: I’m in for the semester of my life.”
Pre-departure ruminations
Prior to her time in Stockholm, Julia (Bryn Mawr College, DIS Stockholm) lays out objectives for her semester; from learning a new language, to learning to know what she doesn’t.
“I’ll set a goal for myself, one which becomes more important in this world with each passing day: epistemic modesty. I know a lot, but there is a lot that I don’t know, and there is a lot that I don’t know that I don’t know. I hope to cultivate such an outlook throughout my experience abroad, and let it bring me to consider new ideas and understand ’other people to a fuller degree.”
Cheers to a new adventure
Kayara (Smith College, DIS Copenhagen) sets up to get to know all sorts of things during her time abroad – including a new version of herself.
“I want to explore Copenhagen, Greece, and Amsterdam, but what I want to explore even more is myself. I want to get to know Kayara. I want to see what she’s like when she’s completely out of her element and has to figure it all out. … I can’t say I’m not a little bit nervous. What is unfamiliar is thrilling and fresh and frightening and and scary all at the same time. When I think about it, however, the rollercoaster of emotions is what makes stepping out of your comfort zone even more worth it.”
Updates and reflections on finding balance
A month into the semester, Charlotte (Northwestern University, DIS Stockholm) reflects on her experience; what she’s learned so far, and what she wants to prioritize going forward.
“It’s okay to not know how to navigate through all your competing wants. And you’re not alone in feeling stressed out. There is a lot to figure out – being in a new country with limited time to do the bazillion things on your bucket list or simply, just getting adjusted and finding your routine.”
When life abroad is tough, practice self care
Midway through the semester, Nissa (Oberlin College, DIS Stockholm) shared tips on what to do when everything isn’t always picture-perfect.
“Being abroad does come with its challenges. But use your support networks both in the US and in Stockholm, and try to find ways to actively improve your situation. They aren’t going to be 100% effective, but they can help.”
Hej hej København
From her departure gate at the Copenhagen Airport, Hidy (Franklin and Marshall College, DIS Copenhagen) contemplates the semester she’s leaving.
“These past few months kind of feel like a dream, which is also the first word that springs to my mind when I’m trying to sum up this semester abroad… But when I think back to the small details of the semester, I found my feet back firmly on the ground again, because many of them are so warm and vivid in my mind, it’s like I could reach out my hand and hold them like a little jar with a candle in it (which is also one of the hygge elements I’ve seen around Copenhagen).”
Do I need fika? Semester recap!
Ellie (Wesleyan College, DIS Stockholm) shares whether or not she fulfilled a goal that was titular to her blog: Finding Fika.
“Did I find fika? The short answer is yes. But so much more than that – I found myself. This semester has shown me so much about the world and my place in it. It was truly the best few months of my life, and it flew by so quickly.”