what is it like to study abroad in copenhagen

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Studying Away in Copenhagen, Denmark

Viking Kings and Little Mermaids

Rosenborg Palace and Kongens Have ("The King'southward Garden") become grounds for play and picnics equally shortly as the lord's day comes out.

In that location is no one chestnut that quite captures my experience in Kingdom of denmark. The Danish language is repeating å, æ, and ø, but never getting them quite right. Information technology is finding out from my host sis that ducks go "rap," not "quack." It is trying to pronounce the natural language-twisting rødgrød med fløde earlier excavation into my red berries and cream dessert. Denmark is studying Nordic Mythology in the Vikings' ancestral home, and elbowing tourists for a look at the famed Den Lille Havfrue (The Niggling Mermaid) statue. Denmark is the crisp cold current of air on my cheeks during my walk to the Metro station. Information technology is fishing for herring off-shore from Hamlet's castle, and bitter into the marshmallow-like centre of flødeboller. Denmark is beer and meatballs, and tiny Danish flags decorating birthday cakes. The Danes are toddlers waddling in snowsuits, and women in three-inch heels riding their bikes to work. Copenhagen is bakeries and shawarma shops, castles and cobblestones, and libraries made of glass.

My semester in Denmark took the form of a collage of memories and sensations that will e'er stay with me. Culture shock can be uncomfortable, simply it is a pocket-sized price to pay for months of endless learning. Each moment, each stride, each word was an opportunity to discover something brand new. Life in Copenhagen is not ever a fairy tale, just it is constant classroom.

Why Study in Copenhagen?

In some means, Copenhagen is like my hometown of Portland, Oregon. It balances the cosmopolitan atmosphere and cultural benefits of a major city with the intimacy of a smaller i; the population of the metropolitan area sits only below the two meg mark. Copenhagen is considered an environmentally friendly city, and cars share the route with hoards of style-forward bicyclists even when information technology snows.

Scandinavians are well known for their blonde hair, but waves of immigration have added diversity to Copenhagen'south population.

For most students, Denmark offers new insight into many fields of study, equally the state is frequently glossed over in high schoolhouse history books and global studies classes. The nation'south rich history stretches far beyond what we learned in Lois Lowry's Number the Stars. From the Hanseatic League to H.C. Anderson to World War II to Denmark'southward current standing in the world, there is much for the humanities student to uncover. Denmark is also an innovator in the fields of sustainability, compages, and positive psychology.

While there is plenty to do in Copenhagen itself, the metropolis too places students in a prime location to explore the Scandinavian region and the balance of Europe if you can afford to practise so. The cost of living in Denmark is extremely loftier, even compared to Los Angeles, so greenbacks-strapped students may observe weekend travel hard to attain.

Before You Go out

Danes are known for their nearly impeccable English language, so if y'all know nothing but hello in Danish before your arrival yous will exist able to get by. You lot already know hi—hej is pronounced "hi." If your goal is to make real progress in the language, however, you will demand to starting time before you arrive and put real endeavor into convincing Danes to speak with you in Danish. Whichever language materials you lot choose, a listening component is imperative. Danish is one of the easiest languages for native English speakers to learn, because of its Germanic roots, just pronunciation is a struggle.

Buy the dress y'all know you will need. Sturdy, waterproof boots, and a down coat are adept starters. Layers are important. Hats, scarves, and earmuffs will aid keep you warm on the windiest days. Skillful walking shoes are a must; heels are nice, just much of Copenhagen is paved unevenly or with asphalt.

If y'all never learned to ride a bike, and you take the opportunity before you leave the States, do learn. Bicycles are an important mode of transportation in the urban center, and you will accept a much shorter commute if you find yourself in possession of a bike. But if yous practice not already know how to ride, y'all will non find much patience for your errors in the bike lanes of Copenhagen.

Arranging a Plan

Like many Americans, I spent my semester abroad through the Danish Institute for Report Abroad (DIS). Each semester, DIS enrolls more than than 700 students, most of whom are North Americans. If this sounds similar a large American bubble, you lot are correct. DIS' size offers significant advantages for students, however, and the plan attracts those with myriad motivations for their months in Kingdom of denmark. I chose DIS for the ability to customize my experience. A broad range of courses are offered, with 16 core programs, including Architecture & Design, Biomedicine, and Sustainability in Europe.

If a program with other American students is not what y'all're looking for, y'all might report abroad through Danish universities. The University of Copenhagen and Copenhagen Business concern Schoolhouse offer classes taught in English. An hour-commute from the city eye, Roskilde Academy also offers classes taught in English language against the backdrop of a Viking-age boondocks.

Accommodations and Transportation

Housing options are many at DIS. I valued immersive cultural exchange, and was placed with a host-family in the Copenhagen suburbs. Other immersive housing options include Danish and International dormitories (chosen kollegiums) placed around the city, or at a folkehøjskole, a uniquely Scandinavian youth customs. Students seeking to live in the center of the city may choose to alive in the DIS Residential Customs with other DIS students.

Students wishing to arrange their own housing should enquiry Copenhagen's network of neighborhoods and suburbs. Of Copenhagen's central neighborhoods, Nørrebro is popular with students for it's more affordable prices.

Travel in and Effectually Copenhagen

Many airlines, similar SAS Scandinavian Airlines, connect the U.South. and Denmark. If exploring Scandinavia is one of your priorities, check out flights to Copenhagen via Icelandair. The airline allows stopovers in Reykjavik at no additional cost.

Students traveling to Kingdom of denmark with DIS receive visa support and guidance from the program, and students will obtain a residence permit from Immigration Service after arriving in Copenhagen as a tourist. Students arranging to spend a semester or year through a Danish academy should apply for a residence allow from the nearest Danish diplomatic mission prior to their travels. This process is direct-forrard and tin can be done via mail. You are not required to physically appear at an embassy or consulate, every bit with some European visa applications.

Though Denmark is non centrally located inside Europe, it is nevertheless a good base from which to explore the region. Copenhagen is role of the Eurail system, despite being located on an island. Long-altitude trains and International buses depart from Copenhagen'southward Central Station. A popular daily ferry runs between Copenhagen and Oslo. Poland and Germany are also accessible by ferry. Copenhagen's airport connects the city to Europe at large, and students regularly travel to destinations as far away as Greenland, Morocco, Russia, and Turkey during breaks.

Inside Copenhagen itself, travel is easy and user-friendly. A complex organization of buses, metros, trains and water taxis brand public transportation attainable for all. VisitDemark has great information almost transportation options including a tool to help map your route and decide difference and arrival times. Ease of public transportation is but ane manner that Kingdom of denmark has made its reputation as a "green" state.

A canal tour is a bully way to see Copenhagen'due south almost picturesque places.

Jobs and Volunteering

Young Danes ofttimes work while attending schoolhouse, and international students meeting certain criteria are invited to do the same up to 15 hours per week. International students searching for a function-fourth dimension job should consult WorkinDenmark for advice on eligibility and the job search. DIS offers limited work-study allotments to incoming students. Some students occasionally find piece of work as English linguistic communication tutors or nannies and are paid under the table.

DIS arranges interested students with volunteer opportunities with Danish nonprofits. Students may also join CPH Volunteers to help with events similar the Chocolate Festival or Copenhagen International Fashion Fair.

Practicums are too offered to DIS students in some academic tracks to work in Danish pre-schools, subsequently-schoolhouse programs, and mental health facilities.

Cultural Differences

Denmark consistently tops lists of the world'due south happiest countries, just you're not likely to encounter many smiles in the street. Dissimilar the U.Southward. it is unusual for strangers to smile or speak to each other in passing, unless intoxicated or attention a festival. Small talk is rare, and a question like "how are you?" volition provoke either a foreign await or a long-winded answer virtually a person'south day and well-existence.

Danes appreciate promptness and follow-through. If you lot commit to attending an event, even if you merely clicked "attending" on Facebook, yous are expected to show. In that location is no Danish equivalent to "fashionably late," so plan to arrive on fourth dimension. If you're attending a dinner party, bring a souvenir for your hosts. Fresh flowers are e'er appreciated. Gear up to spend several hours at dinner, as social events can motion slowly and oftentimes end in hygge, a "cozy" atmosphere typified by candles, drinking and comfortable conversation.

Alcohol plays a pregnant role in the social life of Denmark, and it has for many hundreds of years. It is legal to drink publicly in the street and in parks, and the metropolis is home to many eclectic confined and cafés. By tradition, many Danes are introduced to alcohol at their confirmation party (age xiii), after which point it becomes socially acceptable for them to drink. Denmark is home to international beer brands Carlsberg and Tuborg. Pocket-sized glasses of Danish snaps are sometimes sipped over dinner or a traditional luncheon of smørrebrød, an open-faced sandwich.

Don't Miss!

Copenhagen is a beautiful and easy city to explore. A walk or stroll downwardly the street will inevitably pb to a garden, statue, museum, store or café of some interest. The National Museum of Kingdom of denmark is free, and located a short walk from DIS in the Latin Quarter of Copenhagen. The museum spans Danish culture and history from the Vikings to present day. Another museum in central Copenhagen, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek houses collections of Danish, French, and Ancient Mediterranean art. Adjacent to the Glyptotek is Tivoli Gardens, the amusement park that purportedly inspired Walt Disney. A visit to Tivoli can be an expensive proposition, particularly if y'all eat in the park, so check for special concerts or fireworks to brand the nigh of your visit.

Whatever you do, don't get out Copenhagen without sampling their cakes and pastries. Amusingly, the pastry nosotros know as a Danish is chosen Wienerbrød ("Vienna Bread") in Denmark. Bakeries with fresh muffins, drømmekage, croissants and teboller are abundant. Conditori La Glace is known for its corrupt block and pastries, and is worth an indulgent visit.

Upon Return

When I came home to Portland, I found myself missing the lilt of my host-mom's Danish emphasis. I missed the fresh-cut flowers sold on the streets next to the hot dog vendors. I even missed my 45-infinitesimal commute from home to school. I did non buy many souvenirs, but that was ok, considering I left Kingdom of denmark with a new perspective on the world, a broadened awareness of global politics, and most chiefly, a Danish family. As I pursue a career in college teaching administration or international instruction, I can only promise to aid students searching for personal and academic growth past going beyond our borders.

Ariel Bloomer, later her studies in Denmark, taught for a year in Republic of bulgaria as role of the Fulbright Plan. She graduated from Scripps College in 2012 with a major in artistic writing and minors in European studies and religious studies. She at present lives in her hometown of Portland, Oregon where she works at Powell'south Books.

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Source: https://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/studentwritingcontest/study-abroad-in-copenhagen-denmark.shtml

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