University of Wisconsin–Madison

Denmark: Kathryn Agnew

Program: DIS – Study Abroad in Copenhagen, Spring

Kathryn’s Major: Biochemistry

Two people wearing winter coats smile in front of a crowd of people, several holding Danish flags, in front of lit up buildings at night.
This is a photo of my best friend, Ella, and me at the celebration of the Denmark Men’s National Handball Team winning their second European Championship

What is the moment you are most proud of? 

I am most proud of my first week living in Denmark. Packing everything I would need for an entire semester, traveling to Copenhagen, and settling in was a huge undertaking that I am very proud of. I am mostly proud of doing it all alone (with the guidance of those at DIS). At the moment, it felt normal because all my peers were doing the same, but many people traveled with a friend or knew someone in the program. I did not know anyone and traveled alone. It made me very confident in my ability to enter a new situation/place and adapt.

What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward? 

Kathryn, wearing heavy winter clothes, holds up her hands while standing on a beach with waves approaching her feet.
This is a photo of me in Skagen, at the tip of Denmark, where the North & Baltic seas meet

The custom from my host country, Denmark, that I have incorporated into my life and am taking forward is hygge. Hygge is a beautiful concept intrinsic to Danish culture, an embodiment of comfort, warmth, and togetherness. It is an appreciation of the simple things in life, from a cozy evening with friends, to a quiet moment with a good book, or even the warming glow of candlelight. It’s about creating a welcoming environment and taking the time to enjoy the good things in life with good people. Before I studied in Copenhagen, I was perpetually caught in the hustle and bustle of American life, with its emphasis on productivity and constant movement. There was always this underlying guilt whenever I tried to take a moment for myself, a lingering idea that I could be doing something more productive or achieving something greater. Living in Denmark taught me that it is not only okay, but necessary, to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. Hygge is not about laziness or idleness, but about finding balance and contentment in moments of peace and comfort. It’s about celebrating the everyday and turning ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. Taking hygge forward into my life has been transformative. I now intentionally carve out hygge moments in my day, whether that’s taking a quiet walk in the park, indulging in a favorite book, or enjoying a warm drink on a rainy day. I’ve learned to relax without feeling guilty, understanding that this downtime is just as important to my well-being as my more productive hours. The spirit of hygge has taught me that relaxation and comfort don’t take away from life; they enrich it. This invaluable lesson from my time in Denmark is something I will carry forward for the rest of my life.

Living in Denmark taught me that it is not only okay, but necessary, to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. Hygge is not about laziness or idleness, but about finding balance and contentment in moments of peace and comfort.

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

My most memorable experience was visiting Skagen with my core course (Positive Psychology D). Skagen is the northernmost tip of Denmark and where the Baltic and North sea meet. You can clearly see the seas meeting, and the beach is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. The scenery made me feel very small and I really enjoyed walking around the park.