University of Wisconsin–Madison

Denmark: Kathlyn Nguyen

Program: DIS – Study Abroad in Copenhagen, Spring

Kathlyn’s Major: Biology

Certificate: Global Health

What is the moment you are most proud of? 

Kathlyn and another person stand on a concrete patch on top of a hill overlooking a large body of water.
Attached is a picture of my roommate and I at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. This was one of our favorite museums in Denmark!

Reflecting on my experience abroad, I am most proud of having the courage and opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and build meaningful connections with different individuals. Previous to this experience, I would often stay inside my comfort zone and interact with individuals that I was close and comfortable with such as my friends or family.  I was most proud of my first trip to another country with one of my friends abroad as I was able to feel comfortable while experiencing a new environment and culture.

I was pushed outside my comfort zone while I was abroad, and I became friends with a bunch of individuals who were different than what I was used to.

How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison? 

In comparison to my classes at UW-Madison, the classes I took during my semester abroad were vastly different. While abroad, I felt that my classes were more hands-on as there was a set day each week for teachers to take their students into the field and learn through these experiences. In addition, my classes abroad were more student-led as we, as students, were given the opportunity to meaningfully contribute and lead the classroom discussion into topics that we were interested in. Despite these differences, the classroom environment both abroad and at UW-Madison fosters opportunities for student success.

What is your advice for someone considering your program? 

My advice for someone considering this program is to pick a core course that piques your interest. When I applied to this program, I decided to take a core course that had nothing to do with my major. This was one of the best decisions I have made as I learned more about a topic that I had no previous
knowledge of. In addition, I recommend getting to know all your professors and staff members as I have built many meaningful connections abroad through my interactions with members of the program.