Scandinavia: Jenna Gold
Program: DIS-Study Abroad in Scandinavia, Summer
Jenna’s Major: Genetics & Genomics
What is the moment you are most proud of?
Half of my second class took place in Denmark. The other half was in Greece. During my time in Denmark, I got sick. By the time I arrived in Greece, I was finally feeling better. However, a few days later, I started to feel worse again. Ultimately, I decided that it would be best for me to miss class and a weekend trip with some friends in order to recover. Often, even if it isn’t in my best interest, I say yes, and overcommit. I feel proud of myself because, in this instance, I was able to know my own limits. Studying abroad can be draining and there may not be a lot of time to yourself. It is important to try to make the most of your time abroad, however, if you need to rest, it is perfectly okay to do so. In fact, if you don’t rest when you need it, you may feel worse and it may catch up with you later.
I know you may have some uncertainties about going so far from home but studying abroad is the best decision I have made in college, and I would highly recommend it.
What challenges or barriers did you face ass you prepared to go abroad and/or during your time abroad? How did you work through them?
During my time abroad, I learned how capable I am of being flexible and adaptable. I dealt with a few setbacks, and I had to remain calm in order to move forward (and sometimes, I even had to just laugh it off). When visiting a Swedish island in the Baltic sea, I slipped on some rocks and fell into the water. My phone got damaged, and I had some slight injuries (overall, I was okay). Later, my clothes got locked in the washing machine at my housing site for 12 hours. In Denmark, I got sick, and just when I thought I was feeling better, I started to feel worse. In order to recover, I had to miss a weekend trip with some friends. In each of these instances, I was upset. I think it was valid to be upset. However, I did not get overly upset, or let these challenges stop me or overshadow all of the wonderful times I was having abroad. Traveling and everyday life comes with challenges. However, I was able to find comfort in talking to friends and family from home. I let them know what was going on and I found some great friends while studying abroad, so I rarely felt alone.
What is your advice for someone considering your program?
I know you may have some uncertainties about going so far from home but studying abroad is the best decision I have made in college, and I would highly recommend it. Once you are abroad, take advantage of every opportunity to see every place you can and to meet new people. Be inclusive towards your classmates early on and get to know your roommate, as this will help you make some amazing friends. On my first day, I waited behind for a classmate I barely even knew. She had to go grab her phone because she left it in the classroom and did not know how to get back home using the metro (neither did I, so I thought we would figure it out together)! She became one of my best friends abroad. Additionally, DIS is wonderful because they take you on a study tour to a different country. In addition to spending time in Stockholm, for example, I got to visit Ireland. Cherish every moment of this because the study tour was one of my favorite parts of my time abroad!