Denmark: Claudia Delgado (Local interactions)

After living in Copenhagen for the last three weeks, I can say with certainty that this city is absolutely magical. There is an eclectic mix of bohemian districts and structured Scandinavian style interspersed with a deep respect for the natural world. One thing I have noticed while being here is that everyone seems to soak up the brilliance of nature. There are parks in every crevice of the city, and with the unprecedented heat wave we have had, locals and travelers alike are always out sunbathing or simply playing. Here there is a very large emphasis on play. Maybe it’s the booming young generation (I’ve seen more babies here in a couple of weeks than the last 10 years combined), or the fact that there is a deeper feeling of community here that makes it Copenhagen feel safe and childlike in the way that swinging on the monkey bars makes one feel like a kid again.

I was lucky enough to be assigned to a visiting host family to better immerse myself in Danish culture. While I was warned that Danes are a cold, cold bunch, I am happy to say that this was not my experience at all. Taking the S tog and various buses to my family’s home, I got to observe a quaint Scandinavian neighborhood: the front yards outfitted with greenhouses and gardens galore. With my family, the first polite get to know-yous were awkward, but I was quickly embraced after sitting down and really talking with them. Together we cooked Frikadelle and Rødgrød med fløde (Danish meatballs and red berry milk pudding). I enjoyed being a part of the food-making process and whilst in the kitchen, I was peppered with recommendations of places in Scandinavia as well as questions about UW-Madison. After dinner and dessert, we sat in the garden and drank tea while watching the phenomenon of the 8 o’clock flower. This type of flower blooms one every day right at 8pm, unfurling its leaves to reveal beautiful petals. Perhaps it is the perfect metaphor not just for Copenhagen, but for its people as well: they may seem closed off, but after some time they open to reveal a profound sense of caring, of community, of playfulness.

Claudia Delgado

Hometown: La Crosse, Wisconsin

Major: Global Health & Zoology

Program: DIS Copenhagen

I chose to study in Copenhagen with DIS because Denmark is the most central country in Scandinavia. I want to better understand how European cities, particularly in Northern Europe, implement social welfare programs and how that affects the wellbeing of their citizens. I decided to go with DIS because of their broad course selection and integrative study tours where I will get to spend a week in Seville studying sustainable development.

I look forward most to being exposed to different cultures and ways of life. I want to learn more about hygge and be immersed in the bike culture of Copenhagen!