University of Wisconsin–Madison

Denmark: Sofia Merrick

Program: DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia, Spring

Sofia’s Major: Molecular and Cell Biology

Sofia standing along a canal on a sunny day. Boats and colorful buildings are behind her.
A picture of me in front of Nyhavn, a picturesque canal in Copenhagen.

How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?

My program offered a lot of opportunities for me to learn about medicine and even practice skills such as suturing and ultrasound [in a simulation lab]. As a pre-med student currently applying to medical school, I am excited to share these experiences on my medical school application and believe that this unique opportunity will help me stand out from other applicants.

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

My program’s academics had a large portion of our grades based on a final group project at the end of the semester, with little graded assignments before then. This was definitely my least favorite part of the program, as it is hard to connect with group members who don’t value their academics as highly as I do.

What is the moment you are most proud of?

I am most proud of traveling solo for the first time. While this had always scared me before coming abroad, I realized that it is truly the best way to immerse yourself in a new culture. I still took many of my trips with friends, but I always look back fondly on the times I had alone.