University of Wisconsin–Madison

Denmark: Athena Kafkas

Program: DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia, Spring

Athena’s Majors: Philosophy, Neurobiology

Athena crouched along a canal. A boat is in the water, and brightly-colored buildings line the other side of the canal.
Enjoying Nyhavn – the OG tourist spot in Copenhagen!

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

In Danish culture, it is quite common to go swimming at nearly any temperature: below 20 Celsius is no problem for them! One of my favorite experiences in Copenhagen was cold plunging in the canal. The canal is fed into by the Baltic Sea: it is crisp and cold, and has lots of inlets and docks to jump in from. I spent a lot of my free time lounging by the canal and jumping in for a swim. In the winter months, I bonded with my fellow students and Danish friends around the chilly-ness of the water. I think everyone who visits Copenhagen should cold plunge at least once!

I implore students to not let fear get in the way of their fully appreciating and immersing themselves into Danish culture.

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

During my time in Copenhagen, I took advantage of the “Visiting Host” Program that DIS-Copenhagen offered. Through this program I was matched with a family living in Denmark and we went on excursions, talked, or simply had dinner together throughout the semester. It was so valuable to have the feeling of family and companionship in a country so much different from America. My host parents and I would often make meals together (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) “Tapas style” and sit around the table to discuss the week and random other topics — usually travel! After dinner we would have some wine and ice cream, then clean up all together. Moments like these felt so laid-back and wholesome, and I hope to bring this tradition of a nice family meal when I return home.

Athena, indoors, sitting in a windowsill next to the end of a bed. The room is several stories above the ground, with the roof of a yellow building visible through the window.
Living the hostel life while traveling to Aarhus with my class!

What is your advice for someone considering your program?

Anyone considering DIS-Copenhagen SHOULD BIKE! I recommend renting a bike from Swapfiets. There are also some small businesses that are just as good, but the bikes can be a little bit older and rickety (I learned this the hard way). Biking is so central to Danish culture. That is why it is very important that we respect their rules surrounding bike transportation. I implore students to not let fear get in the way of their fully appreciating and immersing themselves into Danish culture. Get a bike!