Denmark: Daria Svitashev
Program: DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia, Spring
Majors: Global Health; Life Sciences Communication
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
My most memorable experience from my program in Copenhagen was everything I learned during my “Pregnancy, Birth, and Infancy in Denmark” class. The content was unlike anything I had ever learned and the way the class was structured was very conducive to learning. You could tell that the professors truly cared about learning and discussion, not simply memorization. I really grew as a student and as an individual by taking that class.
Another memorable experience was going on a week-long study tour with my core course. We went to Finland and Estonia as a class and brought our education to life by visiting different companies that related to course content. This seriously expanded my knowledge and, once again, I felt that the professor and course set-up really valued our education over simply teaching to get a grade.
What is the moment you are most proud of?
I am most proud of the growth I made as an individual. Studying abroad can be overwhelming because there is a lot you want to accomplish in such a limited time. Additionally, it is easy to compare your experiences to your peers and feel that you aren’t “studying abroad correctly”. But I quickly learned that my experience is unique and what I make of it, and for that I am very proud. I am also proud of my semester-long paper that I wrote for my public health class, which was a comparative analysis between the FDA and the EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority), and the different regulatory frameworks these institutions have that dictate how food additives are approved for market distribution. I felt that I took on a large leadership role for this project and I am proud of my work. It helped that I was able to self-select this topic because it was genuinely something I was passionate about researching.
The content was unlike anything I had ever learned and the way the class was structured was very conducive to learning. You could tell that the professors truly cared about learning and discussion, not simply memorization.
What challenges or barriers did you face as you prepared to go abroad and/or during your time abroad? How did you work through them?
Making new friends can feel overwhelming, especially when so many other variables are new and uncertain during the initial stages of being abroad. I think it is just important to remember that this is new for everyone else too and you are not alone. You will find people with whom you connect well and the initial overwhelming stage will subside.
What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?
I learned to be self-sufficient. I also learned to go outside of my comfort zone and be okay with the unknown. I also learned to be okay with my differences and appreciate the cultural diversity of our world. I met so many people with different backgrounds, but despite our differences we were all able to join and connect over shared feelings and experiences. I find so much beauty in that.
What is your advice for someone considering your program?
Take the leap of faith and go abroad. I have never heard someone say that they regret studying abroad, only those who regret not studying abroad. The lessons you learn, the friendships you make, the experiences you embark upon, and the growth you undergo will have lasting effects that change you for the better.