Contrary to popular belief, studying abroad is not the same as taking an extended vacation. Yes, you get to explore new areas, meet new people, and visit tourist attractions. However, you also have to dedicate a substantial amount of time to your academic courses, homework, household chores, and transporting to and from downtown Copenhagen. While I have included a ton of glossy pictures on my blog so far, it’s important if you are a prospective student to recognize that you won’t be wandering through the halls of an old Danish castle or walking along a beautiful beach every single day. I recommend working hard Monday through Friday (and maybe even get started on your homework for Monday) so you can dedicate time for amazing adventures on the weekends. It really is about creating a balance and finding what works for you to be able to divide your time between your obligations and taking advantage of all that Copenhagen and Denmark has to offer.
In general, this past week has consisted of a lot of homework, reading, studying, and writing papers. Don’t get the wrong idea, the subject matter in my classes is interesting. Nevertheless, you might find that there are times when you’re bogged down in your studies. I recommend taking a couple minutes to think about what you enjoy and what your coping strategies for stress are before leaving to study abroad. For example, I like to listen to music and take occasional study breaks to stretch and perform push-ups. A handful of simple, quick activities or things you can do at the same time you’re finishing your homework work best.
If you ever find that you’re down while you’re in Copenhagen, recognize that DIS has some helpful resources including a “Coping in Copenhagen” workshop and the “Planning for Your Health Abroad” page on the DIS site.
Danny in Denmark 