Submitted by Christina Conte on the 2013 spring semester DIS (Denmark’s International Study Program) program in Copenhagen, Denmark…
The saying “time flies when you’re having fun” has never seemed as true to me than when I look back on my first week studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. It’s so crazy to me that while it feels as if I have been here a month, it has only been seven days! However, this has been without doubt the busiest week of my life, and although I have been exhausted, I’m so glad it was jam packed as it left me with new friends, an ability to get around the greater Copenhagen area solely by public transportation (although I did just buy my bike today!), and even a few Danish phrases! I think the number one question I have gotten regarding my time in Copenhagen so far is, “Is it freezing?”. The answer, yes. Without a doubt. My host mother explained to me that this winter is being called an “ice winter” because during both the day and night the temperature remains below 0 degrees Celsius. But, I would not say it is honestly that much colder than my home state of Connecticut. My guess is that the difference is that in Denmark the Danes live a more active lifestyle, walking and biking to their destinations so they are constantly outside and therefore exposed to the wind, snow, and cold more frequently. My first day in Denmark,I was picked up by my host dad who brought the other American student I live with and I to his home in Albertslund, Denmark. Albertslund is a suburb about 25 minutes from the Copenhagen city center. The next few days consisted of orientation where we learned of immersion opportunities, how to adjust to our new housing situation, and how to live on a budget, for example. Denmark is extremely expensive, as I learned my second day here when I spent 43 DKK on a latte, the approximate equivalent of 7.50 US dollars! What I found to be the most exciting day of orientation was when we went on the “Copenhagen Amazing Race”. Although it was not really a race, the activity was simulated after the television show and we were divided into small groups in which we found certain Copenhagen landmarks, such as the Black Diamond Royal Library. After three days of orientation, we began classes! Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS) classes are a bit different from those at UD as the instructors have full-time jobs outside of working for DIS in the field that they teach. All of my classes are very hands-on and include various “field studies”. This week I will be taking a field study to a local café to practice for my Danish language and culture class! I feel like I have learned so much about this culture already and I cannot wait to see what else is in store for me here in Copenhagen!
