As junior and biology major Emily Scribner packs her bags for winter break, she might decide not to unpack when she gets home. This newly appointed Connecticut College field hockey captain is headed to Copenhagen, Denmark for the spring semester to study abroad! Thinking about going abroad? See what Emily had to say about choosing programs and preparing!
Why are you going abroad?
I always knew I wanted to study abroad, and when I was touring
colleges and making decisions about where I wanted to go, the study
abroad programs offered by the school was always an important aspect
that I considered. Conn really encourages students to study abroad and
to gain international experience. I have not traveled extensively, and
I think this is such a great, unique way to completely immerse myself
in a foreign country and to challenge myself to live and learn in a
totally different culture. I hear only amazing stories from my
friends, and other people who have gone abroad, and I think I would be
crazy to pass up the opportunity!
How did you choose Copenhagen?
In deciding where I wanted to go, I focused on the specific programs
and the classes offered. Being a biology major, there were a few very
specific programs that I could attend while also taking classes to
satisfy my major requirements. I met with the study abroad office, and
they helped me narrow it down to a few programs, and I ended up
debating between James Cook University in Australia and DIS in
Copenhagen. With two fabulous, yet completely different, options, I
had no idea how to go about making a decision. I did everything from
researching the programs, the classes, and the weather to having my
field hockey team take a vote (they were basically split 50/50 so that
didn’t help!). I eventually decided on Copenhagen because I heard
nothing except enthusiasm from other students who studied abroad
there, the biology and medical classes they offer really peaked my
interest, and because the idea of being able to travel around Europe
was so enticing. Making the decision was difficult, but I am so
excited to spend a semester in Copenhagen!
What program are you doing?
The program is called Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS) and it
is in Copenhagen, Denmark. I have heard only rave reviews about the
program, the professors, the classes, and the city. The program builds
travel study tours into each class, and there is a 2-week travel break
in the middle of the semester. There are no classes scheduled for
Wednesdays, so that professors can take students on trips around
Copenhagen to see things they are learning about first-hand and to get
to know the city better. They offer an extensive list of classes in
every subject, including a Danish Language and Culture class, which
they recommend students take, even though all classes are in English,
and most Danes speak English. It’s such a great program!
How long will you be away and where will you be staying?
I leave on January 21st and my program ends May 20th. I am traveling
until June 4th, however, and then flying home, so I will be gone for a
total of about 5 months. DIS offers many housing options, including a
homestay, a Danish roommate, and different types of “kollegiums,”
which are sort of like US dorms. I will not find out where I am living
until a couple weeks before I leave, but I indicated the kollegium as
my first choice. I liked the idea of the kollegium, because it is a
mixture of Danish students, Americans, and anyone else studying in
Copenhagen. The universities in Copenhagen do not have specific
housing, so the kollegiums house students from everywhere, and I am
excited about the prospect of meeting so many different people.
How are you preparing to be away for so long?
I am doing a lot of research about Copenhagen and about DIS, to make
sure I know what to expect, because that usually helps me mentally
prepare. I am mostly just talking to everyone I can about study
abroad, Europe, traveling, anything I can think of. I have also been
talking to people about homesickness. Most people say they did not
even get homesick, because there was so much to do, and they were
always busy, so I’m hoping that’s the case with me too!
What are you most excited for?
I am so excited to meet new, interesting people. It’s so exciting to
me that there will be people from both all over the US and from around
the world. I also can’t wait to get to know another culture and to
learn firsthand what Copenhagen is all about.
Most nervous for?
I am definitely nervous about being so far away from home for so long.
I will definitely miss my family and friends. My family is planning on
coming to visit, though, and I know some friends who will be in
Europe, so that will help
Have you ever been away from home for this long?
I haven’t! the longest I have been away from home is when I’ve been
here–maybe 3 or 4 months. So almost as long, but it will be very
different being on another continent.
Are you bringing anything unusual with you?
I am actually planning on bringing my field hockey stick! I have been
researching club field hockey in Copenhagen, and I found a club that
I’m planning on playing with while I’m over there. They play pick-up
once a week, and it would be a great way to meet new people and to
make up for the spring season I will be missing at Conn.