Delaney Levine

I always had the idea of studying abroad in the back of my head, but I wasn't really sure if it would work with my studies to do so. When the application for Spring 2018 came around, I knew I wanted to go somewhere that I'd never been, and where English wasn't the primary language. I ended up choosing Denmark because of it's central location in Northern Europe and, being a CogSci major, it's psychological significance as one of the happiest places in the world.

The first day of sunlight in Denmark. I remember it clearly because I had been there for a couple months already and it had very been dark and cloudy and cold. People would still try to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible during those months, and of course the cafes and bars were all very hyggelig, or cozy, with candles everywhere and a warm atmosphere, but that first day of sunshine showed me a completely different side of Denmark. It was a weekday, and yet it seemed like everyone was sitting out in the parks soaking up the sun, playing games, having picnics, and just enjoying life. The atmosphere after that day changed, and it introduced me to the more relaxed and easy-going lifestyle that permeates throughout Danish culture.

I had never travelled to a foreign country on my own before, so the first couple days were by far the biggest challenge. I had to stay in a hostel my first night in Copenhagen and then immediately take a bus to go get the keys for the place I was staying the next morning. Trying to navigate public transportation alone in a foreign city while lugging around my large suitcase after an already painfully long flight was stressful and exhausting. It was raining, I was jet-lagged, and somehow I had forgotten to eat more than a bite of food for about 72 hours. However, I managed to figure everything out and eventually got to my room, sat on my bed, and realized how proud I was of myself for successfully making it to where I needed to be. It was a triumphant moment for me, and looking back, symbolizes the beginning of an incredible journey.

My experience abroad can really be divided up into two sections. During the first month I was taking an intensive language course so I would get up early, bike to class, eat lunch in the school's canteen with my friends in the course, then go home and relax, cook, and do homework, and that's pretty much all I did. The second chunk of time is when I was taking my semester courses. When I had class I would of course go, then come home and usually work on my readings and cook. On days I didn't have class, I would either explore the city by bike or sit in a park and read, usually with a friend or two. Weekends nights were often experiencing Copenhagen's night life, but I probably spent most of my time exploring the many parks and sections of the city.

In addition to the pre-semester language course that was required for my program, I took three psychology classes. One on consciousness, one on communication and learning, and one on feedback treatment in therapy. I honestly loved all of them and found them to be well run and extremely interesting. I only had each class for one 3 hour block each week, and then was expected to do the readings on my own. The grade was entirely based on a final paper for each class. I found these classes to be, in all honesty, much easier than Berkeley classes. They required less time and work, and I received better grades than I usually do at Berkeley. However, the grading was department specific, and I know some of my friends in science departments had more intensive schedules.

By far the most meaningful aspect of my time abroad was the people I met. I met interesting people from all over the globe and who I truly believe will be lifelong friends. We already have plans to visit each other in our respective home countries. These people showed me different perspectives of the world and made my time in Copenhagen feel like a dream. I am incredibly thankful that I chose a program which allowed me to take classes in a foreign university and make international friends.

Saying studying abroad changed me sounds so incredibly cheesy, but it really did. I became a more independent and confident person through traveling and living alone, and experienced what I can confidently say were the best 7 months of my life to date. I got to learn about psychology and particularly childhood classroom learning from a completely different perspective. I got to experience a different culture of living which focused on life outside of work and spending time with loved ones. Overall, I would say studying abroad showed me a different way of life and how to be the best version of myself.

Do it. Work with your advisors and do whatever it takes to make it work financially and with your major. Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity to experience something unique and life-affirming. You more than likely will never get a chance to do something like this again, so you should just go for it. For Copenhagen and I think Europe in general, don't feel too pressured to travel every weekend. I did a couple of trips but spent the majority of my time experiencing what it is like to really live in another country, and I am very thankful for that. I got to know the city well and experience Danish culture more than if I had been traveling the whole time. You will probably have the chance to travel in Europe again, but you may never have the chance to live there again.