Jayda H. Study Abroad Ambassador
What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"Studying abroad was (and I don't say this lightly) probably one of the best experiences of my life."
JAYDA H.
Exchange student at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Fall semester
Studying Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Business Management
- What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad?
The best thing that happened while studying abroad was the people I met along the way.
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
Overall, I felt like Denmark had quite a few similarities to Canada which made the transition for me a lot easier than expected. However, one thing that was a little difficult to adjust to was the winter season since the sun usually set around 4pm. It was quite a challenge for my mind and body to get attuned to that, but eventually I figured out ways to cope such as getting outside during daylight hours and planning activities with friends in the evening.
- Was there a situation where you felt your actions were culturally inappropriate? How did you adapt? How did you know these were the appropriate actions to take?
A few times when I went biking around Copenhagen, while I didn't feel like my actions were culturally inappropriate, I did feel a little judged at times by the locals. If you don't know this, the Danes take biking very seriously. Cycling is a deeply ingrained part of Danish culture, as it is one of the primary forms of transportation. In Denmark, people bicycle in all types of weather (yes, even in the rain and snow) and at all times of day. Bicycles are used for all sorts of things such as pleasure, commuting, transport of goods, and family travel. There are certain "rules of the road," such as how to properly signal when you're slowing down, turning left or right, and stopping. I recommend that as a newcomer, even if you don't plan on biking, to learn these rules as soon as you arrive so that you are more familiar with Danish culture and avoid any potential glares from the locals.
- Where was the coolest place you travelled to during your study abroad experience?
This is a tough question...but I would say either Amsterdam or Rome. I liked Amsterdam for it's walkability, museums, and stunning architecture. During my four-day trip, I visited the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, went on a canal tour, and essentially just walked and ate my way through the city. It was such a beautiful city to explore and I can already see myself visiting again. I also really enjoyed my time in Rome. Its history and ancient ruins were remarkable and the food was to die for. I swear I lived off of cacio e pepe, tiramisu, and gelato for the two days that I was there for and I have zero regrets.
- What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you studied abroad?
I think something I wish I knew before studying abroad was how much harder the transition back to Canada would be in comparison to when I left for Copenhagen. For me personally, I felt it pretty easy to adapt to Danish culture. I didn't realize however, how hard it would be to re-adjust to Canadian life and the reverse culture shock I would experience. Since coming back from exchange, I've felt a little lonely and alienated at times and so I would just say to any future study abroad participant, not to be surprised if you feel the same way when returning from your exchange. It is totally normal, and you are not alone!
- What was your best learning moment?
I think the best learning moment for me was realizing that my time abroad doesn't and shouldn't look like anyone else's. I think it can be easy to compare yourself to other people and feel guilty for not doing enough and feel pressure to do more. Whereas in reality, everyone is different and therefore everyone's study abroad journey will look different. Some people may find joy in travelling to a new place every weekend, while others may enjoy spending more time relaxing at home. The most important thing to remember is that your time abroad will be YOUR experience, and YOUR experience only!
- Who was the hardest person to leave from home? How did you deal with that?
The hardest people to leave from home were my close friends and family. I think I was a little anxious to leave them because 1) I likely wouldn't see many of them for four months 2) I wasn't sure how easy it would be to stay in touch given the 6-hour time change and knowing many of them would be in school or at work 3) I worried that I might lose some of the connections I worked so hard to make. However, I am pleased to say that there was truly nothing to worry about. While the time-change and distance was definitely something to adjust to, I feel as though it only helped to strengthen my friendships even more and point out the ones that weren't worth keeping. I suppose it's true what they say, "distance only makes the heart grow fonder!"
- Who was the hardest person to leave that you met while on exchange? How did you deal with that?
The hardest people to leave were the close friends I made in my apartment and my boyfriend. I think the hardest part about leaving, is not knowing when you'll be back. So, for me, planning my next visit helped the feeling of leaving feel less permanent. Rather than "goodbye," it was more of a "see you later!" if that makes sense. I also think the fact that I was able to leave my friends and family from home and return after four months with an even stronger relationship, brought me comfort in knowing that the same thing could happen with those I met while on exchange.
- If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?
If I were to recommend exchange to my best friend, I would say that you they have to do it! It is something that you will never get the opportunity to do again and is truly a one-in-a-lifetime-experience. Studying abroad was (and I don't say this lightly) probably one of the best experiences of my life. If they have the possibility to experience it, I would say that time is a ticking clock and to take a leap of faith!
- What are your packing recommendations?
My packing Do's and Don'ts for Copenhagen: DO bring lots of layers! DO pack a capsule wardrobe (a small collection of versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create many outfits) DO bring something for the rain (whether a raincoat and/or poncho, unfortunately it can rain quite a lot in Copenhagen so it's great to be prepared!) DON'T overpack. I know it's hard, but just think about the essentials! It'll be a lot less to carry and unpack when you're there and will save you money on luggage fees. DON'T pack things that you can easily buy when there. For example, maybe bring travel size versions of your toiletries to get you through the first few weeks. But don't waste space and weight on heavy items that you can easily purchase while there (unless of course it's something that might be more expensive to buy in Copenhagen like a heavy winter coat or if you don't think you can get in Copenhagen) DON'T forget to bring a universal travel adapter! This will come in handy more than you think!
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange?
Learning Danish was not a necessity in Copenhagen. English is taught in Danish schools from an early age so most Danes speak English extremely well. However, I will say that learning another language is never harmful! It's such a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and I found many of the Danes appreciated when you put in the effort to learn their language and would jump to offer their help as well. So while it's not a necessity, I would highly recommend trying to learn Danish or at least some words to truly get the most our of your experience.
- Did you live on-campus or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why?
I technically lived "off-campus," but it felt like I lived on on-campus due to the fact that my walk to school was like 5 to 10 minutes max. It's hard for me to say whether or not I would recommend the place I stayed at just because I'm not familiar with the other living options and so I don't really have anything to compare it to. While there were many benefits of living there such as its close proximity to campus and inner city, it definitely had some drawbacks such as its poor administration and banking issues. However, despite all the difficulties I faced, I don't regret living there because its the place where I met some of my closest friends.
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
Over the summer leading up to my exchange, I worked two part-time jobs in attempt to save up as much money as I could as well as tapped into some of the savings I had made prior. Besides that, both my parents were really supportive of my study abroad experience and made contributions of their own to help me balance my budget. I was also really lucky as I got awarded a travel grant from GSO which helped me tremendously!
- What interesting courses did you get to take while studying abroad? What was the title of the course(s)?
While studying abroad, I took Gender & Sexuality Studies and Danish Film, Television, and Streaming as my two courses. I really enjoyed the gender and sexualities class as I got to learn about it from a Danish lens and see how their views surrounding those topics compared to other countries. I also really enjoyed the danish film class as it gave me the opportunity to watch a new movie every Friday, and allowed me to learn about Danish culture through a different medium—film!
- Is there any other helpful information you would like to share with future study abroad participants?
The last thing I would say to future abroad participants is to remember that you can always make back money, but you can't make back time! This was my motto while travelling abroad and it really helped me to keep perspective. As someone who is generally really money conscious, I often prevent myself from participating in activities and hanging out with friends. However, by keeping that motto in the back of my mind, I was able to make the most out of my time abroad. Obviously I'm not saying to spend all your money. There's definitely a balance when it comes to spending and so moderation is the key!
