What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"Do it! It is so scary: you are moving somewhere alone, you are young, and it may be the most significant move you have made in your life, there is a lot of prep work, and it is expensive, and you may face some challenges along the way, but it is SO worth it!"
JACLYN S.
Exchange student at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Fall semester
Studying Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biomedical Sciences
- What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad?
The people! I met the most amazing friends. We formed a profound connection and friendship because we were all in the same position adjusting to Denmark together! Now, I have friends in many different places around the world, and I cannot wait to visit them. I never imagined the people I would meet on exchange would be one of the best parts of studying abroad, but they absolutely left a lasting impression, and I will forever cherish our friendships.
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
The Danish language. Danish is a complicated language to understand, and reading things such as grocery store items was difficult. However, all the Danes spoke excellent English, so communicating was very simple. All in all, I was very adaptable and had little culture shock, but I would imagine some Canadians would have a difficult time with Dane's personalities; they are pretty reserved people, and although very nice, they are not very friendly.
- In terms of your own cultural self-awareness, were there any instances where you realized that your own behaviours, perspectives, or attitudes were different. Where did those differences stem from?
The most significant differences were greetings (or lack of in Denmark). For example, in Canada, when you go to a cashier, they will typically greet you with a "Hello, how are you?" In Denmark, they typically will acknowledge you only at the end of the order when they give you the amount you owe. Another example is holding the door for others; this is standard practice in Canada, but in Denmark, only some people would hold the doors for others. On public transport in Denmark, there can be a full metro during rush hour, and yet you can still hear a drop of a pin because no one is making small talk. They prefer to keep to themselves. These are all things I found significantly different and noticed right away.
- 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?
Although I never felt like my actions were culturally inappropriate, there were instances where my actions were different; however, I adapted quickly and feel like very soon after arriving, I no longer appeared as a tourist. Something that may be considered culturally inappropriate in Denmark would be to complement or comment on someones outfit excessively.
- Where was the coolest place you travelled to during your study abroad experience?
Definitely Norway! I traveled to many places, and all were absolutely amazing, but Norway was honestly so magical. My friends and I hiked every day; it was so beautiful; we were in a very rural part of Norway, which was fun and very different as most people travel to major cities. We also experienced the most dramatic weather, it would rain, hail and snow all within a few hours but it was very cool and we definitely received a typical Norway experience!
- What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you studied abroad?
Being an English speaker is the best advantage you will have in traveling; most people know English even if they only know a little, so don't worry about a language barrier. Also, just because someone may not be friendly doesn't mean they are not nice. In Canada, many people associate friendliness with kindness. However, after my time abroad, I realized that people can be extremely nice and kind but not necessarily friendly.
- What was your best learning moment?
My best learning moment was learning how to cycle in a different place with different rules, which is the primary type of transportation. It was extremely different from cycling at home in rural Canada. Suddenly, I was cycling with many cyclists, specific bike traffic lights and lane markings, lovely bike lanes, and was cycling next to major roads with cars. At first, this was quite daunting, but it is an extremely safe place to cycle, and I fell in love with it.
- Is there an issue that you can articulate whereby you had the opportunity to view the perspective from a different worldview or cultural lens?
The importance of family time in all places visited in Europe is very different compared to the lack of valued family time in North America. In Denmark and Sweden especially, they cherish spending time with their family and friends and prioritize it. In North America, I feel like that is lacking, and I noticed it when I went out to a restaurant in Guelph; there were many TVs all playing sports games, and everyone's attention was on that rather than the people they were there with. This is something you would never see in Denmark. There were also very few homeless people in Denmark, and it was tough to see any evidence of poverty; although there may be some, it was not evident compared to Canada and the UK. There was also a very different drinking culture in Denmark. At the University of Copenhagen, all cafes had beer taps, and after 5, they started selling alcohol. On Fridays, the University cafes open up, and the students can come and get cheap drinks and party at the university and in the university buildings, which is extremely different from Guelph. Students in Canada perhaps lack maturity because drinking is something that has been restricted for so many years and is not viewed as a normal part of the culture and everyday life.
- Who was the hardest person to leave from home? How did you deal with that?
My sister. Leaving my sister was very difficult; I noticed everything I did during my time away I wished she had been there for. However, I have been going to university without her for a while, which helped me adjust much more quickly in Denmark. The time change was the most challenging thing to navigate when speaking with people at home. Although I had friends with much more drastic time changes (12 hours) so, I felt very fortunate that mine was only 6 hours.
- Who was the hardest person to leave that you met while on exchange? How did you deal with that?
One of my now best friends, Darcy! We met at the beginning and clicked right away; we spent much time together and traveled around together. On her last day, I took her to the airport, which was very sad but a nice way to send her off (I was staying in Denmark for a few days longer). We have kept in touch since then via WhatsApp and message each other about missing our time in Denmark as well as things that remind us of each other; for example, I am reading a book she recommended, so I send her updates, it is an excellent way to stay in touch and adjust to not seeing her every day. When I first arrived home, I was pretty sad, but now that I am back in Guelph and have seen my other friends, they have filled that gap and made me feel a lot better!
- If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?
Do it! It is so scary: you are moving somewhere alone (at least in my case), you are young, and it may be the most significant move you have made in your life, there is a lot of prep work, and it is expensive, and you may face some challenges along the way, but it is SO worth it! The things you will see and the people you will meet are so precious, and you will make memories that will live with you forever! It will help you grow and recognize what you value in life and what is important to you for your future!
- What are your packing recommendations?
Do: Pack for the weather! (in Denmark, it gets pretty cold and windy, so bringing hats, mitts, and a good winter jacket is essential. Also, it is a very rainy place, so bringing a rain jacket is necessary!) Pack comfortable shoes- you will do a lot of walking while traveling, so you want a good pair of shoes that don't make your feet sore or give you blisters. Don't: Pack too much- you will want to buy lots of things there because fashion in your host country may be different, and you may wish to update your own style/ fit in -it is also fun to find different stores and products, but you must be mindful of how much space you have in your suitcases to bring stuff back home! Worry about forgetting things- in Denmark, they have pretty much anything you would need, many times the same products as in Canada or something very similar; there are also stores everywhere, so it is super convenient to purchase things if you forgot something.
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange?
Not necessarily; all Danes speak excellent English, so it is unnecessary. Denmark is the best English-as-a-second-language-speaking country I have ever visited. The university offers many classes in English; in fact, all their master's programs are only in English. The only thing knowing some Danish may be helpful for is reading things like grocery products, but Google Translate can work wonders in these situations!
- What role did language and communication (both verbal and non-verbal) play in fostering appreciation for a different perspective?
The Danes are very quiet; they do not like to get into other people's business and do not seem curious about others' lives. I appreciate this because it is very respectful and considerate. It is very different from how communication occurs at home, but I understand why they value this type of communication.
- Did you live on-campus or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why?
I lived off campus technically, but it was extremely close to the south campus. There is no on-campus living at the University of Copenhagen, but I absolutely loved where I lived. It was in such a great location, and I was living with all international students, which was an amazing and unique experience.
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
I have been working full-time in the summers since I turned 14. I was also very fortunate to have my parent's support. As well I tutored Canadian students virtually while in Copenhagen. However, I did spend more money than expected and now work part-time throughout the school year.
- What interesting courses did you get to take while studying abroad? What was the title of the course(s)?
The best course I have ever taken was called Danish Design. It was such a fascinating course and unlocked a new interest I had never considered. I learned so much about Denmark and its history throughout this course. As a science student, I never thought this course would be of interest to me, and it was just a backup course in case there was an issue with one of the other courses, which there was, but I am so thankful as it became my favorite course ever. I now notice Danish designs everywhere and critique every chair I sit in!
- How do you see your exchange experiences benefiting your future career?
In many different ways. I will be a more confident person in general now and am so proud of myself for completing that journey alone. I have gained even more independence, which could be valuable for my future career. I would like to work as a medical professional, which will entail working with many different people, potentially from many different places. I now feel I have become very culturally competent, which will assist me well if I have clients from different locations. I think travel, in general, can benefit any job because you learn so much about the world, you learn how to stay organized and punctual, you learn how to act in many different situations, and you can make connections in many different places which could benefit you significantly in the future.
- Is there any other helpful information you would like to share with future study abroad participants?
You will spend more than you expect! Say yes to everything you think might be the slightest bit fun! Don't hold back. You are only there for a few months, and the time will fly, so live your life to the fullest!
