I still miss the independence I felt which I lived overseas. When I first arrived in Paris for my connecting flight to Copenhagen I was so scared. This was also very liberating though. It was the farthest I had ever been from home yet there I was, finding my way and learning all the time. The experience is overwhelming but the sense of freedom that comes with study abroad is something you’ll truly appreciate. While I was overseas my grandmother passed away and being so far away was very difficult for me. I found myself becoming stronger through the process and building character. You find yourself developing lifelong friendships with people from around the world and your relationship is defined by this special, unique time you spent together.

 

 

I cannot stress enough how the experience of living in Copenhagen for a semester has contributed to my professional and personal development. You are so far out of your comfort zone and you are challenged to learn every day. I feel like I co go anywhere I want and achieve anything I set out to do now. I am currently planning a trip to visit a high school friend from Taiwan and before study abroad I am not sure I would have even been able to consider this exciting opportunity.

 

 

I found that Europeans have a different approach to life and greater emphasis is placed on family and friends. These values appeal to me and now I find myself looking for opportunities to build relationships over clocking extra hours. I have friends from all over Europe and Southeast Asia and I am looking forward to visiting every one of them. The best advice I can give to others is to not select a program based on what others say or because of popularity alone. Go somewhere that meets your needs. Somewhere you never thought you would go. And wherever that is, make the most of each day.