"Isn't It Obvious?" Why I Chose DIS

If I had to answer the question of why I chose to study abroad, I think I would answer, "Well, isn't it obvious? You just have to."

(My first and only time before DIS being out of the United States - Eagle's Nest, Austria)

Although I had been to Europe before on a short high school tour right after my graduation, the opportunity to live in a foreign country for an extended period of time just seemed natural to me. Maybe most university students think that playing a sport, starting a club, or picking up a new hobby are quintessential parts of the college experience, but I also think that studying abroad should be included in that list as well. At least for me, going into my four year program, studying abroad was a matter of when, not if.

(Photo taken approximately 10 days before my college's application deadline)

So, I got to researching. I looked into programs. I attended my college's study abroad fair. I watched online information sessions. I learned everything that I could about all my available options, and I narrowed down my choices.

And DIS really stood out.

Besides having excellent academic programs that aligned with my selected majors and concentrations (Studio Art, Philosophy, and Business Management Studies), DIS's commitment to intentional learning through personal and geographical exploration really drew me in. Once I learned about Study Tours and the massive variety of elective courses I could take, I was hooked. I applied to one other abroad program as a solid alternative, knowing in my heart that I was set on the DIS experience.

And I got accepted! I was ecstatic when I received the news from my home college in the spring - I was going to Copenhagen this time next year. I was beyond excited and ready for whatever the experience might bring, ready to seize every possible moment the second that I arrived there.

(A very cropped screenshot showing very minimal info for very many reasons)

And now I'm almost there! My flights are booked, my bags are packed, and my 15+ travel brochures will all (hopefully)get read within the next week. If I've thought of anything I might be missing or need in my carry-on luggage, my mom has already bought 3 of them.

Now all that's left is to enjoy the time I have at home before I set out on my own personal adventure.

(Me in apprehension as an incredible artwork beckons me to explore)

If I had to have one goal for the entirety of my upcoming semester at DIS, it is to do absolutely everything. Maybe a tad grandiose or even a bit audacious, but I believe that my time abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the entirety that I can about one area, one location, and one community.

I plan to use the dozens of DIS resources at my disposal to fully assist in my academic, artistic, culinary, geographical, and personal exploration of the place that I will call home for the next five months. I want to become intimately familiar with my neighborhood, investigate all that I can regarding the city proper, and even experience some international travel with some newfound friends. All in all, I want to fully flesh out my independence while experiencing a wholly unique curriculum, location, and culture while in Copenhagen.

So, I think that if I had to answer the question of why I chose to study abroad, my answer would be the exact same as it was nearly one year ago: "Well, isn't it obvious? I have to."

And I can't wait to show you all what I discover!