A Summer in Copenhagen: Enriching My Education in Classroom and Culture

Abstract

My STEP Signature Project was studying in Copenhagen, Denmark this summer as part of a DIS Study Abroad program. I was given the opportunity to broaden my horizons and learn more about another country, its people, and its culture. The experience of traveling alone and abroad was new for me, though I took full advantage of my time in Denmark to engage myself with the local people, traditions, cuisine, events, and overall daily lifestyle.

I took two three-week courses for a total of six weeks in Copenhagen. The first course, from May 21st, 2019 to June 7th, 2019, was titled “Psychology of Criminal Behavior.” The course sought to explain why some people commit crimes, with a focus on mental disorders and the interaction between law and psychology when dealing with criminals, most specifically the differences between US and Scandinavian methods. The other, from June 12th, 2019 to July 1st, 2019, was called “Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism from a European Perspective.” It covered the causes, goals, organization, and forms of terrorism and the ways in which these acts have influenced politics and safety in Europe, and included a week-long study tour during which we visited Brussels, Belgium and Munich, Germany.

This experience was incredibly eye-opening, as I had never visited another continent and had never traveled alone. The academic rigor that the program entailed gave me a different instructional experience than I am used to. The relevance to my career and personal goals was unmatchable, as I hope to deal professionally with a global community. Immersing myself in the culture of the city and Danish life in general allowed me to fully appreciate the opportunity abroad.