When abroad, it is important to visit new places. Over the course of the semester, I visited Sweden, the Faroe Islands, the Netherlands, Hungary, Slovakia, and Portugal. I loved learning about each place’s history and finding what makes them all distinct. Amsterdam was a blast because I went with one of my classes. We met with professors at the University of Amsterdam, toured historic villages, visited the Rijksmuseum, and much more. This was such a fun and exciting opportunity to better connect with classmates. Visiting Hungary was just as special because I connected with my family ancestry, and even stayed in an old apartment building that was part of the former Jewish ghetto in Budapest. Learning about the Holocaust and Soviet persecution through a Hungarian lens was deeply impactful.

Another great part of my semester was having people visit me. First, my parents came to Copenhagen. I showed them around the city and introduced them to my host family. They were even able to watch my choir’s first performance. Then, we met my sister in Lisbon and learned about the rich history and culture together. One of my best friends from home also visited me in Copenhagen, and later, my sister and cousins visited. I loved showing them my new home and seeing Denmark through their eyes. I realized that the more visitors I got, the more Copenhagen felt like a permanent home. Coming back to the States, I find it important to have friends and family who can understand a bit of my experience abroad.

Most of all, I am grateful for my friends I met abroad. We might be spread across the world, but I am certain that we will keep in touch. One of my last nights in Denmark, I hosted other homestay friends at my house for a dinner. We cooked and played games together; a true Danish experience. I will miss having this home I can welcome people into, and being welcomed into theirs. The good thing is that I have a wonderful excuse to visit friends across the US and in other countries. My semester abroad has been my best yet. From the people to the classes to traveling, I have been able to explore a new culture, see more of the world, and make meaningful relationships. After living in a Danish home for 4 months, I hope to return and potentially even work in Europe. For anyone considering studying abroad, do it! You will not regret it.