Tag Archives: denmark

Letter to my Pre-departure Self

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Letter to my Pre-departure Self

By Sophie Torgerson

Dear Pre-Departure Self,

You probably have a million thoughts racing through your head as you prepare to embark on your study abroad journey.  If this is your first time abroad, you’re probably especially curious about what it’s like going to another country.  What do you pack?  How long is the flight?  What should you expect while being 5,000 miles away?  As you wonder all these things, I’d like to offer a few tips that I wish I’d have known prior to departing, to put my mind at ease.  

  • It’s normal to be nervous, but you should also be excited!  Whether you’re gone for 2 weeks or 5 months, it will seem like a long time to be away, but as soon as you’re over there, the time will fly by.  So have as much fun as you can!
  • You don’t need to pack your entire life in your suitcase.  While you may be nervous about forgetting something, or needing something you didn’t think to bring, also remember that every item you pack makes your suitcase just a little bit heavier.  Not only will you have to bring your luggage everywhere, but there are also strict luggage weight limits at the airport, so packing as light as possible can help you avoid unnecessary baggage fees and stress.  Also remember that almost everything you pack can be bought over in the country, in case you do forget something.  As long as you have your passport, phone, and wallet, you should be all set!
  • Bring a journal, and actually use it!  One day, you will tell all these stories to friends and family, so logging your days can help you remember them better.  It also makes for a good keepsake for you to look back at when you’re missing your trip – and trust me, you will.
  • There will be obstacles along the way, but everything will work out.  No matter what that obstacle may be, you have so many resources for help when you study abroad through your college.  If you need anything, always reach out to your professor, local college, or study abroad team back home, and everyone will be happy and willing to help you.  
  • Lastly, keep in mind that you can’t prepare for everything that happens.  The best memories are unexpected, so don’t be afraid to try new things or meet new people.  If something doesn’t go as planned, it may lead you to a new experience that you’ll end up enjoying even more.

Travelling out of the country for the first time may seem scary, but it will be the best thing you ever do, and one day, you’ll be longing to go back.  Enjoy your journey abroad!

 

It’s normal to feel nervous about a new experience. We recommend for SCSU students to take advantage of all the support offered by the SCSU Center for Health and Wellness.

Hygge

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Hygge

Written by Sophie Torgerson

One of the coolest words that I learned while studying abroad in Denmark, is the word “hygge”.  “Hygge” (pronounced: hyoo·guh) is a Danish word that has no direct translation in English.  It’s a word that can be used as an adjective or noun, and can be described as a type of lifestyle or feeling that one experiences when they are happy or content.  It may be experienced while alone or while surrounded by others.  Many describe “hygge” as a feeling of coziness.  To them, “hygge” may be curling up by the fireplace while reading their favorite book, or baking some holiday treats with loved ones.  It may also be going to picnics with close friends, or having a nice, warm day at the beach.  “Hygge” can really be anything that brings you peace and happiness.  What it cannot be is spending the entire day staring at your phone, or not allowing yourself to take a break and relax doing something you love once in a while.  

Although most people in the United States don’t know or have never even heard the word “hygge”, I think it’s a fun and unique word to learn and start practicing.  In Denmark, many Danes would bring up “hygge” in conversation.  The word was also seen on many souvenirs, from t-shirts, to mugs, to keychains- you name it!  “Hygge” allows you to enjoy simple pleasures and get away from the busy and hectic world we live in sometimes, so it’s definitely something everyone should incorporate into their lives.  It doesn’t have to be anything expensive, only doing something you love, whatever that may be.  My trip to Denmark definitely allowed me to experience “hygge”.

How to See a City in a Day (and on a Budget)

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Sophie Torgerson

One of the things that has always been on my bucket list has been to travel to Europe.  I was ecstatic when I made the decision to study abroad in Denmark in June of 2019.  The majority of the trip would be spent in Aalborg, which is a smaller-sized city in the northern region of Denmark.  The last couple days would be spent in Copenhagen, the capital and largest city of Denmark.  The program was only three weeks, and although I was told we would have free time most evenings and weekends, I wasn’t expecting to have enough time to travel outside the country, although that was something I was interested in.  However, in our second week abroad, a few of my classmates were researching things to do for the weekend and came across a $39 round-trip ticket to London for the following Saturday.  I decided that I couldn’t let this incredible opportunity pass, as I wasn’t sure when the next time I would be in Europe would be, so a couple hours later, four of my classmates and I booked our flight.

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All photos courtesy of Sophie Torgerson

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