Though studying abroad seems to be increasingly common for college students across the country, I've noticed that Copenhagen in particular is becoming quite the hotspot for study abroad programs. I knew people at several different schools that all studied abroad there this past spring semester. I was also fortunate enough to go on a study abroad trip to Denmark and Sweden in May that included a wonderful week in Copenhagen. Over two months after returning, I'm still amazed by the incredibly enriching experience I had there, and I now feel that Copenhagen is a must-see for anyone planning to study abroad.
1. Getting over your fear of biking in traffic
When I found out that we would be biking around the city for the week we'd be there, I admit that I was a little nervous since I hadn't really biked in about 10 years. However, I found the constant biking to be one of my favorite parts of the trip. Copenhagen's biking infrastructure is well-designed to make biking alongside cars a smooth and safe process, and I can honestly say that I was never really afraid of cars while in the bike lanes. That doesn't mean I'll start biking around Manhattan, but I'm definitely a more confident biker in general after this trip.
2. Interacting with locals that are actually excited to meet Americans
It was near this very spot, the "Kalvebod Waves" as they're known, that a group of us on the trip ran into a friendly group of Danish teenagers one night that seemed very excited to meet us. In general, I was really impressed with how every person we introduced ourselves to was excited and intrigued by the fact that we were American, and they all were curious about our lives back home. I appreciated this and would have loved the chance to spend a whole semester getting to know more Danish locals while in Copenhagen.
3. Visiting one of the oldest amusement parks in the world
Elizabeth Muratore
I, unfortunately, didn't get around to visiting Tivoli, the second oldest amusement park in the world, while I was in Copenhagen. However, had I been there for even a few more days, I surely would have jumped at the chance to stroll around this magical entertainment site that has delighted visitors for over 150 years. Even just peeking inside the Tivoli gates and seeing the lush greenery and rivers almost convinced me to cough up the (very expensive) entrance fee.
4. Enjoying gorgeous waterfront views pretty much anywhere in the city
Elizabeth Muratore
I've always been a fan of waterfront views, having grown up a five-minute drive from the north shore of Long Island, and Copenhagen's many canals make for beautiful waterfront views wherever you go. I was always delighted when we'd turn a corner and see yet another canal or coastal area that we hadn't previously come across. The water has always made me feel calm and at peace, and I imagine that even after studying abroad in Copenhagen for a whole semester, it would be nearly impossible to get sick of these views.
5. Learning about the fascinating history of Denmark by visiting a museum
Elizabeth Muratore
I went into my study abroad trip not knowing much about Danish history, and I figured that I should take advantage of Copenhagen's many museums and visit one to learn more. I only had about an hour to spend in the National Museum of Denmark one Saturday morning, but it was well worth my time. I learned about early Danish tribes, Danish culture during the 1600s and 1700s, and all about Danish royal life through the ages. Copenhagen, like most European cities, has been around for centuries, so while you're there it can be fun to learn a little history by visiting a museum (or two).
6. Stumbling upon palaces left and right as you stroll through the city
Elizabeth Muratore
Though it's great to carefully plan your time abroad in order to see everything you want to, it's also great to allow yourself some freedom to roam and explore the sights for yourself. I did this on several evenings with other students on the trip, and we had a lot of fun just walking around Copenhagen and strolling around different palace grounds. It was exciting for me to be able to walk right up to, and just inside, the gates of the Christianborg palace and realize that it was probably the closest I'd come to actual royalty.
7. Having easy access to traveling around Europe on the weekends
Elizabeth Muratore
Even though the bulk of our trip was spent in Copenhagen and Stockholm, we still managed to take a couple of side trips, such as a delightful day trip to Malmo on the southern tip of Sweden. Denmark may be pretty far north, but it's still not too far away to visit other nearby European countries, like Sweden, Germany, France, or wherever your heart desires. We only visited Denmark and Sweden, but if I were in Copenhagen for a whole semester I definitely would have checked a few more countries off of my "European bucket list."
8. Indulging in delicious Danish foods at as many meals as possible
Elizabeth Muratore
One thing I realized during my two weeks abroad is that they don't seem to eat much pasta in Denmark, which is my favorite food. However, I found myself loving every single meal I had while in Copenhagen. From the delicious potatoes and bread to the scrumptious fried fish-shrimp open-faced sandwiches, even normal foods seemed to taste even better than usual in Copenhagen. Perhaps it was just my "yay, I'm finally studying abroad!" excitement that added extra flavor to my food.
9. Becoming a semi-expert in the Danish language as you expertly say "tak" when appropriate
For anyone reading this who knows zero Danish, which is probably most of you, "tak" is Danish for "thank you." While we only got the briefest of crash courses in the Danish language while we were there, the main Danish word that stuck with me was "tak." At first, I was a little afraid to use it with actual Danish people in case I wasn't saying it right or had the wrong context, but by the end of the trip, I was "takking" away like the best of them. And I'm sure that if I were there for a whole semester, I would have retained more of the language.
10. Immersing yourself in a culture that thoroughly embraces sustainability
Elizabeth Muratore
Despite all of the other amazing aspects of my study abroad trip to Copenhagen, one of the things that's stuck with me the most since I returned is how the entire city, and country of Denmark, is unified under a commitment to sustainable practices. Seeing as climate change and the environment are very polarizing subjects in the U.S., it was fascinating to visit a place where everyone, even differing political parties, agrees that all businesses and citizens should have a sustainable mindset. Though many practices that are successful in Denmark would be difficult to translate to U.S. culture, it was still inspiring to see how Copenhagen has really become a model of sustainable success. I would have loved the chance to study abroad there for a whole semester and learn even more about sustainability in Copenhagen.
I hate to be one of those people that never shuts up about studying abroad once they return, but I really can't say enough about how amazing Copenhagen is. It's truly got everything: a rich history, admirable initiatives, amazing food, breathtaking views, a relaxed attitude, and so much more. I hope that I get the chance to return there in the future and show my loved ones exactly why Copenhagen completely captured my heart after just one week.
