Me in Gamla Stan, Stockholm
Author: Katrina Johnson | Major: Interior Architecture and Design | Semester: Summer 2023
This past summer, studying with DIS in Copenhagen was an incredible and enriching experience through a blend of academic and cultural experiences.
After doing some research, I chose to study through the DIS program in Copenhagen because of the great experiences that past students have had and its reputation for academic excellence. I found that this was an accurate description of the program at DIS and would have to add my own recommendation! I was able to take a full 7-week design studio while abroad and completed a project that I will be able to add to my design portfolio. This has given me experience for continuing my classes at the University of Arkansas and for applying for internships in the near future.
The instructors and curriculum at DIS are excellent! The professor that I had for the design studio was very knowledgeable (about both design and the city of Copenhagen), supportive, and made learning enjoyable. As part of the studio and the sketch journaling component, students were taken to many museums and historic landmarks that were both relevant to our studio project and were important cultural experiences to have while in Denmark.
One of the highlights of my DIS study abroad experience was going on the week-long study tour that is included in the program. The interior architecture studios were able to visit Sweden and Finland with a focus on landmarks in Stockholm and Helsinki. The tour consisted of visits to art museums, notable architectural sites, fun cultural experiences, and the opportunity see the landscapes of the different countries.
Seeing new and different things was a very important experience, however, more than anything, getting to know the other students in the program during this time was invaluable to my success in this program. I was able to develop a community of friends that supported each other during the final weeks of the program and made for a richer design experience. Also, having a group of friends during my summer abroad gave me resources and motivation to get out of my apartment and have more cultural experiences that I would have had otherwise.
I would definitely recommend this program to other students that are considering studying abroad! The DIS in Scandinavia program is so well rounded, diverse in content, and so much more than I was expecting. Specifically, if a student chooses to study in Copenhagen, I recommend renting a bike to explore the city with. Copenhagen experiences a lot of bicycle traffic, but don’t let that intimidate you! It doesn’t take long to learn their traffic rules and this city is made for experiencing by bike. It will give you so much freedom and will help you to see more of the city in a uniquely Scandinavian way! I also recommend the city’s excellent metro system for when it rains or for just whenever!
Most importantly, I recommend getting out of your personal comfort zone and trying new things as much as you can. Go to coffee shops, restaurants, bakeries, and historical sites! Talk to the locals, try new foods, and see new things! There is only so much time to have this experience and to “soak in” a new culture! Challenge yourself and make the most of your time abroad- you will not regret making the most of this experience.