I’ve always known I wanted to study abroad. My certainty was fairly predictable given my upbringing — my family hosted international students for my entire life. They came from India, the Netherlands, Japan, Cameroon, and Switzerland. They stayed for varying lengths of time, but each had a unique and vivid impact on me. They each changed my life, and each one reinforced more than the last that I would study abroad too.
21 years later, and I’m so excited for this semester. I’m excited to live in and learn from a culture completely different than my own. I’m excited to explore one of the most incredible cities in the world. I’m especially excited for the personal growth I know will come, so I’m coming in with three main goals:
- Build a relationship with my host family that lasts after I leave Copenhagen.
- Decide whether urban studies / urban planning are something I want to pursue long-term.
- Figure out if I’d like to work or do a graduate program abroad after finishing up my studies at Northwestern.
I wanted to make sure I had a clear picture of what I hope to learn about myself from this semester, so I spent some time clarifying those three goals. And they really, truly thrill me!
Every so often, though, I think about something I’m overlooking and get nervous. The questions range from big to small. Should I be taking the language barrier more seriously? What will I pack? What should I bring as a gift for my homestay family?
When those questions loom, I’m reassured by the certainty I still feel. Even in the face of forgotten luggage, daunting language barriers, and intimidating first impressions, I feel more confident than ever. That confidence assuages my fears and reminds me of what I’ve known since I enrolled: I’m in for the semester of my life.