Expectations...

...I am always full of them. Most of the time they just end up making me disappointed, so I am trying very hard to begin this journey with realistic expectations. According to Anders Uhrskov, the director of my study abroad program,

"The success of your study abroad experience will be partly determined by your own efforts. Your assumptions of study abroad will very much influence your actual experience. It is important that you articulate your expectations by putting words and concepts to them. By articulating and adjusting your culturally-based expectations, you will be well on your way towards achieving intercultural competence."

I completely agree. Here are some of my expectations of the next four months of my life... I guess we'll find out later how realistic they actually were :-)

Academics: I am actually very excited for the classes I will be taking in Copenhagen. I am signed up for Danish Language and Culture, Public Health in Northern Europe, Health Economics and Health Policy in Europe, and Gender and Sexuality in Scandinavia. From the syllibi I have read, I expect the classes to be a lot more interactive than the classes at Iowa. For my public health class, we are taking a week long study tour to Finland! I have really become interested in public health lately, so I am hoping this semester will help me decide what in the world I am going to do for the rest of my life. Who knew senior year of college would come so quickly!?!?

Cultural Immersion: From what I have heard/read/been told, the Danes are not the most social people, so they are not the easiest group to get to know. However, another common thing I hear is that once you are friends with a Dane, they are your friend for life. Of course, that's just what I have heard. I am super duper excited to finally live within a different culture (I'm an anthropology nerd, ya know?)! That's one of the reasons I chose to live with a Danish roommate instead of in a dorm or with other Americans. As it turns out, my "Danish roommate" is actually American, but she has lived in Denmark for the past 8 years. So I am basically getting the best of both worlds, right? Hopefully she'll understand where I am coming from, but she has also had a lot of time to learn the customs of Danish culture as well. SUPS PERF! Oh, and I am also going to attend the cultural immersion fair and find something to get involved in while I am here!! Oh, and I signed up for the Wine Tasting Club (fun!!!!), Danish cooking classes (Danish meatballs, anyone?), and I am going to go rock climbing on the Swedish coast (Kevin laughed when I told him that one. Rude.)!

Traveling in Europe: I think this is the one thing I am really clueless about. I decided not to do the DIS tours because I don't want to be forced to do things and live by an itinerary. So during the two week travel break, I hope to find a few people to travel with and go wherever our hearts desire! People keep asking me which countries I want to see, and honestly, as long as I have other people to travel with, I will see whatever. I have never been to Europe, so everything is new and exciting! However, somewhere warm would be nice... Greece, perhaps?!

I hope to update my blog as much as possible, both for my record and because I know it will make Mom happy! :-)

My flight leaves tomorrow night from Chicago! Next time I will be saying Hello from Copenhagen!