Yay for Study Abroad!

For me study abroad fits into Paideia in two main ways. First it continues the theme of stretching oneself, and maybe committing to something you might not otherwise do. Second, based on the program that Sue suggested for me on our first meeting studying abroad will provide me with an oppertunity in my field (psychology) that I wouldn't otherwise get. The oppertunity to take a number of remarkable classes about subjects in psychology that are not typically offered at SU.

When setting out to find a program for study abroad I had two main goals; to find an oppertunity in my field that I wouldn't otherwise get, and to see as many different places as possible in my time abroad. Now that the first of my goals has been met I am working on arrainging the second. Luckily, I will have the opertunity to travel a great deal within the program I have chosen, however I am also looking into ways of expanding my travel oppertunities on my own after the program ends and my summer break begins.

As an extremely curious and self-modivated learner there are a number of ways in which I expect my study abroad experience to be no different than my experience at SU. I expect that I will continue to research certain topics that interest me purely for the fun of it and to take every available oppertunity to visit museams, art gallaries, theatrical and musical productions, as well as cultural events. However, the main thing I hope to gain while studying abroad is a somewhat greater sence of independance and cofindance in my ability to adapt and produce quality work in an unfamiliar environment. I additionally hope to gain increased knowlage and proficienty in my field as I hope to gain from all my academic ventures.

I mainly expect my time in Copenhagen to build on and expand what I have learned at SU and to act as a building block for further learning when I return to SU.

The distance from my family and freinds is a bit of a concern for me that is compounded by the time difference. However I feel fairly confidant about the structure of the program and the dedication of the staff (something that I was aprehensive about previously). Another concern for me is the weather as I have every reason to expect that January in Denmark will be colder than a girl from Texas like me could ever imagine. I guess I'll just have to ask for a super warm coat the Christmas before I go.

At this point my plan for study abroad is to study abroad in the Spring of 2010 (the second semester of my junior year). I plan on studying in Copenhagen, Denmark through the Danish Intitute for Study Abroad (DIS). I plan to study in the Psychology track of the program and take 13-14 hours worth of classes. I am so excited and I can't wait to go!