Nicole Persad
Penny Stamps School of Art & Design
“Studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, was a very challenging experience- but also an incredibly rewarding one. I lived with a host family outside the city, which meant my daily commute (by bike/bus/walking/& train) could take anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half each way. 
Balancing school, travel, friendships, living in someone else’s home, and adjusting to a new culture wasn’t easy. From budgeting in one of the most expensive cities in the world, to getting used to lots of rain and only 6 hours of daylight, there were plenty of tough moments.
But despite all of the challenges and hard days, I wouldn’t trade my time abroad for anything.
Living with a host family pushed me far outside of my comfort zone, but it also gave me an incredible opportunity to connect deeply with Danish culture. My host parents became a huge part of my experience, and I made amazing friends from across the U.S. that I am still in contact with today. Studying abroad allowed me to become more independent and outgoing. My classes were interesting, with lots of learning happening outside of the classroom while exploring the city, visiting museums, and seeing things in real life.
One of my favorite academic experiences was a graphic design course that included trips to western Denmark and the Netherlands. Both trips were super fun and educational.
Studying abroad taught me just as much about myself and my own culture as it did about Denmark. It helped me grow personally, academically, and even professionally. And now my love for travel has expanded, and even though I am back in the States, all I want to do is get back out there and keep learning and exploring new places.
If you are reading this and thinking about studying abroad, I would recommend to anyone that if you can do it, then you should do it. 
If I could advise anyone about to go abroad, my biggest piece of advice would be to say yes. Do everything you possibly can, even if it makes you nervous, is intimidating, or even scary. Take advantage of your experience, get your money’s worth, learn and experience everything you possibly can. You won’t regret it. You will only regret not doing it. Living abroad taught me how to be comfortable with the uncomfortable — and how much growth happens when you are. My biggest growth came from stepping outside my comfort zone, and the memories I made will stay with me forever.
The most valuable things I brought home weren’t souvenirs but instead were friendships, family, personal growth, new skills, and a love of travel.”
