Study Abroad Blog | Blogging From Abroad

11 May

So finally, after three months in Denmark…school has actually begun. Up until this point I have really had no real assignments. The instructors never took attendance at lectures and classes only lasted eight weeks. I’m still in the process of understanding the system and it’s a very very different one. Now, while all of my friends at home are finishing up their semesters and heading home, I’m just now beginning mine.

My grades this semester are based entirely on my final “take-home” exams. These consist of two twelve page papers and two seven page papers. In addition to that my biggest assignment is a fourty-five page group project. This is due in just a few weeks and so far I’ve written almost nothing. My group members and I have spent a total of over twenty hours in the library trying to brainstorm and get some ideas down on paper. Somehow it’s not coming together as we liked.

Clearly this study system was designed for someone with a lot of self-discipline, and honestly, after two months of no actual work, I’ve lost all the self-discipline I came into this with. It’s becoming very frustrating. Fortunately It think I may be starting to get some back. Now that the deadlines are approaching I’ve finally begun to buckle down, but it’s really been a challenge!

In the meantime there are lots of student activities to keep me very busy. This school has really done an excellent job of giving international students things to do in their spare time. Things like the weekly “International Night” at the student house, weekend trips to Sweden, and Erasmus trips around Denmark to historical sites and fun places like Legoland are very enjoyable.

So just to recap…I’m having a great time! Getting started was tough, but I’m really going to be upset to leave. There’s nothing like being part of an international student community. But there are lots more things to look forward to before it’s over!