Pre-Departure Post #1

Hey all! (or whoever's actually reading this)

I decided to start a travel blog rather than create a huge, annoying e-mail chain; by using a blog, you guys can follow my adventures voluntarily instead of constantly get your inboxes flooded. Aren't I thoughtful? :)

Anyway! So this upcoming Fall semester (2009 - just in case some of you haven't fully recovered from the school year and can't think straight), I will be studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark! I know, I know.... FINALLY Danielle is going to Europe where she belongs! I sure talk about the continent enough. :P I will be studying abroad with an independent organization called the Danish Institute for Study Abroad or DIS. It's actually a North American organization so all of the academic programs are taught in English which can definitely be helpful when transitioning in a new environment. I am enrolled in the Medical Practice & Policy program (MPP) which is very similar to a college 'major' or academic department.

The MPP program was definitely my main attraction to DIS and studying abroad in Denmark. Rarely have I seen international programs for science majors/pre-meds - in fact, most curriculum centers around humanities, international politics, etc. Also, the MPP program is perfectly reflective of my interests! Throughout the 4 months, we will study medicine and healthcare from a European and practical perspective, travel to many many different areas in Europe, and visit some very important historical centers. Let's not forget to mention that I'll get to shadow doctors, volunteer, and study medicine more in-depth than they allow at an American undergrad university! Already excited.

The core course for my program (and mind you there are 11 other very different programs to choose from) is called "A Clinical Approach to Human, Health & Disease" or something like that. The first main obstacle for me so far has been to choose between study tours. Every program at DIS goes on a short study tour localized to specific places in Western Denmark as well as a long study tour (with each program you may have different options) to other interesting places in Europe. For MPP, I could choose between Berlin, Germany & Poznan, Poland OR Stockholm, Sweden & Tallinn, Estonia. Now, everyone who knows me well enough has probably guessed correctly. I was torn, however, because I really would like to visit every European city and experience it all. I ultimately chose Sweden & Estonia for several, unimportant, probably rather boring reasons....... but, I'm very happy.

Along with that course and its tours, I will be taking:

- The Impact of Epidemic Disease Upon European History (plaguessss haha)

- Biomedical Ethics (so excited for that one!)

- The Complexity of Cancer (jealous Westy?)

- Reading the City: Literary London (a 1 credit course in which we get to travel to London for 4 days and explore the city!)

I really love my schedule too. My earliest class is around 11:30am or sometimes 1pm, and I always end around 5pm. Not bad at all.

Other than classes, comes housing. I was REALLY indecisive on this one guys. DIS literally gives you 5-7 different options. I opted for a shared apartment in the city with other DIS students as my first choice, but made sure to sign up for a visiting Danish family so I can experience Danish culture firsthand as well. Here's to hoping I get what I want!

Well, this has turned out to be longer than I expected, but as a final note, this summer is going to be jampacked with volunteering, making as much money as possible (Copenhagen is so expensive....), researching Denmark to an absurd degree, and hanging out with my Houston friends. Oh, and hopefully I'll get to go to DC for a week to see my uni friends as well :)

Skaal! (Danish for "Cheers")

xoxo Danielle

If you want to learn more about DIS and where I'll be studying, visit: www.dis.dk :)