Hi! My name is Albertine and I will be studying in Denmark for the next six months! I am taking three courses at Aarhus University: ’Food and Culture’, ‘Battles over Symbols in Research, Politics, and Everyday Life’, and ‘Contemplative Life: Meditation and Mindfulness in Context, in Theory, and Practice’.

The courses are all very different, but that also brings a lot of variety. The course on meditation and mindfulness is very practical, so we do a lot of exercises in class focused on meditation and yoga. For ‘Battles over Symbols’, we have to do more in groups, and with ‘Food and Culture’, a field trip has been organized.

I initially preferred a warmer country, like Spain or Portugal. However, in those countries, it was necessary to speak Spanish or Portuguese to follow the lessons. Denmark was one of the countries where the courses were taught in English, which made it possible for me to study here. There are different buildings in Aarhus where classes can be held. There are also various canteens and other facilities you can use. My favorite part of the university is the University Park. When the weather is nice, it's used a lot by students who want to relax, exercise, or meet up with other students. There's a pleasant and informal atmosphere, which makes it easier to adjust to a new school system.

Life here is amazing. I decided to rent a room at Basecamp. This is a large building where almost only students live. Basecamp organizes activities every month, offers many facilities, and it's easy to meet new people. On Fridays and Saturdays, the city is buzzing, and especially when the weather is good, the terraces and cafes are full. But the people in Aarhus are also very focused on their health. You see a lot of people exercising outside or taking a 'Nordic dip' in the harbor.

I have twelve hours of class per week. I have various deadlines for each course to meet, but the main goal is to have a lot of fun. I’ve been in Aarhus for a month now and have already done and seen so many things. I have several planned trips, and the city has plenty of spots to explore. I can recommend studying abroad to everyone. It can feel very overwhelming beforehand, but I think it's good to step out of your comfort zone and discover what countries like Denmark have to offer!