Mikayla Shields, a Media and Communications (Marketing) Student at La Trobe University, recent spent a semester in Denmark as part of La Trobe’s Student Exchange program. This is her account of her time studying abroad.
Before I went on exchange, I was craving something more. I realised I’d spent most of my university life stuck in a routine that felt a little too comfortable. I was looking for a challenge – something that would force me out of my comfort zone and exchange seemed like the kind of experience I’d look back on and think, yeah, that changed me.
Finding myself outside my comfort zone
I landed in Copenhagen in the dead of winter – straight out of an Australian summer into freezing weather and 4pm sunsets. I didn’t speak a word of Danish (still barely do), I didn’t know anyone in the city, and to top it off I got the flu during my first week. But the hardest parts quickly passed after a week, and any doubts I had faded away. I started to fall in love with every part of the Danish lifestyle from cozy ‘hygge’ nights to morning cold dips and endless nights out celebrating just about anything.
Making new friends in a new culture
One of the most impactful parts of my exchange was assimilating into a new culture. My dorm was filled with exchange students which meant there was an instant sense of community, and within the first week I had already made friends for life. CBS also hosted countless events during the first few weeks including an international buffet, trivia night, canal tours, and semester kick-off parties, so there was always an opportunity to meet new people.
A semester that exceeded all my expectations
It’s fair to say, my semester at CBS changed me for the better. The university has a strong industry focus and the campus had a constant buzz of innovation – I was surrounded by students developing startups or pitching real-world solutions in class. I ended my semester in Copenhagen with a stronger sense of who I am, what I value, and how I want to shape my future.
Interested in studying abroad? Find out more about La Trobe University student exchange opportunities.