This summer was an adventure in itself! My summer plans took me from Spain and Morocco to Berkeley, California where I spent the remainder of my summer studying at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. Although my adventure continues as I get ready to depart to Copenhagen in a few days, my experiences this summer have provided me with a fresh perspective that I will be taking with me as I prepare to spend the coming semester abroad. My time abroad over the summer, along with the time I spent at Berkeley, have both informed my expectations for Copenhagen and prepared me for a variety of experiences I will most definitely have living abroad.
Spain was filled with great food, great art, and an amazing combination of both modern and historic architecture. I spent time in the Museo Reina Sofía admiring art from across the ages, tried tapas restaurants of all varieties, and enjoyed the many markets that both Madrid and Barcelona had to offer. I was so impressed by the way Spanish cities emphasized their country’s literature and integrated these literary figures into their art, architecture, and daily conversation. My experience in Spain showed me the importance of art, food, and tradition in defining cultures. In preparing for Copenhagen, my experiences in Spain have inspired me to take classes in both Danish art and literature. Seeing the role these things have played in Spanish culture, I’ve been primed to recognize their influence in a Danish setting.
Visiting Marrakech in Morocco was a different traveling experience than any I’ve ever had. Although there are parts of Marrakech that cater exclusively to tourists, walking a few blocks outside of these pockets, it’s clear that Morocco is still a developing country dealing with third-world issues like poverty and hunger. My family and I spent a few days outside of the city in several rural Berber villages. In these villages we spent time with local families, asking them questions about their everyday life over glasses of mint tea. Even though I greatly enjoyed spending time in the developed parts of Marrakech, the most fulfilling part of my trip to Morocco was recognizing what lies beneath the immaculate hotels and incredible restaurants. At the end of the trip, it was my conversations with the local families that stuck with me the most. In going to Copenhagen, I now know to look beyond the surface, to adventure to places not swarming with tourists, and that engaging in thoughtful conversation is the best way to learn about what daily life is like.
My time at Berkeley was spent studying organizational behavior, marketing, and accounting. Although my days were spent in class, my experience at Berkeley was so memorable because of the friends I was able to make. In terms of academics, the subject matter gave me an international perspective and informed me of the degree to which business relies on the interconnectedness of our world. Studying in Copenhagen will add to the global perspective of my education and further inform me of the ways in which the modern world interacts on a global scale. However, the most important thing I took away from my time at Berkeley was, again, the friends I made through spending time with each other both in and outside of the classroom. It was truly the people that made the experience what it was. I’ve found in most instances that it is often the people met along the way that are the most lasting and memorable parts of travel. Thus, I’m looking forward to seeing how the many people I meet abroad affect and shape my experiences.
It’s hard to believe that I’m getting ready to spend an entire semester abroad. I’ve spent the last few months excitedly telling people about my plans for the fall, but the time has now finally come! Although I anticipate the challenges that come with moving to any new place, I’m looking forward to truly learning about Copenhagen and its people in a way that I have not been able to until now. Stay tuned!
