Velkommen to Denmark!

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Megan Buchar

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Megan Buchar

<i>"Hello" in your host country's language:</i> Hej! <i>Home Institution (your U.S. University/College):</i> The University of Texas at Austin <i>Expected graduation year:</i> 2022 <i>Destination city & country:</i> Copenhagen, Denmark <i>Program provider:</i> DIS Copenhagen <i>Major/minor:</i> Biology / Anthropology <i>Demographics:</i> Asian/Asian American, Caucasian/White, Multi-Racial, First-Generation College Student <i>Future career aspirations:</i> I hope to become a doctor that is able to make anyone of any background feel comfortable with my practice. Whether it be abroad, or domestic, I hope to create connections with people and learn from them. <i>Top 3 goals for your time abroad:</i> – Grow my passion in the field of medicine with the new European perspective I'll be given – Learn on Denmark's public systems and how they impact citizens – Take the time to myself to explore the unknown city and enjoy my time there!

First day in Copenhagen has been complete!

With the sun rising at about 4:35 AM and setting at 9:45 PM, it’s been super easy to make the most of the day. Just from my thirty minute walk to the downtown area from my program housing, it is undeniable how beautiful this city is! The mix of renaissance and modern architecture at every angle, along with the incorporation of as many natural elements as possible makes the commute to downtown easy for the eyes.

Through the DIS program, I was given the option to commute by public transit or bicycle. With Copenhagen being “the world’s best city for bicycling”, I had to pick commuting by bike. So, upon arrival to the downtown area, I went to pick up my bike and noticed the insane number of commuters by bike here. From every corner having bike parking to whole families getting around by bike attachments, it is safe to say if you do visit Copenhagen in the future for a long period of time, renting a bike is a vital experience (just be sure to read into biking etiquette)!

I was then able to stop by a little cafe prior to heading to my class for the day. For the first three weeks, I am taking Human Health and Disease: A Clinical Approach, which focuses on an overview of doctor-patient interaction, in-depth analysis of the organ systems, and practicing clinical procedures. With this class varying from 2-7 hours a day throughout the week, I am excited to see what all it entails along with what I explore in the area during downtime!

After class, I was able to bike home easily on the flat, paved, wide biking lanes, go to a local grocery store, and rest for the rest of the day while preparing for the following class.

Day 1 has already encased so much and I am super excited to see what the rest of my time here will hold!