Here We Go...

When I first visited UD, they raved about how they were the first University to start a study abroad program.  Little did I know they meant during Winter session, and that they lack full semester programs.  My number one requirement when applying to schools was the ability to study abroad a semester.  When I was told it would be nearly impossible as an Environmental Science major to study abroad, and that I should look into Winter session instead, I refused to take that as an answer.  That is just unacceptable in my book.  

I am not by any means diminishing Winter session.  I studied Human Geography and Conservation Global Issues this past Winter in Fiji, which was SO AWESOME and I highly recommend it to anyone who does not want to go abroad a full semester.  However, I did not feel fully immersed.  It seemed more like a long vacation with a close knit group of 26 people all from UD (with some work and class in between.)  I lacked the sense of independence and immersion I am looking for in a semester program. 

That's when I started researching and finally found DIS (Danish Institute for Study Abroad.)  The front cover of the catalog had pictures of exactly what I was looking for in a semester abroad.  I mean, people jumping, colorful houses on water, and bikes in front of windmills - yes please!

Most people I know at UD are from Delaware, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania, and live within a 2 hour radius from the campus.  Also, many of these people have never left or don't want to leave the country.  In my opinion, travel is the most important way to gain a new perspective on the world, pursue activities you would not be able to do at home, become more culturally aware, gain independence and maturity, form new relationships, and so much more.  The benefits are endless.

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" -St. Augustine

I guess I'm a little biased because I grew up with a family who traveled everywhere.  But these were not your typical "vacations."  No.  We meant business.  (But literally, we travelled for either my dad's business, dance competitions, or visiting family in Scotland.)  I've been to 26 states and 22 countries.  So traveling the world is just part of who I am.  My sister and I used to think everyone was born with a passport.  Anyway, I'm going on a sidetrack.  But seriously, people need to travel to step outside their comfort zones and see what it's actually like out there.  Reading textbooks and watching movies does not do it justice.  I cringe when I hear "I will travel some day, just not now, I don't have time."  I was recently told through an intensive Art of Living program something that will stay with me forever - "You always have time.  You have enough time in your life to do everything you want to do and more.  Life is long when you think about it.  It's not that you didn't have time, it's that you didn't make the time."  Truth.  I get too frazzled and have too much to talk about on this subject, so just read this quote.  It sums up what I'm trying to say:

Let the adventures begin July 23rd.  Denmark here I come!