CIEE January in Copenhagen

Dreary, dark, and gloomy were the first things that came to mind when I imagined Copenhagen, Denmark in January. Although the temperatures did not get very warm, Danish Hygge and lots of baked goods made my J-term abroad a wonderful experience. The food was consistently delicious, I did not have one bad meal in Copenhagen. There are a wide variety of bar scenes, so everyone can find a spot to unwind that suits their 'vibe.' Additionally, it is an extremely safe place to visit, and one can travel independently without fear, even in the early hours of the morning. There is shopping galore, from big name-brand stores like Magasin Du Nord to grungy thrift stores like Episode -- and most offer either a student discount, or a foreign discount with a passport. There is a photo op at every corner, but especially in the iconic Nyhavn, which is also home to a plethora of fine dining. Arts and culture are also abundant in Copenhagen. Most museums offer a student discount with a student ID, and are a great place to ride out foul weather while also learning more about the culture of the country. There are also opportunities to attend theatre and opera showcases. I attended two operas during my month in Copenhagen, and was charmed by the architecture and the stage craftsmanship. It is a great spot to visit if you are an introverted individual, as the Danish culture is not very 'chatty' – nobody is going to initiate small talk with you. However, I found that if I asked a question, they were willing to answer it and give me recommendations. Overall, I enjoyed my time, but I do wish that I had more of an opportunity to meet local people who were not involved with the CIEE program.