Aug. 14, 2007

Name: Lindsay Solar
Hometown: King of Prussia, PA
Graduation Year: 2008
Major(s): Business
Minor(s): Studio Art
Country of Study: Denmark
Institution or Program: DIS

Q: Everyone walks into a new situation with some preconceived notions about what's to come. Which of your preconceptions was the most accurate? Which was entirely inaccurate?

LS: The most accurate would probably be the expectation of meeting new people. The experience definitely taught me to be more talkative and open to meeting people with different ideas.

The most inaccurate would be the living situation. I didn't know what to expect, but was pleased to discover that my dorm building has a large community-feel to it.

Q: Describe the defining moment of your experience thus far.

LS: Watching the sunrise from an airplane over the Swiss Alps. It made me realize that I was having so many "once-in-a-lifetime" experiences! Seeing the Pope (less than 5 yards away) in front of the Colosseum on Good Friday was also pretty amazing.

Q: What difficulties have you encountered in your day-to-day life abroad? What strategies have you developed to overcome them?

LS: Having an academic mind-set. It's difficult to go to class when you're in such a gorgeous city with beautiful weather and lots to do. Strategy: buddy system, tell a friend that if she goes to class, you will too...it works sometimes. My program incorporated a lot of out of classroom, field studies, which made the academic component more fun.

Q: What one aspect of life in your country of study would you most like to bring back to the United States? Why?

LS: Hygge: the Danish word that means coziness and good conversation with good company. There is no worry about time and the enjoyment of being with friends and family is most important. This occurs mainly after dinner in the home when everyone lounges around and shares interesting conversation.

Q: What was the best and the worst of the local cuisine you have had so far?

LS: Frikadeller: really good Danish meatballs with delicious gravy and served with sweet fried onions. Chocolate sandwiches are tasty. Carlsberg beer is also delicious and locally brewed.

Worst: liver paste. They love it on sandwiches and it really is not good.

Q: What one place have you been in your country that others must see?

LS: Nyhavn. It's at the end of Stroget, which is the walking street through the center of Copenhagen. Nyhavn is located right on the harbor with lots of restaurants and cafes with outside bars and tables. Always busy and always a good time.

Q: How have you been received by the local population?

LS: Very warmly. I live in a dorm with lots of Danish students and have made friends with many of them. Danes are extremely friendly and very welcoming, probably the most of any country in Europe I have visited thus far.

Q: What do you miss most about life back on campus?

LS: Friends.

Q: Be honest, how much time do you spend a week instant messaging?

LS: Probably a good 6 hours. I have internet in my room, which is convenient.

Q: Have you played or have you seen any field hockey played over there? If so, what differences do you see in the local approach to the game?

LS: I have played, and Danes are not very good. It's not a popular sport at all and the guy's team is made up of mostly foreigners: Dutch or South African.

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