The study abroad program I participated in was pretty intense. The program lasted three weeks, and we took a Level 400 chemical engineering course. This presented a challenge, as we wanted to make the most of our trip while also achieving success in the classroom. Fortunately, we were able to work out this challenge and come up with ways to succeed while also immersing ourselves in the experience.
The first method was to turn studying into an event. Rather than confining studies to our dorms or university library, we took our assignments to places like King’s Garden or a cafe near the university. Watching the lecture videos and/or reviewing notes while sipping coffee turned studying into an immersive cultural experience.
We also learned how to utilize effective study techniques. We maximized focus with methods like the Pomodoro method—study intensely for 25 minutes, then take a break. Combining this with the method above allows for a great experience as you can wander through a local market or grab a pastry from a bakery during the break. We also summarized lecture notes daily to prevent cramming, keeping our minds stress-free for absorbing Copenhagen.
We also did some planning before the program began. We familiarized ourselves with the schedule and identified key deadlines. We mapped out study sessions in advance so that we would not be studying last-minute, which also opened up more time to explore. We used tools like Google Calendar to visualize coursework alongside activities like visits to Tivoli Gardens or Nyhavn.
Overall, while the study abroad was rigorous academically, we successfully made the most of Copenhagen and really enjoyed our experience. The methods above really helped us maximize our experience.