Office of Study Abroad

Profile: Rachel Groth '19

Majors: Psychology

Study Abroad Program: DIS Copenhagen - European Clinical Psychology

Current Job/Graduate School/etc.: Masters in Social Work and Masters in Public Health — Dual Degree Student at Columbia University

Why did you originally choose to study abroad in Denmark? I was really interested in Denmark, and particularly their more socialist-oriented policies. I also was interested in the DIS program because they had a lot of wonderful course offerings.

What have you been up to since graduation? Before starting graduate school, I worked several jobs: as a psychiatric rehabilitation specialist at Advocates, a Serve the Moment Corps member with Repair the World, a teacher at Temple Shalom of Newton, and as a private tutor and nanny.

What lessons or skills did you learn from studying abroad that you still think about today or still impact you today on your current path? I was born and raised in New York and had only once left the country for a short trip before studying abroad. Studying abroad taught me that the world is big and diverse, which is a helpful reminder that possibilities for our future are endless.

One memory from abroad that still feels like it happened yesterday: Celebrating my 21st birthday with friends at a favorite bar in Copenhagen.

Your message to students thinking about studying abroad: I highly recommend studying abroad if you can. Stay present during your journey. Breathe deeply, feel your body existing in a new and unknown place, and absorb it.