Profile: Ben Maffa '21

Major/minor: English
Semester abroad: Fall 2019
Study Abroad Program: DIS/Copenhagen
Reason you chose this program: Heard great things about it from past students, safe city, English-speaking, good biking.
Favorite classes: Music Production, Sports Psychology
How did you incorporate your Brandeis areas of study into your abroad experience? I studied music production at the Royal Danish Academy of Music — something that Brandeis does not offer, so I was able to build comfort in multiple domains. I have been focused on hip-hop production since I was 13, but never got the chance to study it in an academic setting. The class at RDAM allowed me to invest time in my creative outlet, while also offering a unique environment to meet Danes and other European students passionate about music. I still keep in touch with my classmates and even collaborate on projects internationally!
Housing situation: Homestay
What are some parts of your identity that you thought about while considering study abroad that other students may want to talk to you about? I find myself as someone who needs peace and nature and Denmark offered a small, intimate city with a sturdy public transportation system which allowed for easy travel within the Denmark.
Best memory: Composing and performing at my music academy, which partnered with DIS.
Greatest challenge: Losing my backpack in the first week, maintaining social energy on group trips.
What you know now that you didn’t know before: The greatest gift in life is building new friendships.
Fact about Denmark that you think people would be surprised to learn: It rains everyday.
- First Steps
- Brandeis-Run Programs
- Approved Affiliated Programs
- Resources for Abroad
- Health, Wellness, and Safety
- Returning to Brandeis
- For Families
- For Faculty
- About Us
- Home
Contact Us
Gerstenzang 136, MS 073
Brandeis University
415 South Street
Waltham, MA 02453
781-736-3483
abroad@brandeis.edu
“I still keep in touch with my classmates and even collaborate on projects internationally!”
Ben Maffa '21