Office of Study Abroad

Profile: Ian Smith '23

Major/minor: Economics and Politics with an IGS minor

Year abroad: Brandeis in Copenhagen, Summer 2021

Reason you chose this program: Initially, I chose this program out of interest in the high level business and economics classes being offered, as well as due to the attractiveness of living in Denmark. With a little bit of hindsight, aside from the beauty of country, Denmark also proved to be an especially unique and compelling place to study economics.

Favorite classes: ECON 142B: Behavioral Economics.

How did your incorporate your Brandeis areas of study into your study abroad experience? My background in economics made understanding the material during the program particularly less difficult, and also enhanced what I was able to get out of the classes. My studies at Brandeis also helped me to approach my environment while staying in Denmark in a way that was more conducive to my area of study.

Housing situation: I stayed in a fully outfitted, three-bed, two-bath apartment with two roommates, as well as the rest of the members of the program who stayed in the same apartment complex.

What were some parts of your identity that you took into consideration while studying abroad and about which other students may want to talk to you? In particular, when considering whether to study abroad, I had to take into a great deal of consideration that I am partially blind.

Best memory: My favorite memory, or one of them, might have to be climbing to the top of a wind turbine on the beautiful rural island of Samsø.

Greatest challenge: Despite the high volume of English speakers, the biggest challenge at first had to be figuring out how to understand certain signs and other items in Danish. It is a steep learning curve, but once surpassed, it is smooth sailing from there on out.

What you know now that you didn’t know before:  I am now more convinced that everyone has the same great sense of humor if you try hard enough no matter where in the world you are.

Fact about Denmark that you think people would be surprised to learn: Denmark has consistently ranked as the happiest country in the world — with free health care, little to no political corruption, free primary and higher education, and a very generous work environment.