Zachary Gerdes DIS Spring 2010

Why did you choose to study at DIS in Copenhagen?

I chose this little Scandinavian country, exactly because it wasn’t the obvious choice, and because it is different. South Europe is obvious – all American students go there to study abroad – and London is just a British version of New York. On the other hand, I also wanted to go to a country where people speak English. That’s why I chose Copenhagen.

DIS does a great job of integrating cultural experience by providing you the safety and the comfort of the important American criteria in terms of academics.  You have a place.

What do you like most about Denmark?

I love “hygge” (Danish coziness)! It is time you actively seek together. A meal becomes the framework for enjoying each other’s company, instead of something you just have to consume before you move on to another place. It’s a little like that in the US. There is always an agenda that puts focus on what you are doing afterwards.

I also like that Denmark is intriguing, because it is totally opposite of the States.  It is small.  It is homogenous. In the US we pride ourselves on diversity and our hugeness.  The governments are totally different.  Here, I see a culture I would not be able to experience at any other point besides being here.  That’s been cool—to see the world flipped in that way.  I’ve heard a lot of Danes refer to it as a village.

What did you like most about Copenhagen?

I love the bikes, and environmental consciousness on a macro level, and the size of the city is perfect: It is small enough so that you can get to know every part of it, but it is big enough so you don’t feel like you’ve outgrown it.  Culturally, historically, there are a lot of very well-preserved things.  It is really cool to be part of a spot that doesn’t have sky scrapers downtown.  Everything is within walking distance. It is the right balance—you want to go see other parts of Europe because you can see all of Copenhagen while you’re here.