Educational Exchange Experiences

Reflecting on my overseas university adventure

A snapshot from my first time in Denmark.

“Travelling — it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”
― Ibn Battuta

This quote by Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta highlights the beauty of travel. Although metaphorically, I was more of a listener than a storyteller, the stars would soon align for me to go on the adventure of a lifetime, beginning my own transformative journey.

The Prelude

This story begins in 2022, when I was still studying at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). As part of my graduation requirements, I had to complete an “Overseas Experience”, which meant either participating in an online programme held by a foreign institution or physically taking a class overseas.

With many factors to consider, like the mode of teaching, country to visit, and programme to study, I found myself facing the paradox of choice. Eventually, I prioritised European institutions as I had never visited the continent. The excitement of venturing into uncharted territory ultimately led me to enrol at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH), where I studied the economic history of Europe.

However, my road to Denmark had a few obstacles. Despite experiencing a smooth application process to UCPH, I still had…