Hi Everyone,

My name is Elizabeth Dada and I am a Junior at Dickinson College. I am an Educational Studies & Sociology major. I will be studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark next semester, in the Spring, and I am very excited to embark on this journey!

As an Educational Studies and Sociology double major, I am fortunate enough to learn about various aspects of the education system and what it takes to be an effective educator.  I am aware of how intersections of race, gender, socioeconomic status and sexuality impact access to education and other institutions in the United States. I believe that studying abroad will enable me to expand that knowledge in a larger global context. I will be able to compare and contrast my experiences in the United States to Denmark and other Scandinavian countries. Not only will I gain a different perspective on education, but I will also be participating in the education system within Copenhagen. 

I plan to immerse myself in the new culture of Copenhagen by interacting with the people and spaces that I will encounter because I believe that we learn best through social interactions. I hope to bond with Danish natives that I meet, in addition to the group of students that I will be traveling with. When I arrive in Copenhagen, I plan on going on different adventures to places of historical significance, not just tourist destinations. I want to build a strong connection with people who grew up in this country and explore its riches. I want to get the full experience of exploring a different country and I hope to do so by immersing myself in the customs and culture of Denmark. Not only do I want to gain new perspectives from the culture of Denmark, but I also want to share mine. I want the people I encounter to learn about my experience as an immigrant of color in the United States.

I believe that studying in Copenhagen would prepare me for adult life. It would enable me to adapt to a different environment and teach me the importance of budgeting. It will also encourage me to be comfortable stepping outside of my comfort zone. Most importantly, it would enable me to meet people from diverse backgrounds and build long-term relationships with them. I am excited to study in Denmark because it would allow me to strengthen my global network and it is a rare opportunity to become a global citizen. 

Thank you so much for your support and donations as I embark on this journey!