Santa Clara University

Katherine Mathes '09

Peer Advisor: Workshop Series Co-coordinator

I chose to study abroad with DIS in Copenhagen, Denmark. I grew up with stories of my mom’s experiences studying in Florence and I had always assumed I would follow in her footsteps. Picking a relatively small program in a country where most people cannot find on a map was a leap of faith. I had no idea what to expect. I discovered that it would be cold, dark, rainy and cold, but the warmth of the homes that were opened up turned out to be better than any sunny Californian day.

I participated in the International Business and Economics program at DIS. Although the curriculum is very rigorous, it is also hands-on. The first week of the three week fall break took us to business visits around Europe to organizations such as DHL, Wimbledon, Stella Artois, and the European Commission. I spent the rest of my break in Paris and on a DIS coordinated trip to the forests of the Czech Republic for hiking, climbing and caving.

 My advice to anyone thinking of studying abroad is to take a chance – both on a place and with yourself. You may be surprised what you discover. My one regret? Not going for a full year – stay as long as you can.