Baylee Brown | Fall 2024
Hej! A big Danish greeting to everyone reading this!
My name is Baylee Brown, and I major in Psychology back home at the University of Tennessee. Here in Copenhagen, Denmark, I am studying the cognitive neuroscience of consciousness.
On my first day of class, my teacher talked to us about what exactly we would be studying this semester and how we would even study something as abstract as human consciousness. We are going to be learning theories on what scientists think consciousness encompasses and the effects of altered states of consciousness. The teacher of that class is a neuropsychologist, which is the career I am working towards, so I look forward to being mentored by her. All my other classes relate to psychology or neuroscience, and everyone here has a course called Danish Language and Culture that teaches all about this beautiful country we are in and how to get around it. So far, we have learned how to introduce ourselves in Danish and how Denmark was founded.
My program is called DIS, which stands for the Danish Institute for Study Abroad, and they have study abroad locations in Stockholm, Sweden, and of course Copenhagen, Denmark. I decided to come to Copenhagen because of the scenic nature and relaxed atmosphere. It is said that Danes are the happiest people in the world, and although they do not outwardly express their happiness like most, there is a sense of pride among the Danes that I have observed in just a few days that I have been here.
I live with a mix of DIS American students and Danish students studying at a nearby university. I live in an outdoor living and learning community (LLC). This means that I live in the same building with other DIS students who enjoy the outdoors. We have weekly outdoor activities and dinners together. Although they keep to themselves, the Danish students have been very helpful when I have asked for help.
I live about 30 minutes outside of the city which means I take a train to go to class every day. The public transport system here in Denmark is very convenient and easy to use, once you figure it out. Before I fully figured it out I did end up in some places that I did not intend, and although it was scary, it gave me a wonderful opportunity to explore the neighborhoods around the city. Nothing made me feel more like a tourist when I had to ask “Where is this train going?”. I have a much better understanding of the train now and enjoy the train rides to class. Copenhagen is so beautiful and I have loved enjoying the outdoors with my LLC. So far, we have played capture the flag at a local park and went kayaking through the city’s canals!
I cannot wait to update everyone on my adventures now that I have settled into my new home. Tak!