This summer, I had the privilege of studying abroad in Scandinavia! I lived in
Copenhagen, Denmark for a month, Stockholm, Sweden for 2 weeks, and Reykjavik, Iceland for
a week. I took courses related to the fields of criminal and legal psychology. The first course I
took was called The Psychology of Criminal Behavior, and the second course was Guilty or Not
Guilty? Psychology in the Courtroom.
My goal in my original BLI grant proposal was to broaden my global perspective,
examine psychological ideas through an international lens, and grow personally and
professionally as a leader. Through coursework, excursions, and daily life in these cities, I had
the chance to learn about Scandinavian culture, prison systems, rehabilitation programs, and
challenge myself to grow in my individuality.
There were definitely some challenges along the way… Living in unfamiliar cities where I
didn’t speak the language made tasks like navigating or shopping for groceries more complex.
Thankfully, most everyone spoke English and was happy to help if I needed it. I also went into
this program without knowing anyone, so I had to make a new circle of friends and build a
support system from scratch. I came out of this program with friendships that I can confidently
say will last a lifetime, and feel so grateful for these connections. Academically, I had to adjust to
new teaching styles and group work with students from different backgrounds, all with different
perspectives and expectations. I dealt with these challenges by staying flexible, asking
questions, and having open communication with my professors. Keeping an open and positive
mindset allowed me to navigate these challenges successfully and have an overall wonderful
experience while abroad. I tried to treat every obstacle as an opportunity to learn and grow, and
it certainly took me on some incredible adventures!
The leadership skills I feel most applied to my experience are Always Ask and Engage
the World. I led with curiosity by actively asking questions in class, listening to my classmates’
perspectives, and pushing myself to understand how other societies approach crime,
punishment, and mental health. This habit of questioning and listening helped me challenge my
own assumptions and think more critically about the topics covered in my courses. I immersed
myself in the local cultures and built connections with the people I met– both fellow students and
locals. I was able to fully experience each city I lived in, and conversations with professors,
peers, and community members encouraged me to reflect on myself, academics, and the world
in new ways.
Moving forward, I plan to apply these lessons to my academic work and future career. I
feel better prepared to lead with empathy, advocate for more equitable systems, and have more
confidence in myself to follow through on these goals. I also hope to share what I learned with
peers on campus, whether through discussions, student organizations, working with CGIS, or
future research projects. This experience was incredibly valuable for me, and I hope to share
what I learned and encourage others to push themselves out of their comfort zones.
