For Scripps students, off-campus programs offer incredible experiences. For three women studying in Denmark, it also was award-winning.
Last year, The Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS) awarded its Intercultural Leadership Award to Ariel Bloomer ’12, Alexa Kopelman ’13, and Alexis Barab ’13. Created in support of students actively working to immerse themselves in Danish society, the award is more than a letter of recommendation – it’s a badge of honor for the winners.
“The award felt like validation of my effort at immersion,” says Ariel. “Cultural immersion is a herculean feat; it takes time and dedication and can be exhausting. You must be willing to rearrange your priorities for a semester.”
Alexis agrees: “I made a conscious effort to make it my focus; I got involved in local Danish communities that shared my passions, worked at a local vegetable cooperative, and spent hours at the local farmers market near my house, chatting with the farmers and chefs.”
“I wanted to gain a deep understanding of my host country and its people; fully immersing myself in Danish society helped me do so,” adds Alexa.
All three students submitted their application to DIS for consideration; all were acknowledegd after accruing more than double the needed points to qualify. Some of Alexa’s points came from volunteering at a Kringlebakken – an after-school program for Danish teens – as an immersion activity. Ultimately, the job became as much about the cultural divide in Denmark as the language barrier between students. “We learned more about each other’s cultures and differences than any book could have taught us.”
Anders Uhrskov, director of DIS, believes taking an active role in one’s own experience and taking steps toward understanding the global landscape makes students an asset to both employers and their community. Neva Barker, director of off-campus study, is thrilled Scripps students are making the effort to think globally.
“I am very proud of Alexis, Ariel, and Alexa for earning this recognition,” says Barker. “When students make purposeful efforts as these three did, they are rewarded with one of the most desired outcomes of studying abroad – truly connecting with people in the host country.”
Ariel is hoping to return to Denmark after graduation with a job – “I’ve applied to DIS’ internship program to return to Copenhagen for 13 months as a program assistant!” – and Alexis is already en route to another semester abroad, this time in India.
“Scripps College provides students with the courage and tools to achieve their highest potential,” says Alexa. “It is no wonder so many Scripps students decide to spend four months in foreign territory and do so with confidence.”