Callie Stoltz ’26

My semester abroad in Copenhagen was one of the most impactful and unforgettable experiences of my life, shaping both my personal growth and global perspective. Thanks to the support of the Intercultural Enrichment Stipend, I was able to engage deeply with Danish culture – participating in meaningful activities that helped me develop a stronger appreciation for cultural diversity and my own place in a globalized world.

Danish Openness to Other Cultures

A particularly meaningful site for intercultural learning during my time in Copenhagen was Refshaleøen, a repurposed shipyard that now hosts Reffen, a dynamic street food market that brings together local Danish flavors with international cuisines in a setting that feels like a melting pot of global cultures. Creative architecture, sustainable design, and art installations, surrounded the diversity of the people, food, and cultural expressions that filled the space. 

Reffen showed me how culture can be shared through food, design, and communal gathering places. Reffen also gave me a greater appreciation for how Copenhagen embraces both local tradition and international influence. Trying Argentinian pepitos and Greek gyros alongside traditional Danish food not only introduced me to new flavors, but also reflected the Danes’ openness to different cultures and their embrace of diversity through food.

Danish Flavors and Values

Eager to engage with more Danish culinary traditions, I used part of my stipend to attend a cooking class at the Copenhagen Culinary School. The class focused on iconic national dishes such as frikadeller (meatballs) and rye based-bread smørrebrød. Preparing these meals from scratch under the guidance of a Danish chef allowed me to develop practical skills that I could personally utilize in the future and offered insight into the central role food plays in Danish identity. 

I also learned more about hygge, a Danish tradition focused on creating an atmosphere of coziness, comfort, and meaningful connection with others. This immersive experience deepened my cultural appreciation and highlighted how food can serve as a powerful medium for understanding values, traditions, and social norms.

Danish Music and Dance

Tivoli Gardens is a historic Copenhagen landmark that has been operating since 1843 and inspired Walt Disney in the creation of Disney World. In addition to being a tourism hot spot, Tivoli also serves as a museum of Danish cultural heritage. Its blend of traditional architecture, carefully maintained gardens, and thrilling entertainment showcases Denmark’s history and the development of its social customs. During my visit, I experienced cultural performances including traditional Danish folk music and dance, highlighting the park’s role in preserving and celebrating Danish artistic history.

I also had the opportunity to attend a contemporary ballet performance at the Copenhagen Opera House. The building itself is a beautiful example of Denmark’s investment in public access to the arts. The performance was not only entertaining but a powerful expression of culture and identity.

Danish Sauna Culture

By participating in a sauna and cold-plunge session at SaunaNor, a local Copenhagen wellness facility, I immersed myself in cultural rituals that I saw locals enjoying daily. Initially drawn by curiosity, I found that this practice extended beyond physical health, embodying a broader Nordic philosophy centered on balance, simplicity, and resilience.

Sitting quietly alongside locals before plunging into the freezing harbor fostered a unique sense of shared vulnerability and mutual respect. Through this experience, I learned how wellness in Denmark is intimately connected to community and nature. It challenged my comfort zone and allowed me to view health and self-care through a distinctly different cultural lens.

Biking Through Copenhagen

Biking is an essential part of daily life in Copenhagen and serves as a great way to take advantage of the city’s unique transportation infrastructure. Another enriching aspect of my time abroad was having a Donkey Republic bike membership. 

Riding through the city gave me a more intimate connection with the surrounding neighborhoods and made me feel like I was truly living as a local. It encouraged me to adopt sustainable habits and offered a different vantage point to experience the city. This strengthened both my environmental conscience and appreciation for thoughtful urban design, values at the core of Danish society that I learned throughout my studies at DIS.

Reflecting on Who You Are and Where You Are

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to connect with Danish culture in such a meaningful way. These experiences not only made my semester unforgettable, they also shaped the way I see the world and my place in it. I learned to welcome unfamiliar experiences, to find common ground with people from different backgrounds, and to seek connection through shared humanity. In returning from Copenhagen, I bring back not only new skills and knowledge but also a deeper sense of curiosity and openness. 

The Intercultural Enrichment Stipend allowed me to turn my interest in culture into real-world experiences that challenged and inspired me. From learning traditional recipes in a Danish cooking class, embracing wellness practices like sauna bathing, or exploring historic landmarks like Tivoli Gardens, each experience deepened my understanding of Danish values and everyday life. This semester truly broadened my worldview and offered insights I’ll carry with me in both my personal and professional life.