Fian, a master’s student in Sustainable Art and Design at the University of Copenhagen

Hello! I’m Fian, a master’s student in Sustainable Art and Design at the University of Lapland. I had the incredible opportunity to participate in an exchange program at the University of Copenhagen from August 2024 to January 2025. While I’m not a travel junkie, I value immersing myself in new cultures and living like a local, which motivated me to study abroad. 

Why Copenhagen?

From the moment I was accepted into the University of Lapland, I knew I wanted to participate in the exchange program. After all, we’re just tiny humans living in a vast world, and for me, the chance to explore and immerse myself in different environments helps broaden my perspective on life.  I chose Copenhagen for its unique architecture and interesting public spaces and its cycling culture, which aligns perfectly with my architectural background and lifestyle.

Interesting Studies/ Courses I Choose

During my exchange, I was able to choose from a cross-faculty program. I took three courses (30 ECTS) that included lectures, group assignments, and presentations, culminating in either oral exams or essays. One standout course was an experimental class that broke away from traditional learning methods. We engaged in excursions, workshops with various artists, and collaborated with lecturers from diverse backgrounds.

One experience I’ll never forget was an excursion led by Nana Fransisca Schottländer. She explored the idea of rest as a form of resistance in unconventional public spaces. For this unique workshop, we were all given white jumpsuits and invited to rest in unexpected places around Refshalevej, Copenhagen. Lying on the ground in front of the Contemporary Copenhagen (CC) museum, we found ourselves part of an art piece that caught the attention of many passers-by. Unfortunately, as a participant, I was caught up in the moment and didn’t capture many photos myself. It was such an unforgettable and thought-provoking experience. You can find more about Nana’s work on her website or Instagram.

Skills & Competencies I Gain

As someone who identifies as an introvert, public speaking and presentations can be nerve-wracking for me. To my surprise, I had two oral exams as part of my exchange program. I was initially nervous about speaking in front of an audience, but the professors prepared us so well that I ended up performing better than expected. The experience of presenting and discussing my ideas in front of a group was something I never imagined I’d be comfortable doing, and I’m proud to say I earned good grades in both courses.

Although my introverted nature didn’t change during this journey, the global experience certainly helped me adapt to new environments more easily and forge meaningful connections with interesting people from different backgrounds.