My STEP Signature Project was with the DIS Study Abroad in Scandinavia program. For the first three weeks, I stayed in Copenhagen, Denmark, taking a course on Digital Media in Marketing. In the second session, I studied Guilty or Not Guilty? Psychology in the Courtroom, which included a one-week study tour in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Throughout this program, I gained a deeper understanding of cultural and moral differences. I observed that the United States handles political issues and views on marginalized groups, especially in terms of mental health, neurological disorders, and physical disabilities, quite differently compared to an international perspective. In Scandinavia, there seemed to be less urgency to accommodate customers. Disabilities were harder to accommodate due to city infrastructure, like cobblestone streets and lack of elevators or ramps. Hearing and mobility accommodations were also challenging to achieve. I also noticed that Americans seem more entitled to accommodations and quicker to argue for services, whereas in Denmark, Sweden, and Iceland, there was a more laid-back approach. My friend’s difficulty in finding safe food options for his Dairy and Tree Nut allergies in Denmark and Sweden highlighted this cultural difference.
As a nonbinary individual, I always experiment with my gender expression. In Iceland’s Sky Lagoon bathhouse, I decided to dress in the men’s room instead of the women’s room, feeling it would be a safe place to experiment due to my fear of transphobia in the United States. Despite receiving a few reports, the security personnel were respectful when I explained I was transgender. This experience was positive compared to what I might face in the U.S., where I believe the men’s room would be less comfortable. In Denmark and Sweden, people assumed my gender and pronouns based on appearance, but were accommodating once I clarified. Additionally, the LGBTQ+ clubs and bars provided a welcoming environment, allowing me to connect with other LGBTQ+ individuals.
During a side trip to Oslo, Norway, I met a performing artist with an international contract, inspiring me to pursue similar opportunities. I also spoke with a gay man about the rise of right-wing idealism in Norway, making this year’s pride celebrations more serious. These conversations broadened my understanding of queer experiences in different countries. I also got a tattoo from artists in each country I visited, learning about their backgrounds, economic hardships, and trauma from their home countries. This solidified my love for the arts and my desire to explore international performing opportunities.
This transformation is significant for my academic, personal, and professional goals. Meeting people from diverse backgrounds and learning about their experiences has deepened my empathy and cultural awareness, which are valuable in any field. My experiences in Scandinavia and my conversations with various individuals have inspired me to consider a career as an international performing artist. The connections I made and the stories I heard have fueled my passion for the arts and my desire to work internationally, allowing me to share my experiences and connect with audiences worldwide.
