It’s almost Thanksgiving… in America. Here in Denmark, they obviously do not celebrate Thanksgiving, as it’s an American holiday. However, DIS has given us a “study break”, i.e. five days off from Wednesday-Sunday, which I’ve been told is supposed to be over Thanksgiving week, but for some reason or another, the break was a week early this year. So, what do students actually do over this “study break”?

I decided to travel to Greece with some girls who live in the same apartment complex as I do. The one place I really wanted to travel to while abroad was Greece, so we planned this trip almost the second week we were in Copenhagen. Hence, the anticipation to finally go and my excitement… until I realized finals were coming up, and I had a lot of work to do the next few weeks of school. However, I did not let this impact my trip, or my studies! Here’s how I managed to enjoy traveling while also not falling behind on my schoolwork.

The weekend before travel week, I did not travel anywhere. Some people decided to travel that weekend, but I thought it would be too stressful with schoolwork, so I stayed in Copenhagen and got ahead on my work. I kept up a good balance of socializing, working out, and doing my homework so I didn’t feel too overwhelmed by only studying. All the other girls I was traveling with to Greece left on an early flight Wednesday morning, but I had a late afternoon flight, so I used my Wednesday morning to get some more tasks done around the apartment (laundry, packing, exchanging money). I also returned my bike rental on Wednesday right before I left for the airport. I had such a sentimental last ride on my bike — I had really come to love my bike, even though the weather was cold and rainy almost every day. At the beginning of the semester, I thought I wouldn’t want to ride my bike when it got cold in November/December, so I only put down a deposit for a 3-month rental. I wish I had my bike for the whole time I was here, but I guess I am saving a bit of money now… except I think I might scooter around everywhere now! So, after my bike return, I finally got on my 3-hour flight to Greece. I utilized this time to get some work done, including writing a couple of papers, one for my prostitution class and one for my art class.

Exploring Athens: The Parthenon

The next day, we explored Athens, which included the Parthenon, and of course eating traditional Greek food (I ate a lot of Greek salads on this trip – minus the feta – which I’m not too upset about😋). We then took a short flight to Santorini, a small island off the coast of Greece. We stayed in Santorini the next two days. Can I say incredible. Although we went during off-season, it was still warm (60s!) and sunny, and everything was half-priced what it normally would be during peak season.

Santorini

We completed a 7 mile hike from Fira to Oira, which had some of the most stunning views I’ve ever seen. We also went to a black beach, and although it was chilly, I can’t say I was sad to lay comfortably on a beach for hours in late November. We then flew back to Athens, and from there home to Copenhagen. Again on the flight home, I started filling out a job application to be an editor of a newspaper back on Colorado College’s campus, as well as started writing this blog post! I also planned out my week, so that I  wouldn’t feel overwhelmed by tasks to do as the week wore on.

Amazing views from our hike — we even got to see the sunset!

Several things I am excited about this week include a DIS student media dinner and Thanksgiving! The student media dinner is for all the student bloggers and filmmakers that DIS sets up for us at the end of the semester as a little celebratory ending meal. Additionally, for Thanksgiving, I am going to my friend Alicia’s homestay to cook dinner for her family with several of our other friends!

A quick overview of my schedule for this week

Despite my busy schedule, planning out my week beforehand really helps me manage my time efficiently so that I don’t get stuck with too much work later in the week. I am so glad I took the trip to Greece for our “study break”, and do not think it was necessary for me to stay in Copenhagen to get ahead on my work. Simply planning ahead, knowing when your finals are due, and getting work done during down-time (such as on the plane or at the airport) can really help you feel less stressed and use your time well! However, everyone’s schedules are different, and I know people who did stay in Copenhagen during the “study break” and are very happy they had the time to get some work done. It is all a balance, and it is up to you to check your schedule to make sure you have enough time to get everything done yet also setting aside time to explore and have fun at the same time!!