Natalie Marek

Danish Institute for Study Abroad – Copenhagen, Denmark (summer 2013)

Hi! My name is Natalie Marek and I am currently a senior at Ramapo College! I am a History major with a minor in Psychology and a certification in Elementary and Middle School Education.  I spent six weeks during summer 2013 studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark.   A summer in Copenhagen is indescribable.  The days are long and the streets are filled with friendly people, bicycles, and music.  I took two courses while in Copenhagen, Stolen Childhoods and Prostitution and the Sex Trade.  Both courses focused on topics I never had the opportunity to study at Ramapo College.  The courses opened my mind to issues occurring globally including children rights, treatment of migrant and asylum seeking children, legal/illegal prostitution, and human trafficking. I even took a week-long field trip to Amsterdam for my prostitution and sex trade course; best field trip I have ever been on! Studying abroad opened my eyes to different cultures and taught me a lot about myself.   I learned how to read a map, navigate with trains/metros throughout the city, and communicate with those who do not have the same native tongue as myself.  Overall I became a more independent and knowledgeable individual. As a Global Roadrunner, I want to recommend students to step outside the bubble Ramapo resides in and discover what the world has to offer!