Core Course Week In Gothenburg

Hey Everyone!! Im currently on the train on my way back to Stockholm from Gothenburg, Sweden. I figured it would be a good experience to write about! For those of you who do not know what DIS Core Course Week is, it is essentially when you go on a short weekend trip somewhere that is located somewhat near you with your core course class. During this short weekend, you will most likely be focusing on specific themes that you have learned throughout class time, and engaging in activities that directly include these themes. For instance, our class theme this week was altruism and prosocial behavior! If you’d like to learn more about core course week here at DIS, click the link below! https://disabroad.org/stockholm/calendar/core-course-week/

As far as my trip goes, it was extremely short; however, we did so much and learned so much about our main theme this week, being altruistic behavior and prosocial behavior. I have many great things to say about this past weekend and many pictures to share, and this is because I not only learned more academically, but I also grew to be much closer to my classmates. We are now all connected on a much deeper level and I am extremely thankful for that! Being apart of DIS is not only a semester abroad, I am learning that you grow with your classmates, and make friends that will last a lifetime. The connections you make abroad are something special! Here are some photos below of my classmates and I!

My classmates and I have gotten to be so close and our experience in Gothenburg has only intensified our friendships!! Now on to a little bit about what we did in together on this trip. We engaged in many activities that are connected to positive psychology itself. For instance, one of my favorite activities was something called an “Acts of Kindness” Exercise. Essentially, we were all given about 120 SEK, which is $12.00 U.S., and we were told to go out and make a difference. My group decided to go to a children’s toy store, and we bought toys for two different little girls who were so excited about their new toy. Seeing the happiness on their faces truly brought joy into my soul. Being able to give to others is something that has been said to increase one’s overall well-being and happiness. Research studies have proven this time and time again.

Another activity we did was attend a seminar on positive body image. I was very connected to this seminar because many important themes were brought into focus. For instance, people today seem to only point out the negative aspects of their bodies that they do not like; however, by focusing on the positive aspects that you love about yourself, you work towards accepting yourself as you are. Today’s life is full of societal pressures that attempt to portray beauty in a certain way; however, all people are beautiful in their own way. I learned that your imperfections are what make you perfect, and they make you you. So why change anything about yourself? I truly loved the message that was being portrayed in this seminar, and I will continue to spread their message to others 🙂

Now, a little more on the scenery in Gothenburg, it is BEAUTIFUL!! There are cobbled streets everywhere, and cafe’s to get pastries at every corner. I specifically loved one of the main streets called “Haga”, where there was an amazing antique shop and many delicious resteraunts to eat at. The pictures below reflect just how beautiful Gothenburg is!!

Being given the opportunity to experience Gothenburg was an absolute blessing. I not only learned more about positive psychology, but also got to connect more with my peers which is something I told myself I wanted to do going into my study abroad semester. I wanted to make as many connections as possible and genuinely get to know others. I am happy to say that I now have many great friendships that I know will last even after I leave here. Being at DIS has been quite the journey already, full of ups and downs, and I can’t wait to experience more of it!

Until Next Time 🙂

Val