Studying abroad at HISA has been one of the best decisions of my life. I come from Denmark and go to school in Boston. I needed a breather from the stressful and competitive college life and HISA was perfect. The school is not like any other as it welcomed each student including myself into the lives of the caring family who runs it. I felt that the courses focused on my own creative process instead of test results and I loved seeing myself grow as an artist. I have an introverted and quiet personality so the small class sizes and caring teachers felt great. Who would have thought that school could be fun? It was important to me that I would not feel pressured to join any of the school trips and activities. This wish was met with understanding and I found myself gladly saying yes to almost all of them. I have learned a lot from these past months. I have become more confident not only as an artist but as a person. I am a better cook, dancer, student, listener, taster and creator. The people who I have met have been some of the most wonderful people, and I will forever cherish the friendships that I have made over the semester.

In addition, I wish to give a shout out to the women of the faculty who were clearly the glue of the school, who were always kind and passionate as my teachers and mentors.

I hope that many more future groups of students coming to HISA will have equally great adventures.