ONEONTA, N.Y. - SUNY Oneonta women's soccer rising senior Leighann Perciballi (Northport, NY/Kings Park) studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, over the summer and shared her experience with Red Dragons Athletics. Perciballi is an Early Childhood Education major and read along to see her highlights and photos from the trip.

Where did you go on your study abroad trip, and can you describe your trip?
For my study abroad trip this summer, I studied in Copenhagen, Denmark. This was my first time traveling to Europe, and I would return in a heartbeat. I learned a lot about the Danish school system and Danish culture. A fun fact about Copenhagen is that it's the world's most bicycle-friendly capital, and most Danes own a bike as their form of transportation. I got to be a part of their culture and bike to and from class daily while enjoying the city! Overall, this trip was one of the best times of my life!

Describe your most memorable experience(s).
This journey gave me many amazing, memorable experiences, but I can't pinpoint my favorite one; there are too many! I was so grateful to have made the best of friends abroad and experienced these memories with them! When I was abroad, I saw four European countries; it was fantastic to see how different cultures vary.
 

Do you recommend students and student-athletes study abroad? Is it difficult to study abroad as a student-athlete?
I 100% recommend students and student-athletes to study abroad. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you learn so much about yourself, others, and a new country. I personally did not think it was difficult to study abroad as a student-athlete. I did a three-week summer program, and while I was abroad, I would go on long runs to explore the city, and I biked to and from class each day. 

What classes did you take, and what did you learn while you were there?
I took a three-credit course, Children with Special Needs, in my three weeks there. I learned about the Danish school system, inclusion in schools, different disabilities, equality and equity in schools, and classroom management.

Any interesting/funny stories from your time there? 
Something interesting about my experience was that I went on this study abroad experience completely solo, did not know anyone going into this, and left with the best of friends with whom I got to share these fantastic memories. We still keep in close contact with each other and are planning to meet again!
 

For information about the SUNY Oneonta study abroad program, click here.