Chloe Grundy

I chose to study the BA (Hons) in Childhood & Youth Studies because of the wide range of modules it provides and the variety of career routes to explore. Another deciding factor was that during the second year it includes the opportunity to study abroad for six months, an option I would definitely recommend.

I spent six months at University College Absalon in Denmark. Alongside students from all over the world, I took the Aesthetic and Learning in Early Childhood Education module. This enabled me to visit various kindergartens and international schools to help understand the Danish approach to early years learning and the different ways of working with children.

Included in this was a three-week internship at the International School. I was able to put my learning into practice by working with kindergarten children, some with special educational needs, to create a performance for their proud parents.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience was amazing and helped me to decide upon a career working with disadvantaged children. It also broadened my horizons and made me a lot more confident and independent.

One big difference between the UK and Denmark was in the way you learn as a student. I was used to books and lectures, but at Absalon our teaching took place in a theatre and we learnt through group work and aesthetic education, which includes arts subjects like dance, music and drama

I have found the whole of my university experience to be very positive. The lecturers in particular have been great and always in touch, including when I was abroad, I never felt alone.