Where did you study abroad?
I studied in Copenhagen, Denmark. It had a great variety of classes, I thought it would be a cool city, and I knew they spoke English as well as Danish.
Had you been out of the country before and did you speak the local language?
Yes, I had been out of the country before this trip and no, I don’t speak the local language.
Did you plan anything ahead of time?
Allergy cards were the biggest life changer! I recommend getting them for every city.
What are your best tips for studying abroad with food allergies?
Speak up because everyone is willing to help you! I didn’t use my Danish allergy card once—everyone was so accommodating and every single person was fluent in English because they learn it from a young age. Don’t be too nervous, just be aware and careful and enjoy your time there! Best city ever!
Did you have any concerns about traveling with food allergies?
Yes I was very nervous. It was comforting knowing that Danish people speak good English and that there wasn’t just one type of food (like Mediterranean in Israel) Once I arrived and saw how accommodating everyone was, my fears went away!
What airline did you fly? How did you handle accommodations and airplane food?
I flew Scandinavian Airlines/SAS. I never feel comfortable eating the plane food so I brought dinner and got snacks in the airport!
Where did you live and how were meals handled?
I lived in a dorm and was able to get a single room near my friend who knew how to administer my EpiPen! I bought my own food at the grocery store and had my own set of pots and pans in the kitchen because many of my floor mates cooked with my allergens.
What were your 3 favorite places to eat in Copenhagen?
Sticks’n’Sushi Tivoli Haven: LOVE this place! They are so accommodating and modified my dishes to eliminate sesame! Not only do they have amazing sushi, but the sticks are amazing, too, so even people with fish allergies can eat here. 10/10 recommend!
Bæst: Soooo amazing! Knowledgeable about allergens and willing to accommodate. The pizza is too amazing!
Grød: One of my favorite places in Copenhagen! It’s make-your-own oatmeal. I love the caramel sauce, berries, and apples! They do have nuts, but will make your bowl in a clean area away from any allergens.
Is there any food your study abroad location is known for that you were able to have safely?
The oatmeal at Grød was my favorite local find! It’s amazing.
What other places did you visit during your trip?
I visited Aarhus, Barcelona, Budapest, Edinburgh, London, Madrid, Mallorca, Malmo, Milan, Munich, Prague, and Vienna. I found some great safe restaurants on my trips—my favorites were Ten Con Ten in Madrid, Chiltern Firehouse in London, Spontini Pizza in Milan, and Impero Romano in Amsterdam.
Besides the food, were there any fun experiences or favorite things you did?
So many! I loved visiting Tivoli (go after Sticks’n’Sushi!) and Nyhavn, shopping on Stroget, exploring the hipster neighborhood Norrebro, seeing the changing of the guards at 12 PM, and touring castles.
