Spring 2022 Communication Sciences and Disorders graduate Briana Green knew that UNC Greensboro was the best school for her because of her passion to have a career as an audiologist (AuD), servicing the geriatric population, specializing in tinnitus patients.

She knew she would gain valuable knowledge and skills in UNCG’s award-winning speech pathology and audiology program. But she didn’t know she would have the opportunity to step out of her comfort zone and be immersed in a completely different culture.

Green was a Lloyd International Honors College student, and studying abroad is one of the requirements of the program. She was interested in studying at an international institution where she could expand her knowledge of audiology and explore the field from a new cultural perspective. The University of Southern Denmark, located in the third-largest city in Denmark, Odense, fit the bill.  They allowed her to take several audiology classes and obtain an internship.

During her time in Denmark, Green was able to speak English without having to learn an additional language. But she had to adjust to a difference in class structure – every three weeks she started a new course. One advantage was that this allowed her to focus more on that one class and learn more.

Green lived in a dorm-style hall with other international students. She fostered friendships with people from all over the world, and maintains those connections today. In her free time, she completed school work in one of the university’s study halls.

When Green felt adventurous, she went sight-seeing, exploring the beautiful hillsides and rivers by bike.

Green’s advisor at the University of Southern Denmark, Ditte Salling, played an influential role in her experience. Salling answered all her questions and introduced her to an internship opportunity at a large hearing aid production company, the Oticon Headquarters in Smørum, Egedal, Denmark. The company researched exclusive hearing aid technology and patient satisfaction.

Green also gives special thanks to Dr. Denise Tucker, a UNCG professor of audiology who inspired her to attend the University of Southern Denmark.

Green’s greatest takeaway from her experience? To try new things.

This has been one of the best experiences of my life, and it’s just the beginning of my journey.

Green plans to continue traveling and working abroad as an audiologist. She wants other students who are interested in traveling abroad to know that you don’t have to have a plan, just an idea.

Written By: Tynashia Whitaker, with contributions from Alexandra McQueen.