When Steph Frasher packed up their life in Atlanta and flew across the Atlantic, they weren’t just starting a new degree - they were starting over.
“I’d always wanted to live abroad, and I was at a point in my life where I knew I needed to make a shift in my career path to open new doors for my future. I wanted something new, something that would lead to greater opportunities,” Steph says.
Now a first-semester Computer Science student at Aarhus University, Steph is settling into student life in Denmark - returning to academic studies, immersing themself in a new culture, and building a future far from home.
Steph didn’t take a traditional route into computer science. They already hold a bachelor’s degree in technical theatre, specialising in lighting programming for concerts and shows - a niche field they loved working in, but one with very few stable job prospects.
“Programming lights felt like a small taste of what real programming could be,” they say. “I loved the problem-solving part - figuring out why something didn’t work and learning how to fix it.”
That experience made them realise they wanted a deeper technical skillset.
“I needed something more versatile. Something that mixed creativity with logic and could open more doors professionally.”
Computer science quickly stood out as both intellectually appealing and practical - a degree that could give them long-term flexibility and allow them to work anywhere in the world.
Only after being accepted did they discover IT Product Development, which also could have been a great fit for them.
“I didn’t know about IT Product Development at first,” they say. “But once I arrived, I realised it connects perfectly with what I used to do in theatre. I cannot switch programme now, but I’m really interested in taking electives.”
For students curious about blending design, technology and creativity, they see it as an exciting possibility.
“It seems like the perfect mix of hands-on tech and creativity. I’m definitely considering the master’s programme in that direction.”
Despite their background in lighting technology, Steph arrived at Aarhus University with no formal programming experience.
“You learn everything from scratch here, but it has been a steep learning curve,” they admit. “I did a lot of extra work outside class to keep up.”
But instead of discouraging them, the challenge motivated them. Their favourite course so far is Introduction to Programming.
“I learn best by doing. Programming fits that perfectly. You open your editor, try something, break it, fix it, and suddenly it works. That feeling is so satisfying.”
Their study group has also played a big role in their progress.
“One person in our group already knew Java very well. He’s been incredibly patient with the rest of us, helping us understand the basics and showing us where we’ve gone wrong. It makes everything feel manageable.”
One of the biggest surprises for Steph has been the atmosphere in the classroom. Compared to their studies in the United States, they find the Danish approach far more open, informal and supportive.
“In the States, lectures cover everything step by step. Here, lectures give you the big ideas, and then you really learn the details afterwards.”
They explain that the learning process feels more layered and collaborative. The lectures provide an overview, but the real understanding forms when they tackle exercises on their own, talk through problems with their study group, and attend the TA (teaching assistant) sessions, which they describe as “the most helpful part of the whole structure”.
“I like that you’re encouraged to figure things out rather than just being given the answer. The TA sessions especially are such a nice bridge between theory and practice. You get to talk through your mistakes, understand why something didn’t work, and actually learn from it.”
What also stands out is how approachable everyone is.
“You can ask anything.The teachers and TAs really want you to understand the reasoning behind things. They treat you like an equal, and you never feel embarrassed for getting something wrong.”
This supportive culture has made the transition to computer science - and to programming - much less intimidating.
“You’re not doing it alone. You have the staff, your study group, and your classmates. It makes such a difference, especially when everything is new.”
Moving abroad had been on Steph’s mind for years, but it took a combination of timing, motivation and a little coincidence to bring them to Aarhus.
They applied to universities in the Netherlands, Japan and Denmark. Aarhus University was one of the institutions that matched their criteria.
“It ended up being the perfect place for me. The housing situation here is much easier than in the Netherlands, the tuition fees are surprisingly affordable compared to American universities, and Denmark just felt right.”
When they later discovered they were joining the very first cohort of international Computer Science students at Aarhus, they were pleasantly surprised.
“I didn’t expect to get into such a small programme. It feels special to be part of the first group.”
Although Steph quickly found friends in their programme, settling into life outside the university took a little longer.
“As an international student, it can feel isolating at first. Especially when you’re adjusting to a new country, new routines and, in my case, a remote job.”
Steph works 20 hours per week for a lighting company in the United States, which they continued remotely after moving to Denmark. The flexibility is ideal, but the evening hours limit the ability to join weekday student events.
To create balance, they sought out a second community - and found it in a local dance studio.
“I’m a dancer back home, so finding a studio here has made a world of difference. It gives me a break from studying and helps me recharge. I actually study better now that I have something outside the university.”
They’ve also enjoyed joining department events and took part in the student trip to “the sky mountain” - a Danish inside joke they now share.
Steph lives alone in an apartment in Tilst. For them finding housing was stressful, but ultimately successful.
“The hardest part was that many landlords wanted to meet me in person. But I found a place before arrival — and after I moved here, I actually received several offers from student housing. So, in the end, it worked out.”
Day-to-day life in Denmark has come with a few unexpected challenges - mostly small cultural differences.
“It’s the little things you don’t think about. Someone speaking Danish at the supermarket or realising you need an app to get on the bus. There’s nothing big, just lots of small things to learn.”
One thing they embraced immediately? Cycling!
“Get a bike. Seriously,” Steph says laughing. “It’s faster than the bus, cheaper, and gives you complete freedom. Even the big hill from Tilst is worth it.”
Although they have only just begun their bachelor’s, Steph already sees several paths ahead. A master’s degree is high on the list.
“I’m very open to continuing. I’m especially interested in switching into something more focused on IT Product Development or design later on.”
Steph is also excited about the idea of studying abroad again - this time through AU’s exchange options. Singapore and Japan are at the top of the wishlist.
And as for staying in Denmark? “I’m much happier here than I think I would be in the States. That’s the scale I’m using right now.”
