Student life – Fall 2020 UW Madison

Oct 13, 2020

My name is Rasmus Bang Katsnelson. I am a Danish/American citizen, born and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark. My mother is Danish and met my father through an exchange program back in the 80’s. My father is a Russian Jewish immigrant, who came to the US in the 70’s, where he ended up attending UW-Madison. Once my parents got married, they moved back to Denmark, where I was born.

Rasmus is a current Scan Design Intern at UW-Madison during Fall Term 2020.

What have you liked the most about Madison?

The classes, nature and the city are the things I am most happy about. There is a lot of structure with the classes, which has really helped me create an overview. In addition, the subjects I have chosen are super exciting. They are all very political, so it is interesting to hear American views on things like political science, poverty, Latin America and Africa. The city itself is very beautiful; there are many beautiful buildings and parks.

The scenery in Wisconsin is also amazing. I have hiked up Devil’s Lake, cycled by Monona- and Mendota Lake and been to the Olbrich botanical gardens.

What has been the best thing about your stay so far?

The best so far has been personal growth. I have always had problems with self-discipline, so removing myself from my social circles and giving myself space to explore things has been a gift. I have followed the teaching religiously, homework included, and I feel I have created some techniques I can bring with me home to Denmark. In addition, I have explored new hobbies. I have started climbing and playing the ukulele. All in all, it is a semester that is very different from what I had hoped for. This is not necessarily a bad thing. I am in the epicenter of the corona infection, in the midst of an unparalleled election and a movement for racial justice like never seen before. It's hard to be away from home and not have a safety net in your friends, or for that matter other international students, but it's educational and exciting and I would have made the same decision to go, even with the knowledge I have now.

Hilsen,
— Rasmus Bang Katsnelson

Learn more about Scan Design Foundation's partnership with the University of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin - Madison SDF Fellowship Program