Never again will I complain about anything being too expensive in the United States.

When I left the U.S. on July 29 to study photojournalism for a semester at the Danish School of Journalism, I was definitely aware of the currency exchange rate. In my head, I was ecstatic that the American dollar at the time equaled 4.7 Danish Krone or DKK.

I had already read about the glorious 25 percent value-added tax on nearly everything purchased in Denmark. However, the reality of the concept didn't quite slap me in the face until I saw the cost of sustaining life in a European country in the midst of U.S. economic struggles for breath underneath the waters of recession.

Nevertheless, my mind hadn't been on sensory overload until I arrived in Copenhagen to wait on my flight to Aarhus. I was completely hyped up on the idea of being in Europe for the first time, but my body was struggling to stay upright. After spending approximately 12 uncomfortable hours on a plane, all I wanted to do was sleep.

A student from the Danish School of Journalism met me outside the train station in the city's center to show me around Aarhus and help get me adjusted. After weaving through the cobblestone streets and constantly yawning during our tour, I managed to keep myself conscious long enough to fall asleep at a decent local hour, which greatly eased the transition into a country five hours ahead of Knoxville, Tenn.

A few days after arriving, I've found that culture shock isn't justified in its name. This so-called culture shock crept up on me and twisted my mindset 180 degrees. Every time someone spoke to me in their native language, I simply froze up, looking incompetent, like a deer caught in headlights.

Granted, I have moments that I am taken aback by subtle differences between Danish and American culture, most of what I've felt is homesickness. On the other hand, it helps having a fellow Vol, Andrea Hall, in Denmark with me. Andrea will also write every other week on Tennessee Journalist.

The dreariness of the seemingly never-ending rain in Denmark gave us the perfect excuse to travel to Salzburg, Austria and Prague in the Czech Republic before our programs started on August 11.

While in Salzburg, we did what any person with even an ounce of love for "The Sound of Music" would do: We took the tour through the Salzburg countryside. Music from the movie filled the bus as nearly everyone sang along, creating a highly entertaining environment.

Andrea and I sat next to a very pleasant couple who clearly had forced their teenage son to come along. Rather than endure the maddening torture that was Julie Andrews, he simply listened to his iPod and waited for the pain to end.

After the long, hot and rickety train ride through the Czech Republic, we finally got to Prague. During our two-night stay, we toured the city and admired the architecture, including Prague Castle.

Though Salzburg and Prague were amazing, I was actually glad to get back to Aarhus and start classes. I needed to feel something constant, so I am currently formulating my routine.

Adapting to change isn't easy for some, but it's necessary. All I can do is live in the moment and enjoy every minute of it.