 Well, hello there everyone =) I must apologize for not updating
my journal sooner, but if only you knew how busy and occupied I have been, you
would certainly understand. So to compensate, I’m going to do my best to fill
you in with everything that I have gone through in the last 8 weeks. We can just
call this the “crash course” of an exchange student in Denmark, ja? Okay well to
begin, I think I’ll show off my Danish speaking skills and give you my
introduction I have memorized quite well…
“Hej alle, Jeg hedder Angel Lee Jones, og jeg kommer
fra Florida i USA. Jeg er sytten og min fødselsdag er 27. martz. Jeg kom til
Danmark tredje august og jeg elsker det nu. Jeg bor i lille byen af
Svendborg på Fyn. Min familie i USA er min far og mor og mig og tre hunder.
Jeg savner dem meget men jeg har mange sjovt her. Jeg kan godt lile at stege
og at tage billeder og at gøre kunst og at være med venner. Jeg elsker min
familie og bedste venner og Danmark! Jeg hader mennesker hvem smiler ikke og
edderkopper. Mest af alt jeg elsker min liv!”
Okay, okay, now that I’m done showing off, I will
translate all of it for you…
“Hey everyone, my name is Angel Lee Jones, and I come from
Florida in USA. I am seventeen years old and my birthday is March 27th. I
came to Denmark the third of August and I love it now. I live in the little
city of Svendborg on Fyn. My family in the USA is my dad and mom, me and
three dogs. I miss them a lot but I am having a lot of fun here. I like to
cook, to take pictures and make art, and to be with friends. I love my
family and best friends and Denmark! I hate people who don’t smile and
spiders. Most of all I love my life!”
And that is me folks, in Danish! So, as you can see, I
haven’t just spent the last two months making tons of friends, feasting on
wonderful food, and having an amazing time all the time. Although I have
done all of that, I think I have learned a lot as well. I have decided to
split this journal entry into sections, making it well organized, better to
understand, and easier for me to write and remember. So first up, I’ll go
over the basics of my exchange so far; including Denmark in general, family
life, school, language, fashion, cultural differences, problems I’ve faced,
life back home, and highlights of my exchange scattered throughout. Let’s
get started shall we?
Denmark in General “Danmark i generelt”
Denmark in general is a glorious, gorgeous, greatly under
looked country. It seems that every picture I take of every place I go is
postcard perfect. Everyone I meet is friendly and welcoming. I feel that the
Danish people in general, are very accepting. Those who I have met are all
very interested in me and my exchange.
It is quite easy to get around in Denmark. It being a
fairly small country, almost everything is accessible by train or bus. The
currency is in kroner, with the exchange rate being about 5 kroner to every
1 US dollar, roughly. The climate has been relatively nice. When I first
arrived in August, it was the latter part of summer, so most days were warm
and cool in the evenings. With fall now setting in, the days are much
cooler, and very windy. In Denmark it does not rain, at least not like back
home. It mists; just enough to mess up your hair and your shoes. I have yet
to see a thunderstorm. It rains, and winds gust as if in a hurricane, but
yet no thunder. I have been told from now on most days will be overcast,
cold, windy and rainy. Wonderful I think, but then again it can be wonderful
if I’m home and cuddled up with a blanket and hot coffee. I am looking
forward to the holidays. Most Danes are relatively modern, not many go to
church other than baptisms, confirmations, or Christmas. But those
traditions they do have, they adhere strictly to them. With Danes, once you
have been accepted, you’re not like family, you are family.
Denmark is composed of a lot of countryside, with
scattered cities throughout. My city of Svendborg is one of the largest of
the smaller cities. Its population is around 35,000 people. Everything is
conveniently close, and available. The downtown is pretty good size, but can
still be covered on foot. We have a train station, harbor, library, several
schools, tons of cute shops and boutiques, as well as chain brand stores, a
McDonalds, handful of bars and clubs, great pizza shops, grocery and
department stores, and just about anything else you could need or want. I
really enjoy my town. It’s not too big or too small, kind of like the
Goldilocks story, “just right.”
Family Life “Familie Liv”
As you may or may not know, I will be living with four
different families over the course of my exchange. I think this is to better
one’s exchange by giving the chance of adapting, learning, and growing with
different kinds of families, who live in different places, have different
views, and essentially lead different lives. In essence, this idea is
ingenious. It not only benefits the exchange student, but also the families.
In the end, more people are touched and experience the wonders of an
exchange.
It is my first host family who I am living with now. They
are wonderful people who I absolutely adore. There is a father, mother,
sixteen year old daughter, and one fat cat whom I have named Mr. Kitty. They
also have three older sons, who are in their twenties and live elsewhere in
Denmark. We live on a farm with pigs, chickens and two ponies. It's nice
living on a farm, for it has been ages since my own family has had farm
animals. However, I could do without the strong stench of swine first thing
in the morning when walking to the bus. My host mom, Helle, works in a
fabulous purse boutique in the city, while my host dad, Hans, spends most of
his time harvesting or with the pigs. My host sister, Signe, is a darling of
a host sister. We got along famously right away and now we are the best of
friends. She actually spent a year in Canada on exchange last year, so is
fluent in English and familiar with all the North American amenities that
Denmark doesn’t offer. While living here, I have given her some cooking
lessons in exchange for Danish lessons. I make dinner for my host family
every Wednesday, which they really love. May I suggest that to any other
exchange students, for it is a sure way to win the heart of your host mum!
As far as family life goes, we pretty much go about as a
normal Danish family would. It’s as if I’m not an exchange student or
stranger at all, but instead I’m a real member of the family. It’s a
fantastic feeling, one that I don’t feel will ever end, and one I can only
thank my exchange for. At night, we all watch television together, drink
tea, and eat cake. It’s is the essence of “hyggelig,” the Danish term
which can not be directly translated, but means warm, cozy, good-feeling.
I have already met two of my other host families. Both of
which seem great, and I don’t think I will have any problems becoming just
as close with. They too, have host siblings who I go to school with. All
speak English if necessary, but I encourage them to speak Danish to me. So,
in general, my family life is great, and I can only look forward for more to
come.
School “Skole”
I must admit, I never expected to enjoy school so much,
especially when I don’t understand half of what is being said. However, I
really am enjoying school and I absolutely love my class. In Denmark, the
school system is quite different. First off, there is no “high school.”
There are Gymnasiums, Efter skoles, Business skoles, and Technical skoles.
Gymnasiums are the ones most similar to that of a normal high school. It is
average curriculum with multi-subject courses offered. It is a three year
program and is public. Efter skoles are usually attended before going on to
a Gymnasium or further education. It is a type of boarding school where you
live on campus with other kids your age in dorm-like residence. It is
thought to build life skills and encourage development and maturity.
Business skoles are really self explanatory where business skills are built
and developed. Most of the student body is male whereas in the Gymnasium
there are more females. In technical schools, the subjects of science, art,
and mathematics are explored for specialty careers and scholars.
I attend Svendborg Gymnasium. I am in the second year,
class 2.a. Although I would be a senior back home, they usually place
exchange students in the second year. This is because while the first year
“freshmen” are too busy getting adjusted and comfortable to really bother
with an exchange student, the third year “seniors” are busy preparing for
excruciating exams and applying to universities. I have no complaints being
placed in the second year. We actually get a class trip, in the spring,
where every class raises money to travel abroad for a week or two. My class
is going to Barcelona, Spain. A trip I hope to attend, for it would be an
amazing time to bond with my class and travel even more.
Well, in school, I have about ten courses; English,
Danish, Spanish, Biology, Mythology, Religion, Ancient History, Social
Studies, Physical Education, and Geography. The schedule is also quite
different and a bit confusing. It is set up in increments of two weeks.
Depending on the day, I may have one to 4 classes. The longest day lasting
from 8:00 am to 3:15 pm. Classes are one and a half hours long, with a 30
minute break between each class. When I told you my class was “2.a,” it was
because you are with the same people all day. It is only the subject, room,
and teacher that changes. You do everything together as a class. You walk to
class, you scrape through class, and you have break and lunch as a class,
all together. My class has 21 students, with only 5 of them boys. Like I
explained, Gymnasiums have more female students than males. It's okay
though, because the guys we do have are more than enough entertainment. Now,
you’re probably puzzled on how I get through class, being that all the
lessons are in Danish, and I don’t speak Danish. Well, I draw pictures. No,
I do attempt to follow. But it can be extremely difficult at times. As
frustrating as it can be to not be able to participate, I try anyways. And I
really think my classmates respect me for that. They know I must not be able
to understand anything, and yet I still act like I’m interested. The
teachers understand as well, most of them put no pressure on me at all,
while others encourage me to participate, even if I have to respond in
English.
I feel as the year goes on, and I learn more Danish, it
will of course become easier, and I look forward to that.
Language “Sprog”
Ahh, the wondrous language of Danish… My theory of the
evolution of Danish is as follows, “Danish was formed by Vikings whom were
constantly drunk and thus slurred their words while making many up.”
Surprisingly, most Danish people would agree with my theory. Their alphabet
is the same as ours with the addition of three extra letters; æ, å, and ø.
Danish is said to be a very confusing and challenging language to learn. I
agree. However, I find myself not having as much trouble learning it as I
had previously predicted. Currently, I attend Danish lessons every Wednesday
from 8 to 1:30. That may not seem like a lot. But trust me; speaking,
listening, and comprehending a foreign language, especially one like Danish,
for 5 hours straight is no easy task. I also speak Danish when at home. My
host family is very helpful and patient when conversing with me. I watch
Danish television, and when watching English television, it is with Danish
subtitles. They are actually quite beneficial and have really improved my
reading skills. So far, my Danish is fair. I read Danish the best, can
understand conversations second best, speak it okay, but when it comes to
talking directly with someone, forget it. It’s as if I freeze on the spot,
and all the hours of Danish lessons, all the children’s books read,
everything just flees my brain. Luckily, I have found that Danish people in
general are very accepting and patient. They merely chuckle and find my
confusion cute and amusing. How happy I am to be of some entertainment.
In school, when asked by my friends if I would like for
them to speak in English or Danish, I replied Danish. They asked why, and I
told them I would rather have trouble fully understanding, maybe only
catching a few words, but build on learning the language, than knowing
exactly what they’re saying but not benefiting me at all. They agreed and so
far it has not been a problem. If I don’t understand something they are
talking about, they simply brief me at the end in English. At least that
way, I listened to all they had to say in Danish and may have caught a few
words, which in turn is better than none.
Fashion “Mode”
Let me first start of by saying that European fashion in
general rocks! Danish fashion in particular is fabulous. Basically, it's
sophisticated meets chic. Every girl wears tights or leggings. That is a
daily fashion essential. Second must is a scarf. Scarves are not only for
girls either, guys sport them too. But, I’ll explain the guys later. I own
seventeen scarves myself; yes it has begun to be an obsession…
Black is also very basic, yet trendy. If someone wore all
black in Denmark, it would not be seen as gothic or even emo, but stylish
and fashionable. It’s chic and modern. A typical Danish outfit would be a
cute dressy top long enough to be worn with just tights. Then it would be
paired with heels, boots, or flats. Accessorized with a scarf and a number
of different hair styles. Of course in the winter time, fashion changes
slightly with the temperature. So a jacket would be accompanied by Ugg boots
and legwarmers.
Not all males in Denmark are gay, they are merely well
dressed. This can be a common misconception by foreigners, I being one of
them. Guys here are simply more stylish than those in the States. They care
about their appearance. Sure, sometimes it is too much, but generally just
enough. An average look would be fitting jeans, fitting top, possible
cardigan, scarf, nice shoes, and styled hair. I find the Danish guys to be
quite attractive. This may just be my weakness for blondes with blue eyes,
but I’ll also give credit to their fashion sense.
Cultural Differences “Kulturelle Forskelle”
I could probably go on all day about the cultural
differences. I must admit, I did not expect there to be that many, because
Denmark is European. Well, I was very wrong. I think to make it easier on
myself and for your viewing benefit; I’ll just make a short list of those
which come to my mind:
• Adolescents are given much more responsibility and
freedom.
• There is no drinking age, but the age to purchase alcohol is 16.
• Drinking is a huge part of the Danish culture; it is viewed as casual,
family oriented.
• Many young people smoke (about 90% I would say)
• Danish people eat a lot, more than back home. They have about 2 to 3 (full
plate) helpings at meals.
• They walk or bike everywhere. This would explain the ability to eat so
much, while still being fit.
• Every car is manual, and they are crazy, fast drivers.
• The driving age is 18, and it is very expensive and hard to get a license.
Thus, most teenagers bike or bus.
• They treat bikes as cars, and will literally brush the side of a biker on
the road. For the person biking, this can be terrifying enough to pee your
pants.
• They like to sing. Whether it be at a birthday party, luncheon, Rotary
meeting, whenever, they sing.
• They eat a lot of fish, pork, potatoes, bread and licorice. Luckily, I am
not a vegetarian nor do I care about carbs, my host sister however is and
does, sucks for her.
• They are coffee fiends. I now drink about six cups a day.
• Denmark is very expensive. The only things cheap here are phones and
alcohol.
• Light switches to bathrooms are always on the outside of the room, very
annoying when you are in a rush to go, and you forgot to turn the light on.
• There are no grocery bags. You bring your own reusable bags, and if you
don’t, then you’re carrying everything.
• Almost all Danish beds are twin size, pity for me who had a full back
home.
• The furniture, architecture, and general Danish design are very modern and
contemporary. Every house is catalog perfect.
• Water is as expensive as soda, beer, and everything else. There is no free
water with meals.
• I am convinced there is a Danish gene, which blesses everyone with
beautiful looks. Whether you are six or sixty, if you’re Danish, you’re
gorgeous.
• Regardless of the fact that it only takes about 6 hours to drive from one
side of the country to the other, Danes will complain if they have to travel
two hours (as if it was all day).
• Every Danish person will make you say “Rød Grød med Flød,” because
you will sound stupid saying it, and they will laugh.
Problems I’ve had “Problemer jeg havde”
Really, I have been a lucky ducky. I have not had many
problems so far. I have yet to be homesick, I get along very well with my
family, I have made many friends, I love the culture and people in general,
so “why do I have this section?” you ask. Well, I want to tell everyone
about my encounter with the Danske Edderkop! (Danish Spider) You see,
in Denmark, there are many bees, flies, and spiders. There are at least two
to three spiders in every room in every Danish home. They are not big
spiders, quite tiny actually, and have been known to be completely harmless.
That is until I show up.
I had only been here two weeks when I was bitten by one of
these spiders. It is something completely unheard of in Denmark. But of
course, it happened to me. I suppose it bit me during my slumber because I
don’t recall such an event, I merely woke up one morning with a mosquito
looking bite under my arm. I brushed it off as no big deal; after all I am
from Florida, the capital of millions of mosquitoes. Well, after a couple
days it got a little sore, and a bit swollen. I looked at the forgotten bite
and found it to be the size of a quarter and inflamed. Puzzled, I showed my
host mom, and she thought it might just be a little irritated but instructed
me to keep an eye on it and let her know how it goes. Well another few days
went by with it getting worse and worse, but with me being the new exchange
student I didn’t want to come across as the little baby who can’t take a bug
bite. So I hid the infected wound until my host mom noticed me favoring my
left arm. She asked to see it, and when I showed it to her she was
relatively shocked to see just how bad it had gotten. It had grown five
times the size, and formed a knot under the skin. It was extremely sore and
red. She decided it would be best to take me to the local doctor to have him
check it, for it was clearly infected. He confirmed the suspicion and said
it was either an insect bite or spider bite. I freaked, but remained cool,
thinking that all I needed was a little Penicillin.
About 4 days went by, and the bite just got worse. The
Penicillin was obviously not working, and I was beginning to get worried. We
went back to the doctor and he too was surprised at how bad it had gotten.
He told me I needed to go to the hospital and have it lanced. At this point
I was hysterically crying. I mean, come on, what are the chances that in my
third week in a new country I would be bit by something, have it infected,
and need to go to the hospital. I think it was really the thought of being
in a foreign hospital with doctors speaking in a language I didn’t
understand, handling sharp instruments, unknowing if they use anesthetics,
all combined that freaked me out. It was all of that, without my mom, my
real mom. My host mom was great through the whole thing, completely
reassuring and doing her best to comfort me. But, it just wasn’t the same.
So, we went to the hospital, but because Denmark is under
universal healthcare the wait to see the doctor would be about five hours.
Those five hours were like torture for me, not knowing what they were going
to do or how they were going to do it. We returned when they called, and we
saw the doctor. Luckily, she spoke English well, and even reminded me of my
doctor back home. She examined the bite, and told me it was indeed a spider
bite and that it would have to be lanced. Lanced meaning cut open and let
the poison drain. I was mortified. But, then she continued to tell me it
wasn’t ready yet. I would have to wait another day or so for it to mature,
and then do it myself. Goodness gracious, could my luck get any worse? Well,
being the hardcore kid that I am, I did it myself, just like she told me to,
and sure enough it healed within a few days. Yes, it hurt like hell, but I
knew it would be better than having my arm amputated. Haha… so that is my
story of the danske edderkop and my awesome exchange student survival
skills.
Other than that, Denmark has been wonderful and I love it
so.
Life back home “Liv tilbage hjemme”
As I have said, I’ve yet to be homesick. I find myself to
be very lucky of this, because many of my exchange student friends I have
spoken to are or have been. I however, have had no problems being able to
call or email with family and friends without feeling sad or depressed. It
merely makes me feel happy to hear how well they are doing, and to tell them
how well I am doing. After all, I know that I only have one year here, and
then I’m going back home. So, I feel it’s more important to enjoy all I can,
and take advantage of my time in Denmark.
I miss my family and friends tons, don’t get me wrong. But
I know that the year I have here is precious, so embrace it as much as I
can. For everyone reading this, I miss you and love you! “Jeg savner dig
og jeg elsker dig!”
|
Lastly, thank you Rotary for making this exchange
possible. Dow “Peace.” |
Svendborg from bridge |
Country road on Tåsinge |
Our farm |
Countryside of Tåsinge |
Shopping in Svendborg |
Coffee addict |
Tivoli |
Nyhavn |
Host sister, Signe, and I |
The Little Mermaid |
|
Angel Jones
