Alexa Epitropoulos

2010-11 Outbound to Sweden

Hometown: Daytona Beach, Florida

School: Seabreeze Senior High School

Sponsor: District 6970, Florida

Host: Kristianstad-Gärds Rotary Club, District 2400, Sweden

Bio

September 30 "Listen to what Rotary tells you at Orientations, and don’t think it won’t happen to you. Homesickness: There is a 99% chance that it will happen to you. However, there is also a 100% chance that it is worth it."

Alexa's Bio

Hej! Jag heter Alexa och jag ska vara ett byte studerande för Sverige nästa år!

I’m 16 years old, a junior at Seabreeze High School, a native English speaker, and I have just begun to prepare for the opportunity of a lifetime. Next year, as my friends and classmates arrange to leave their respective nests, send out college applications, and figure out what they will do for the rest of their lives, I will be in Sweden, already finding it out for myself as a proud RYE ambassador.

Although I am nervous about learning the Swedish language (which has already been evidenced through attempted conversations with the helpful Swedish Rotarians), I have no doubt that this will be, in all respects, positive. I know that hard times are ahead too, but I’m ready to take it on, as it is, and become a new person because of it.

I cannot express enough how thankful I am for this opportunity. I also cannot emphasize enough how much I owe to Rotary for giving me the greatest gift anyone could ever give: experience. Although right now I am scatter-brained, insecure, and still unsure of myself I know that next year, when I am in Sweden, I will be self-sufficient, organized, and a completely different person, speaking an entirely different language.

I have taken three years of French, and have always loved Europe. From the time I was young, I have dreamt of the moment when I can step off a plane and into a new environment. I cannot imagine going from Daytona Beach to Lund or Stockholm—but I suppose in a few months I’ll have to—but then, I suppose, I won’t be able to contain my excitement either!

I’m ready for the time of my life, and I have a very good feeling that the upcoming year will be the best one yet.

August 30

My adventure began on August 5th, at the Orlando International Airport. I was a heap of nerves and apprehension. It had seemed that my summer in Florida had escaped from me. There was no longer any waiting period before I was thrust into the real world independently, no safety barrier between who I was and who I would become on exchange. There is always a fair share of both excitement and anxiety when boarding the plane bound for your destination country, naturally, but, for me, it was absolute terror. I suddenly felt very unprepared, not knowing even what to vaguely expect. After saying good-bye to my boyfriend at the security gate, I felt a slow, sinking feeling in my gut. The days of feeling like my departure to Sweden would never come finally, and hastily, caught up with me.

At about 7:45 P.M., boarding for my nine hour flight to Frankfurt commenced. My dad patiently waited with me, and when the time came, it felt odd and almost devastating. My dad cried, I cried, and he watched as I entered the point of no return, feeling like a soldier in my Rotary blazer. I showed the airline attendant my passport and boarding pass, and he smiled and said that things would be alright, but things, at that point of time, did not feel like they would be alright. I stepped on the plane, a little shaken, but, finally, I was able to calm down, and, suddenly, something very strange happened: I felt ready.

Plane rides (especially those of the international variety) are never fun, especially when you’re flying alone. It was a cool experience, however, as I had never heard German so widely spoken, nor had I ever attempted to sleep on a plane. Nine and a half hours later, we landed at Frankfurt, where I found myself enthralled by the foreignness of pretty much everything. As I went through customs, I was excited for things to come. I boarded my connection flight to Copenhagen confidently, but, by the time I found my seat, found myself plagued with jet lag.

My two hour flight to Denmark seemed almost short. I woke up just as we were flying directly over the Øresund. The light gleamed off the water, and windmills danced daintily on the coast. I was here! In a few short moments, I thought in a fit of ecstasy, I would meet my host family!

Through a few minor luggage delays, I found myself intertwined with an immense crowd of people speaking in German, Danish, and Swedish, all going in different directions. Caving in to crowd mentality, I followed the largest group and finally found the exit, walking down an aisle formed by two large groups of people awaiting new arrivals. Towards the outskirts of the crowds, I spotted the people I recognized from the pictures: my host mother, Agneta, my host brother, Johan, and my host sister, Karin, who would shortly be leaving for Malone, New York on her own exchange. I had played this moment tens of times in my head, imagining what it might be like, but the result was something much better than expected. They showered me with hugs and attention, and, after initial greetings, we headed towards their car: a Volvo station-wagon. As my family had always had Volvos, I felt very at home.

It was about a two hour drive from Copenhagen to Åhus, on the eastern coast, and I, utterly exhausted, was asleep for most of the ride. During the time I was awake, however, I saw glimpses of the Turning Torso in Malmö and acres and acres of farmland. The novelty of Sweden surrounded me and I was absolutely absorbed.
We arrived in Åhus, a charming little town of about 30,000 people during the summer (and 10,000 during the winter) that borders the Baltic Sea, at around six. A cozy street aligned with beautiful, traditional houses greeted me. We pulled up to the white house at the end of the lane, and I emerged from my slumber and the car, in complete awe. It was the quaint house from pictures, with a chimney and picturesque flowers at the front, as well as a thriving apple tree in the front yard. My host mother warmly said, “Välkommen hem!” (Welcome home!). Shortly, I was shown to a cute, pleasant room made up for my arrival.

My host mom had a delicious dinner of lax (salmon), potatis (potatoes), salad, and freshly-baked apple pie ready. We all sat down, right after Britta, my older host sister, arrived home from work. After dinner, Karin also invited me to go along with her to a party for her friend, Liev’s, departure for Japan. I was introduced to yet another Swedish trend: bikes as a primary means of transportation. As I was very tired, Karin let me ride on the back of her bike, and we rode across town, past the magnificent, truly antique town square. The crisp, almost cold Swedish air and the night landscape proved to be my first real taste of Sweden.

The following day was Karin’s departure party and my arrival party. The whole family and I prepared all morning for the festivities on an absolutely beautiful, warm August morning. Family members from all over Sweden, including my host mother’s two sisters, mother, and nieces and nephews all joined us. I was engulfed by Swedish, in every other direction. Everyone was extremely welcoming, however, and I received a Baby’s First Engelska Bok (to practice my Swedish), and real Swedish licorice from my host mom’s sister! I also tried authentic Swedish kanelbullar (cinnamon rolls) and homemade ice cream.

The next few days went quickly, and on the 8th, Swedish language camp began. New exchange students from the Skåne district (which turned out to be only four) came to Kristianstad, a city neighboring Åhus. Adam, from Colorado, Bryce, from New Mexico, and Molly Amos, a fellow exchange student from Florida, veteran exchange student, Serena Rowell, from New Zealand, and I spent the next few days touring around the city, visiting museums, and taking in Sweden’s immense culture and learning the Swedish language We grew together as a sort of makeshift exchange family in a matter of days, and, thus, our true adventures began.
Just after language camp ended, my host family and I departed for Stockholm, in order to see Karin off on her exchange. Stockholm proved breathtaking, a mesh of both old world and new world. A weekend filled with shopping, museums, and sightseeing at the Riksdagen, Royal Palace, and the Vasa Museum ended with my host family and I said our good-byes to Karin. I felt as though, through this, a true exchange was occurring. Karin and I were both on our way to becoming citizens of not just purely the United States, or of Sweden, but of the world.

The following Thursday was my first day of school at Söderportgymnasiet. Although there is not much to tell about school yet, besides the obvious differences, there will be more stories on their way.

A month into my exchange, I am starting to recognize words and phrases. I am able to form basic sentences and I feel more confident each and every day in my Swedish. If there is anything that I have learned so far, it’s that the emotional roller-coaster that takes place during the first steps of your exchange are fundamental to the process. Crying, being homesick, being happy, feeling discouraged, missing friends and family—these emotions are all necessary and vital to you growing into yourself and the person you will become through exchange. And although these few months will be hard, I understand that sometimes the best things in life are. Until things level out, however, I will smile, even when I get things wrong, will try my absolute hardest at everything, and enjoy my time here, simply by living in the moment, by taking the time to see the beauty in each and every cloud over the Swedish countryside, and relish in the fact that I am seventeen years old and living in the absolutely, positively gorgeous country of Sverige!

Since I’m sure that you’re curious, and since I would like to let you know, I’ve made a list of some surprises I’ve encountered along the way:
· People here drive Volvo station wagons in MASS!
· Even in August, you are bound for some cooler weather. If you’re planning a trip, I suggest at least one warm sweater and leggings (for layering)
· People ride bikes, the train, and the bus far, far more. Public transportation is much more effective.
· Gymnasiet (Swedish high school) has Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday schedules, as well as free time in between classes
· Outdoor activities are enjoyed thoroughly, especially hiking, biking, walking, jogging, skiing, handball, and tennis
· Breakfast consists of actual yogurt and cereal. Coffee is much stronger, and much richer.
· Potatoes (especially boiled) are served pretty often with dinner
· People speak very good English, but are often shy to start up a conversation
· American and English TV Programs, Music, and Movies are very common here, but Disney channel is, naturally, in Swedish.
· Swedes generally can understand Norweigan and Danish (although they believe speaking with a Norweigan is easier)
· It rains really often, and a rain coat is an absolute necessity!

I will keep the updates coming, and look out for another entry next month!

Until then, hej då!

September 30

Also, having blonde hair and blue eyes is sort of making me fit in too much. Quite often, people are very confused when I explain I am an exchange student and that I don’t speak much Swedish. It is often people at the bus stop or people that I don’t know at all. Honestly, sometimes, I like it better when people don’t know and when I do not have to explain. Sometimes I just nod my head and smile, and hope desperately that they aren’t asking me a question. The bus drivers here absolutely refuse to speak English, so I have learned very quickly not to mess with them—scan your bus card, run to a seat, sit down, smile at them amiably when you get off. It is better off that way.

I have been a student at Söderport for about a month now. The first few weeks, to be honest, were quite miserable. I was first placed in a first year class, with the equivalent of an American high school’s sophomores. They were very nice and welcoming, but I could tell that it really wasn’t my place. One day, when I was in my “Svenska A” class, the teacher told me very bluntly that she didn’t think I belonged there.
I went to the rektor (principle) and started to cry. Things weren’t going as I expected at all! People often ignored me altogether, and it was beyond hard to listen to lectures conducted entirely in Swedish. An American teacher at Söderport happened to be in Christina (the rektor)’s office that day, and Christina suggested that I go talk with her about the problems I’d been facing.

Louise Henry, the American teacher, was what saved me from going absolutely insane that day. I talked about a lot of things: how people often didn’t talk to me at all, how I was having such difficulty with Swedish, how much I missed my boyfriend and my dad. She suggested that switching to a Third Year class, with the equivalent of seniors, would be a better fit for me. She was entirely correct. Christina and Louise switched me to SP3A, a Third Year Economics class.

So, two days into Gymnasiet, I found myself back to where I had begun: alone, with no friends, falling asleep in class, getting headaches. A week of this discouraged me immensely. Weren’t people supposed to be interested in exchange students? Wasn’t I supposed to be a celebrity here?

The next Tuesday, I was sent into another Economics class, with another mentor at my school, Kenth. He introduced me to the class, and gave me an opportunity to introduce myself fully. He then sent out an email to my class explaining a little bit more about who I was. Guess what? They had no idea.

I was at my locker one day, when a girl I didn’t really know came up to me with another group of girls I recognized from my class. They invited me to lunch, and told me that, before, no one had told them that I was an exchange student from America, and that they had thought I was Swedish! We became friends pretty quickly. Elin, Johanna, Therese, and Amanda have been so supportive of me in these last few weeks, and have helped me out with my Swedish so much!

Friends are probably one of the most important things of exchange. In Sweden, it is awfully hard to find them—but when you do find friendly people, tag along with them, and go everywhere they invite you. I guarantee that you will be that much happier with your exchange if you do.

The following Wednesday, we all went to Malmö with UF (Sweden’s equivalent of Young Entrepreneurs). I absolutely adore this city! It is on the southwest of Sweden, on the border between Denmark and Sweden. I got to know the girls so well through this. We even went shopping and ate lunch at McDonald’s (which they think Americans eat at daily, which is funny enough to explain).

I have also gone to an intense Swedish cardio-aerobics class. It’s pretty funny and completely exhausting your first time. I met Amanda’s family, and they commented on my accent: very, very American. I don’t know if this is a good or a bad thing, but it’s so fun to suddenly have comments on your accent.

In the past few weeks, I have had SEVERAL other unique experiences in Sweden. I find the need to write down all of them:

The first one that comes to mind is that I visited the original IKEA in Älmhult, and famous botanist Carl Linnaeus’ homestead. IKEA is… well, IKEA. There is no notable difference, except for the labels, which are, naturally, in Swedish. Since I love everything in IKEA, I was more than happy to go. Swedish furniture is simple, futuristic, and to the point. I love its sense of function.

I have also visited Ullared, on the west coast of Sweden. The best way to explain it is as a giant Big Lots or Walmart where people go absolutely insane! Prices are low, and inventory is extensive. Some people even camp overnight there. It is typical, during the day, for a line to form outside. In Sweden, there is a reality show about it, which is entertaining to watch, even if you don’t fully understand it. People come from all over Sweden to shop. Insanity, like I mentioned before, ensues, and once inside, you find yourself mesmerized.

I’ve also gone camping! Yes, camping, tent and all. This Florida girl finds it cold and uncomfortable.
I’ve had both good and bad times here, days of endless crying, days of nonstop homesickness, days where things just don’t go right. The thing that makes those days so worth it is the wonderful things in between— my host mother imitating a model walking on a commercial on TV, or bursting into laughter while listening to my friends sing the Swedish national anthem. Sometimes, like I saw in Nova Jones’ status on Facebook once, all it takes is something little. I promise you, there are silver linings to the often ominous clouds of homesickness.

I want to tell you all, before you are thinking about exchange, before you leave on exchange, to consider this: it is not easy. You will have times when you want to call your parents and beg to come home. You will have times when you are about to give up. Listen to what Rotary tells you at Orientations, and don’t think it won’t happen to you. Homesickness: There is a 99% chance that it will happen to you. However, there is also a 100% chance that it is worth it.

Maybe it’s best if I share a personal experience. One night, not too long ago, I had a sort- of fight with my boyfriend. He was going out with friends, and I wanted him to stay to talk to me. He left, anyway. For a while, I felt like things were all going downhill. I couldn’t stand it, and my heart felt broken. I wished I had never come here. Then I went and watched TV with my host mom, and cried and talked with her about it. She told me that if I didn’t let this go, if I didn’t learn to trust him, that this year would be hell for me. So, sometimes you have to let go, in one way or another. You have to face the homesickness by the horns and decide what your year will be like. In any case, it’s really up to you.

Since I know it’s just about that time of year to fill out applications and jump on that ever-moving cycle of exchange, I want to wish all of you prospective exchangers luck. I hope I haven’t scared you. Exchange is so very much worth it!

So, Swedish is still hard, but I’m trying the best that I can—and that is all you really can do. I can understand more and I am trying to speak more. The most exciting thing is when you just seem to get it and you can actually hold conversations. I hope that I can get to that point sometime soon.
It’s time for some more surprising updates about my life in Sweden!

* Many people mistake Florida for being California, or being near California. I am often asked if I have met celebrities. I am somewhat disappointed myself when I am obliged to say “no”
* Showers here are supposed to last anywhere between four to seven minutes. It is not easy to break my 20-minute habit.
* Gasping noise combined with “ja” is our equivalent of a sigh. Do not be alarmed when someone does this over the phone.
* Swedish Candy = AMAZING! In the words of my friend Elna, “it is one of the only things keeping Swedes from moving to America”
* There actually is a lot of fish used in meals here. I have officially partaken of Tuna Pizza, which is oddly delicious. Salmon here is fresh and absolutely divine.
* It is absolutely opposite of Florida when it comes to climate: cold, rainy, and windy.
* It is completely normal for Swedish people to undress in front of each other. They are much more comfortable with each other, in my experience.
* Gyms are so nice to utilize. Aerobics classes are amazing here!