Wingate Academics - International Blog

Discovery

Posted by: Hope on Feb 6, 2008

I have safely arrived in Copenhagen, Denmark, and have been in this country for a little over a week. So many things have happened since I left my family to journey to a new world. Traveling to Denmark, I imagine myself as the female version of Christopher Columbus; except for the fact that I knew my destination. I have discovered a new world and a different kind of life in this cold and rainy country.

The title of this entry is “Discovery” because that is exactly what I have been doing since I left the states. Not only have I discovered things about myself, but also about the family I now live with, the country, different foods etc. But I am getting ahead of myself, I should probably start from the beginning and take you on the journey I have enjoyed my first week in Denmark.

Friday, January 19, 2008, my parents and younger brother and I drove to Washington D.C. so that I could catch a flight from Dulles International Airport. Having received my housing arrangements a week before, I knew that upon my arrival my host family would be waiting for me when my flight landed in Denmark. There were so many questions about who they were, if they would like me, how I would fit into a new family? The fact that I had only flown on one national flight the year before also created knots in my stomach as we approached D.C. However, with my immediate family and my cousin Carolyn and Emily, from the surrounding area, being there to see me off made my departure a bittersweet moment. They waited with me in the line to security and watched me the whole way. Although this would have seemed embarrassing, at the time it was just nice to have them around. Moving on, the flight was long but I made it to this new world with about a billion prayers along the way.

My host dad, Martin, picked me up from the airport and we came straight to the place I will be calling home for the next four months. I met my host mom, Tina, and my two younger brothers, Christoffer and Sebastian. I am apparently the fourteenth student that has stayed here. I live in a town called Hedehusene and pronounced, in my opinion, like Hell-la-hus-na. While my classes are in Copenhagen, I must take about a 20 minute train ride everyday to get into the city.

The next few days could be described as a whirl-wind. It felt like freshman year all over again plus getting used to a 6-hour time difference. Within those first few days I was meeting people all around the United States and some people from China and Poland. The Denmark International Study Program (DIS) was extremely organized. Each student had the opportunity to take a bus tour around the city, get introduced to the Danish language, and also partake in the night life provided by the various cafes of Copenhagen. I can say a few phrases in Danish and although that may not be a lot, I am extremely proud of what I can do. As of this very moment, I have already been to visit 3 different museums, 5 different churches/cathedrals, “Hamlet’s Castle,” a couple of clubs and cafes and rode on the every public transportation available.

Now, here is what I have discovered and the interesting things I have learned since I have left the states! The Danes leave their children outside in their strollers as they go in for a coffee; little ones are also left to sleep outside during daylight hours, this is because they believe the children change with the weather and therefore will not get sick as often. Dinner is basically cooked at home 7 nights a week, and when you go to a neighbor’s house for dinner it could last for 3 to 4 hours. Danes are taxed up to 70% of their income, less depending on what they earn, and there is an automatic sales tax of 25%. When buying any item, the price listed is the exact price that you pay. Gas is currently priced at about 10 kroner per quarter of a gallon; which for those of you reading this means that gas would cost about $8 per gallon. People do not feel that church is a necessity; they are taxed as being part of the church, but do not mind because they see the church as a historical landmark. Shops/stores everywhere are only open until about 7pm during the week, 2pm on Saturday and closed on Sundays. The last thing that I am trying to get used to is the fact that many Danes are reserved and do not just talk to anyone, but stay in their bubble.

I am staying busy, taking in every opportunity that I can. I would recommend visiting Copenhagen to anyone. Here in Denmark, I have learned that I can cope in a totally different world, try new things, meet new people and make new friends! The motto of the Danes is: “Enjoy Life” and that is my plan while exploring Denmark.

My last note goes out to all of my friends and family. Although I am having a wonderful time, I still miss each and every one of you terribly! If there are any particular questions anyone has, please feel free to email me at dhgilley@wingate.edu