Denmark: An Unforgettable Journey
Hoping to explore more of the world and meet new friends from different countries, I joined an exchange programme to Denmark organised by AFS Intercultural Exchanges Ltd from 7 July to 3 August. I was nervous about all the uncertainties and challenges during the flight to a country I had never been to. Luckily, as I arrived at Ranum Efterskole College, where I would be staying for the month, I was immediately welcomed by my lovely roommates. They encouraged and helped me to overcome my fears.
I participated in lively lessons, learned English and the Sustainability goals, and experienced new things such as sailing in the clear sea of Denmark and joining the school prom. Also, I travelled to beautiful places surrounded by nature, enjoying the fresh air and large fields and visited a few gorgeous cities.
The greatest treasure I gained from the trip is my friends from all over the world, including but not limited to Thailand, Brazil, Italy, Argentina, India, Germany, Spain, USA… The campus seemed to be a mini globe with all kinds of people with special traditions and cultures. I had a lot of fun discovering my new friends' lifestyles in different places through conversations and interactions. The most important thing I learnt in the programme is not to be afraid of making mistakes, as long as you are willing to open yourself and express your ideas, you are ready to enjoy connecting with others.
This summer, I stepped out of my comfort zone and improved a lot. The Denmark adventure is a decision I will never regret and will remain in my heart for the rest of my life.
-Dorset 4F 2023-2024
In a cosy afternoon after a chemistry lesson, an idea spawned in my head and I decided to ask my friend Dorset immediately: “ Do you want to travel with me to Denmark ?”
This marks the beginning of our one-month trip from 7/7 to 3/8 in Ranum Efterskole College in Denmark, away from home, and away from the people we are familiar with.
At the start of the trip, I was welcomed warmly by my German roommate Teska. She talked to me nonstop after I arrived at the dorm room. It surprised me that she had an autoimmune disease— celiac disease. She cannot eat any gluten or else she would be laying in a hospital bed for 3 weeks. It really shocked me as I was very into medical TV series which portray patients with rare medical conditions. However, I never thought I would meet anyone like them in real life. During our 4 weeks of living together, I have really learnt to be extra considerate and careful when I am around someone with a chronic disease as sometimes Teska would be mad at me because I forgot that she is allergic to gluten and ate pizza with my other friends while she’s around.
The most memorable event that happened to me was the Model United Nations conference that I attended in the summer school. It was my first time participating in an MUN conference. I panicked at first as I took a sick leave from the lesson before the MUN conference and I didn’t know what to do. The country I was representing was Brazil and I really learned a lot about the country’s policies and how MUN works after the conference. It made me step out of my comfort zone and try to think like the world leaders. Although the resolution I supported did not pass, it was a fun experience and I would like to try to join the MUN conference again in Hong Kong.
Although I experienced a lot of ups and downs during the trip, I made a lot of precious memories with the new people I met and I had a lot of unique experiences during these 4 weeks. This journey was truly eye-opening and transformed my worldview. It was definitely one of the most unforgettable summers I had in my life.
-Mir Lee 4F 2023-2024
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