Today was my first day of classes at DIS. I am studying International Business while in Denmark, and I am enrolled in three business courses (which will be taught from a European perspective) and a Danish language and culture course. DIS classes are held right in the heart of Copenhagen just one block from Strøget (Denmark’s pedestrian-only version of Fifth Avenue), so it is a very exciting environment for learning about business and culture. My classes, like typical Danish classes, will involve more group work and experience-based learning than my classes in the US. I am looking forward to this style of learning, particularly the field studies and study tours that go along with it!
I have begun to learn some Danish phrases. So far I can say “Jeg hedder Allie” (I am Allie), “Jeg kommer fra USA” (I come from the USA), and “Jeg vil gerne have en øl” (I would like a beer). Clearly these are the three most critical phrases that I will need to know.
One interesting fact: Danish pastries, as we Americans know them, are called ‘stykke wienerbrød’ (Swedish bread) in Denmark. Regardless of their questionable origin, they are much more delicious here than in the US.
Speaking of Danish food, my host mom was very excited today when I told her that not only have I heard of æbleskivers but that my family owns an æbelskiver pan and sometimes makes them for breakfast. An æbleskiver is a spherical Danish pancake and is traditionally filled with bits of apple; I am American, so I like my æbleskivers filled with chocolate chips and peanut butter.
That’s all for now. Have a great weekend!
Hej hej (bye bye),
Allie
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Velkommen til Danmark
I cannot believe I am finally in Denmark! After months of anticipation I am finally beginning my first trip to Europe! I will be spending the next four months studying at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad in Copenhagen and living with a host family in Køge.
My host family is very welcoming, and I am excited to experience life as they do. My host parents speak English fluently, their older daughter speaks English very well, and their younger daughter is starting to learn English in school. I am looking forward to beginning classes on Thursday so that I can begin to learn to speak Danish. The pronunciation is very complex and unlike any other language that I’ve heard.
Living in Køge is wonderful! It is a small town approximately 40km south of Copenhagen on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Køge is one of the oldest towns in Denmark and is comprised of windy cobblestone streets, beautiful buildings, cozy cafes, and small shops. It is also the town where my great-grandmother attended school before she emigrated to the United States and where my great-great-grandparents are buried. What a wonderful coincidence that I am now living in Køge! Each day I ride a bike to the train station and take the train to the central station of Copenhagen. I walk just a few blocks from the train station to my classes in the city, but on the way I pass Tivoli and cross Hans Christiansen Anderson Blvd. and City Hall Square. It is a long but beautiful commute.
It is interesting to already notice both the differences and similarities between Danish and American culture. Danes are more sarcastic than Americans and “small talk” does not exist here. I think I will enjoy the sarcasm, but I can’t help saying hello whenever I sit next to someone on the train. However, from my bedroom I can hear the same music coming from my host sister’s stereo that I hear coming from Kirsten’s room at home. This evening after dinner my host Mom, host sister, and I discussed food, movies, and our love of Harry Potter.
I miss everyone at home, but I am having a blast in Denmark!
More details and photos to come soon!
Love,
Allie
My host family is very welcoming, and I am excited to experience life as they do. My host parents speak English fluently, their older daughter speaks English very well, and their younger daughter is starting to learn English in school. I am looking forward to beginning classes on Thursday so that I can begin to learn to speak Danish. The pronunciation is very complex and unlike any other language that I’ve heard.
Living in Køge is wonderful! It is a small town approximately 40km south of Copenhagen on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Køge is one of the oldest towns in Denmark and is comprised of windy cobblestone streets, beautiful buildings, cozy cafes, and small shops. It is also the town where my great-grandmother attended school before she emigrated to the United States and where my great-great-grandparents are buried. What a wonderful coincidence that I am now living in Køge! Each day I ride a bike to the train station and take the train to the central station of Copenhagen. I walk just a few blocks from the train station to my classes in the city, but on the way I pass Tivoli and cross Hans Christiansen Anderson Blvd. and City Hall Square. It is a long but beautiful commute.
It is interesting to already notice both the differences and similarities between Danish and American culture. Danes are more sarcastic than Americans and “small talk” does not exist here. I think I will enjoy the sarcasm, but I can’t help saying hello whenever I sit next to someone on the train. However, from my bedroom I can hear the same music coming from my host sister’s stereo that I hear coming from Kirsten’s room at home. This evening after dinner my host Mom, host sister, and I discussed food, movies, and our love of Harry Potter.
I miss everyone at home, but I am having a blast in Denmark!
More details and photos to come soon!
Love,
Allie
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