Jeg vil gerne have en øl

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