I had spoken to Povl before via the internet, but this time we did the formal face to face introductions before jumping on the first metro to Holger Danskes Vej where I would be living for the next year. Some small talk later, we arrived at this red brick building wrapped around a communal courtyard, where other apprehensive exchange students nervously asked and offered their names and nationalities. You will find the first week begins to sound like an episode of Blind Date as you meet so many people and inevitably hear Cilla Black repeating: “Contestant number one, what’s your name and where you come from?” This is all part of the rite of passage of an exchange student.
Povl and I located room 102 on the ground floor and entered in eager anticipation. He walked in with me and remarked, “Nice room . . . well bye then!” And that was it - I was on my own in Denmark. I surveyed the room which was what I would describe as typical Scandinavian design: wooden floors, white walls, white sheets, Ikea desk, Ikea chair and - yes, you guessed it - Ikea lamp. I don’t think a room has ever looked so empty. But with no time to feel lonely, I unpacked my belongings and headed out into the courtyard and began my introductions.
You soon realise in such situations that you are not the only one feeling crazy for leaving your very lovely home University for a different country where people are from around the world and speak different languages. Everyone has the same apprehensions and are therefore linked by this joint feeling of being a mile out of one’s comfort zone. These anxieties all disappear with one simple action – all you need to do is say hello. As soon as you have met your first person all the nerves vanish and your exchange really does begin. My first week was incredibly fun. Looking back on it now, it seemed as if I was meeting people from all corners of the globe almost by the minute, for my days were occupied by the Danish Crash Course Program and my nights were filled with the Social Program organised by the university’s exchange crew, who have looked after me all this year. I quickly found that I had no time to think of anything else but enjoying myself and making new friends. By the time the first lecture came around, I knew so many people in that class it felt as though I was back in Edinburgh seeing old friends after a summer break. Looking back on my exchange as I am now, three-quarters of the way threw, I have absolutely no regrets and nothing but fond memories. I would definitely go as far to say that it is the best decision I have ever made. With your time on exchange so short, you learn to maximise every moment and say yes to everything. It helps you grow and become more confident and I hope there is still much more to come this spring as I embark on my second half!
Danish Culture I will openly admit that I never found a profound culture shock living in Denmark (this was not the same for Russia, but that is another story). However, subtle differences between the Danes and Brits do exist. Tourists may find the locals rude and abrasive at times. For example, if you are walking down a street and get bumped into, the culprit will not apologise; also if you are on a bus or metro and unknown to you, you are blocking someone from the exit, said blocked person will not ask you to move - but stand up close to you in bullish mood and expect your cooperation. This may actually not surprise you if I told you that in Danish there is no word for please - it simply does not exist. However, please don’t be offended by this nature, because all things considered, they don't mean to be rude, it's just part of the culture. Knowing this before travelling helps you realise the delicate differences and therefore you can prepare yourself and understand how the natives behave. The Danes are in fact really friendly and sincere. It is a well known fact that, maybe to begin with, a Dane is slightly closed off, but after a few beers he/she will be your best friend.
Find out more about Copenhagen from our Mole (Martin...) with brilliant insider's tips.
