Aliya Sheikh, Class X A
In the beginning of 2014, I was introduced to AFS. I was really interested in the idea of going abroad for a few months and learning about a new culture. The experience ended up being more than just a vacation; it became one of the best and most memorable parts of my life that has helped me grow and discover what I want in life.
It was a one month school program in Denmark where subjects such as language/cultural skills and science are combined with challenging and creative profile courses. All the participants took part in social activities, excursions and cooked and dined together. In addition to the AFS participants there were a large number of international and Danish young people at the School. The School therefore provided ample opportunities for sharing intercultural experiences and exploring exciting and challenging activities together with young people from all over the world. I also took part in exciting intercultural activities together with Danish and international participants.
I can still remember the first day when we all met at the airport. David and Richard were there to welcome the three groups from India, Thailand and Indonesia. We were 16 students in total. Then we went to our school, Ranum Efterskole College. Ranum Efterskole College is the global department of Ranum Efterskole, which is an International boarding school for learners between the ages of 14 and 18. We all went for a small tour of the school campus and Ranum. My time spent in the school was the best. I made many new Danish friends without whom my experience would not have been so meaningful.
We also went for an excursion to Copenhagen which is the capital city of Denmark. Our trip was for 5 days with some of the Chinese students and our teacher Mette. We visited National Museum, Folketinget, Little Mermaid, Rosenborg Slot and many more famous places. We even went to watch a Ballet Show at the Royal Theatre and for shopping we went to Nyhavn shopping street.
After our trip to Copenhagen I was with my host family for a week and enjoyed a lot with them. I didn’t realize how much I’d grown to love them as a family until my exchange days were coming to an end. When it dawned on me that I might not see the people I have lived with–the people who have treated me like a daughter and a sister–was so heart-breaking that I cried.
Once back at school, we had a packed schedule. I attended classes for Danish, English, Business, PE and Danish History. We also had sports and evening activities like skateboarding, cycling, girls boxing and volleyball. The students of the three countries also worked on a wall painting showcasing our distinct cultures.
The most beautiful thing about the experience was how one can feel so strongly about others in such a short period of time. As different as people from different countries can be, from the language we speak, the food we eat, and the way we think, we still have the capacity to accept one another like our own if only we allow ourselves to do so. The exchange changed the way I look at people and their differences. I believe that the kindness I have seen during my exchange in Denmark was only a fraction of what is out there in the world. I would like to thank AFS and my school for providing me such a golden opportunity.
Tak !
