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Denmark
Topic Started: Tue Jan 20, 2015 9:02 pm (1,035 Views)
NicoleH
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The happiest country- the country of hygge, H.C. Andersen, and cold long winters
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Patty

Hi Nicole.

I previously wanted to go to the Netherlands and Belgium for my exchange year but they have become unavailable, making Denmark number one on my list now.

I'm feeling pretty bummed out about not being able to go to my first two choices, and honestly I don't even know what my chances are of going to Denmark either. But I want to at least learn more about my new country choice.

What was your exchange to Denmark like? Is there anything you can say to make me more excited about going there? Do people ride bike a lot there in general or just in Copenhagen?
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NicoleH
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Denmark is a great choice! The country is friendly. Finland was actually my first choice but I was too old to go.

I didn't know much about Denmark but I knew my family came from Denmark on my moms side so I thought I would check it out and learn the language. I fell in love with the people and the language. The language is not easy but not hard either if you put forth an honest effort. The people are warm and friendly once they get to know you.

I live far away from Copenhagen but people in general ride bikes everywhere when possible. There are bike lanes for bikes. I live in a small town called Tommerup Stationby that is about 20 minutes to Odense.

Danes are great at having a good time whether its going to a party or just spending time at home to experience (hygge)

What organization are you going with?

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Louise

I did a short program to Denmark in university and absolutely fell in love. Me and Scandinavia are sort of perfect for each other. My experience is mostly based on Copenhagen.

Denmark has a lot of natural beauty. I also really love the building style; they've preserved a lot of the historic feel. Definitely look up "hygge" or have Nicole explain it haha. One thing I loved was being outside. In my hostel the first night the windows and door were open all evening and candles lit so that you got fresh air. A lot of restaurants and cafes had outdoor seating with a blanket at every chair.

I had a visiting family who were absolutely wonderful. I did not live with them, but would meet up with them for a day. I became very close with them very quickly.
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NicoleH
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Hygge is so ingrained in the culture of Denmark. It's basically Danish culture in a sense. There's no word for hygge/ hyggeligt in English but basically it means a cozy, homy, delightfully intimate. One way to experience hyggeligt is at home with candle lights or spending it with friends and good conversations.
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Louise

Oh boy hyggeligt. It is what I strive for in my life. And Denmark totally brought out my love of candles haha.
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NicoleH
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Yes, I use to hate candles. I was afraid of them. I did have reason enough though. (a friend in high school died from her house catching fire. She got trapped upstairs and couldn't find her way down) - well that's what we were told. I found out a couple years ago that her dad actually set the house on fire.

Anyways. Yes hyggeligt is the best feeling in the whole world.

On another note- I really want Harry Potter books in Danish. I can find them on eBay and Amazon but they are at ridiculously expensive prices.
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