Danes at Galloway: The Inside Scoop

Last week Galloway welcomed 28 exchange students from Denmark for a few days. The group spent two days shadowing students at Galloway and stayed with students in various grades throughout Upper Learning. On Friday, my shadow was Erik Steno Kjaer, and he accompanied me to my Journalism class where we introduced him to the iconic Elliott Mag and showed him how we conducted interviews in class. I interviewed him as an example.

I was especially interested in how Erik thought the US compared to the norms of Denmark. Before our interview, he attended Town Hall with me and was in awe of the audience “hype” during announcements. After asking him a lot about the differences and similarities between America and Denmark overall, I asked Erik more about his experiences and activities on his trip.  You can find the full interview with Erik below:

Vivi: What is the biggest difference between America and Denmark that you have noticed so far?

Erik: The size. Everything it bigger. I had a Thai plate of fried rice and it was twice the size of a normal plate. I couldn’t eat it.

Vivi: What is different about the people?

Erik: When you're riding public transportation in Denmark, you do not talk to the person next to you, if you don’t know them. In Atlanta, people talk to whoever they want. They are all friendly on public transport.

Vivi: What is your favorite and least favorite thing about America so far?

Erik: I like the mindset. You all are kind, open and interactive. You all have a lot more energy than most Danes have. You seem very excited compared to anything I’ve seen about interacting with people. My least favorite thing is the poverty and the flaws of the country as a whole.

Vivi: Have you done any activities around Atlanta?

Erik: We biked around the older parts of Atlanta. We talked about the civil rights movement. It was different than anything I have seen, especially in comparison to the shining city.

Vivi: What is your favorite food you’ve had so far?

Erik: I had a pulled pork burger. It was the only piece of food that wasn't overly large. I had my first taco. That was amazing. I had some Thai food. I went to some place where they made sandwiches and other vegan food. The drinks are great too.

Vivi: Do you like your host family?

Erik: They're great. They're the first jews I ever met! They're awesome. I expected it not to be as good. I was worried I would have some very strict and conservative family. And the family I’m with is very open.

Vivi: What were you looking forward to?

Erik: I was looking forward to the interaction and talking to people and also the food. In Denmark and Sweden, it is a stone cold thing. Nobody talks to each other. It’s awesome here in America. I do think the Americans are too sensitive and thin-skinned. In Denmark you would have to say something directly mean for them to get mad. If it is for fun, you can say anything in Denmark.

By Vivi Melkonian