Uge Syv (Week Seven: 08.03.12 - 15.03.12) - Personal Development

Our Erasmus group in Aarhus at the weekend.

Art Museum in Aarhus with the 'rainbow' in the roof.

After a few ups and downs I now feel totally settled in Denmark and immersed in their way of life.  Although I have only been here seven weeks I feel I have learned so much about myself, the cultures of others and this beautiful country.  I always knew that different cultures were important; they make up the world and are something to be celebrated but before coming here I don’t think I had truly experienced this.  I am in a class with students from all around the world and it still amazes me how different we all are.  I have quickly learned how easy it is to offend others (not intentionally) but the language barrier and different humour from countries can cause problems as someone misinterprets what you say.  I think all of the students have felt this though and we have now learned to take what each other says with a pinch of salt.  In particular our Globalisation class contains so many different cultures, beliefs and values that quite often there is confrontation or heated discussion.  This is something I initially found strange as rarely do discussions get this heated in Stranmillis but I have realised that the students are just trying to explain their beliefs to others who disagree.  In this class we have been working on the concept of culture and how we as teachers should deal with it in and out of the classroom.  It has been very interesting and many of the student’s viewpoints have challenged my own.  No one is scared to ask you why you believe something and this makes you deepen in your own reasons and question them.  With so many opinions it is sometimes challenging to work together in a group but we learn a lot and it is great practice in compromising and appreciating the viewpoints of others.  I have begun to question our own culture, specifically that of our early years teaching.  I am completing an individual assignment based upon why we start our children at school in the UK, three years earlier than Denmark and the rest of Europe and I am finding it extremely interesting but also difficult as it is challenging what I know.

Modern Art Exhibition in Aarhus

I am really enjoying the Danish way of life, much more than I thought I would and I am starting to think it will be strange to return to Northern Ireland.  I love the relaxed, Scandinavian attitude and I am surprised that I do so much, as I am not the most relaxed person when at home. My fears regarding the transport system, food and language are gone and I now find myself at ease with all three. I feel very lucky to have been given this experience and I think it will benefit me both professionally and personally.  I came here with very little knowledge about the country and I am enjoying learning about the true Denmark. It has already opened my mind and taught me that preconceptions and stereotypes although natural, are generally wrong.  Denmark is much more than I thought it was, it is not just somewhere with great tourist spots and Danish pastries but somewhere for now, I call home.

The view from the Round Tower