Uge Atten (Week Eighteen: 24.05.12 - 31.05.12) - Personal Development

As it is my last day in Denmark I feel that it is fitting that this is my final blog.  I cannot believe that the past four months have gone so quickly and that so much has happened and been achieved in this small space of time from adapting to a new way of life, school practice, new friendships, travelling and studying.  I have genuinely had the greatest time.

Yummy Swedish meatballs.

At the beginning of this week Jemma and I decided to squeeze in one last bit of travelling to visit Stockholm for two days.  We had a brilliant time and it was interesting to see another Scandinavian country.  As it is quite close to Denmark, I found that it was actually quite a similar city in that it was very relaxed and there was a positive atmosphere.  We visited the Palace, the city hall, the old town and took a boat cruise.  I have really enjoyed visiting other parts of Europe and learning about their culture and history.  If I hadn’t of come on Erasmus I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see the places I did and I plan to continue this travelling when I’m home to hopefully visit some of the Erasmus group.

Outside the Palace.

Reflecting on my time here has shown me how much I have learned and changed.  I think that the teaching style in Denmark has helped me become more relaxed and comfortable when talking in front of others because we have had frequent group discussions where the rest of the class observes and presentations were a big part of our classes.  I came as someone who hadn’t really lived away from home, I couldn’t cook and my Mum did a lot for me in terms of washing etc.  I have definitely become more independent since I came here and this is a good thing and something I want to continue at home.  With this independence has come confidence as I now know that I can look after myself.  I think I have also become more confident through meeting so many new people and affectively having to start over.  I find it funny now how much I stressed and worried about coming here and making friends when I have made so many great ones.  Saying goodbye today was extremely difficult and I was a little emotional as I thought to myself I may never see this group of people again but I am hopeful that we will meet in the future.  The Erasmus group have become my substitute family here and it will be so strange not to see them every day. 

I have had an amazing time here and I am so glad that I came.  I only wish I could stay a little longer.  I have met so many great people and learnt so much about myself, the cultures of others, school systems and Denmark.  I am definitely sad to leave as I have had the best four months but as the saying goes – ‘All good things must come to an end.’  I really appreciate the opportunity I was given to come here and will always look back with happy memories on the four months I spent in Denmark.