Week 6

Week 6 | 08/02/16- 14/02/16

Professional | Cultural 

I cannot believe I am already finished my first week and now starting to write about week two. I had an excellent first week and I am pleased to say my second week was just as good. As week one was more of an introductory week, we studied 'Nature, health and democracy' (NHD) in more depth in week two. On Monday, we had our first class in a strange setting, which consisted of our class located in an open plan part of the university, with people walking through to get to different parts of the building. It was not ideal however I enjoyed the different set up compared to a typical classroom. In the class, we discussed history and democracy in Denmark and compared it to our own countries. One major cultural/democratic difference I found was that students in Denmark receive grants for going to university and education is free however in NI we have to pay large fees each year for our education. Another difference I noticed was that tutors do not like to give large presentations to students but rather they open a discussion and we give different views and opinions and compare the information with statistics and evidence.

  

On Tuesday, we visited a beautiful place called 'Riis Skov'. We worked in our study groups to find ways of measuring trees with limited materials and completed activities to connect with nature, as this is very important in the education system in Denmark. 'When you see nature as a big playground, you see an infinity of possibilities' (Ida Auken, environment minister). 

Study group

This also connected to Thursday's classes as we went back in time together talking about our own childhood nature experiences and each of my classmates had something different to share which was very interesting. During our time in Riis Skov, we went to visit the graceful sea and we had to look for bones that had been thrown in by butchers many years ago. This would not happen now, however years ago bones and other left overs from animals were thrown into the sea. As a result, bones and debris have now been washed up onto the shore such as teeth from cows.

Also, back home it was pancake Tuesday, so the other students from NI and I, decided we should make pancakes for everyone. We all ate together and it was a good way of getting to know each other personally. In fact, everyone enjoyed it so much that every Tuesday is now pancake Tuesday, not just once a year! We also continued the celebrations with some beers and then went to an international night for students where we danced and met other exchange students. 

pancake party

On Friday, we were given study time and so Anna and I went to Tangkrogen which is a green area in the south-eastern part of the city of Aarhus. “Investment in travel is an investment in yourself.”
(Matthew Karsten). While we were there we explored the docs and many fascinating boats parked up waiting to be sailed. During the summer, Tangkrogen holds many festivals for food, concerts and art exhibitions. It has spectacular views onto the sea and watching the sunset is a sight I will never forget.