This means they value loyalty and being a good friend, and they will do anything for their friends! I have many Danish friends that I work with, and I also have some that I have met through clubs or international student events. One of my friends is named Ditte (pronounced DEE-ta), which is a very Danish name. She works in the same research group as me, and she studies humpback whales in Australia. She got to go there this fall and see them in person.
Another way that I try to integrate with Danish culture is by celebrating the Danish holidays. On the first of November, the Danish celebrate a holiday called "Jule Day" ("Jule" means Christmas). It is basically the start of Christmas celebrations, and people put up decorations all over the city! It was one of my favorite things I have seen here because everybody was so excited. There was even a group of people in Santa hats playing tubas.
Lastly, I volunteer for the International Center as a Student Ambassador. Part of being here as a American student is getting to represent the United States, so my job as a Student Ambassador is to talk to any students from the U.S. who might be interested in Denmark or who might have questions about the university. I also get to talk to Danish students about travelling or going to school in the United States.
Denmark is similar to the United States in many ways, but different in many others. Making Danish friends and getting to talk to local people has been one of the most rewarding parts of living in Denmark. Every Dane I've met or asked for help has been kind and excited to help me. I feel very lucky to get to meet them and to get to know this small country in a special way.
