Valentina went on exchange to Denmark

Tue Mar 05 2024

Valentina from Switzerland spent her exchange in Denmark.

How it all started

In April 2018, my mom and I took a trip to Copenhagen during Easter break. I had fallen in love with this country and on the last day, I finally gathered the nerve to ask her the big question:

"Mom... what if I did an exchange semester?"

She didn’t react at all, for what felt for me like an eternity but was really only a minute, and then she looked at me and answered with her own question:

“Where?”

“Here?”

How it went

And that's how it went. Eight months later, I was on a flight to Denmark, heading to my host family. Instead of ending up in Copenhagen, I found myself in a tiny village with just 500 people. Surprisingly, I ended up liking it more. It gave me more chances to bond with my host family. I even started dancing with my host mom every Monday and occasionally picked up my host siblings from school and kindergarten. It was definitely a unique experience, especially since I'm an only child at home. Having younger siblings around was a whole new world for me, but I enjoyed it. The connection I formed with my host family was special, and I visit every year.

The exchange changed my life and it was the start of something new

Fast forward five years, and that exchange experience changed my life. It was the start of something new. I always say, I didn’t change that much during, but more, in the time after my exchange. I switched schools and started putting more and more effort into fulfilling my childhood dream – traveling the world.

It paid off. In the winter of 2022, I embarked on a six-month journey through Southeast-Asia and as of right now, I am sitting in a café in the middle of Rio de Janeiro, two months into my next adventure.

That exchange semester wasn't just a blip in my life; it set the stage for a whole new chapter filled with exploration and self-discovery.

Thank you, STS!

Find out more

Read more student stories from Denmark
Read more about a high school exchange in Denmark
See all our high school exchange destinations

Tags:
Denmark
View all

Previous Next

Contact us

First name

Last name

Confirm Email

Student's date of birth

Mobile number

Message

Yes, please. I would like to receive inspiration and information about news and special offers from STS. I, who am under 18 years of age, have my parents' consent to STS's use of my personal data. Here you can read more about how we handle your personal data according to the STS Privacy Policy.

No, thank you, I do not want to receive marketing emails from STS. However, I am aware that I may be contacted by STS in the matter of going on an exchange year.

FAQ

Show all

Can I take part in sports during my exchange year?
Of course! Let us know which sport you would like to play when you apply and we will do our best to find a school where you can practice your interest.
What sort of school will I attend?
In most countries, you will attend public schools. The difference between public and private schools differs between countries.
Does STS have a contact person at my destination?
Yes, no matter where you go, we have a local representative at your location. It is the local area representative who works to approve our host families, have contact with schools and will be your supporter and advisor during your exchange year.
I am ready to apply, how do I do it?
The easiest way to apply is to visit the page of your favourite destination and click the "Apply now" button. You will then receive more information on how to book a personal interview with us. Your application is not binding, and you make your final decision once you have been accepted.