We had spent hours getting there, by bus to Zagreb, then by plane, then by train, before we finally arrived in Denmark, eager for the adventure to start and full of curiosity and awe. When we set foot on Danish soil, we were struck by how serene and orderly everything seemed. The streets were spotless, the buildings were well-maintained and neat, and all was still and welcoming.

We lived our first few days in Sønderborg, a tiny coastal town with beautiful sea views. The first thing that struck us was the contrast of the environment from Slovenia. The weather was cold and windy but the ocean air was refreshing after a tiring long journey. One of the first things we noticed was the number of electric cars and bicycles – clearly, sustainability is top of the agenda here.

The people themselves were distant at first, but the instant we spoke to them or asked for help, they smiled and greeted us in turn. The cultural difference was there but subtle. For example, there is more emphasis on silence and privacy, especially in public places.

Somewhat tired from the trip, the initial night was spent getting used to the town, and acclimating to our dorms. It wasn’t long before we felt completely at home. Denmark welcomed us with its peaceful streets, newer structures, and overall feeling of security and peace. We knew right away this would be a good and valuable experience.