Brandon Twp.- Lots of traffic, plenty of junk food and very large.
That’s how Denmark native Mads Flaga, 17, discribes life in the township since arrving last August as an exchange student through theYouth for Understanding a non-profit educational organization which offers opportunities for young people around the world to spend a summer, semester or year with a host family in another culture.
‘You drive your big vehicles everywhere,? said Flaga. ‘There’s no public transportation’I’m yet to see someone riding a bicycle.?
Flaga is a Brandon High School Student from Roskilde, Denmark’a city of about 20 mininutes south of Copenhagen on the North Sea. His host family is township residents Don and Celia Ryker.
‘Just like here in the United States George Bush is not real popular’but we are pretty Americanized’we listen to American music and news. I was suprised at how friendly American people are’even if you are standing in line at the food store people speak to you here. In you did that in Denmark people would think you’re funny.?
Academically, Flaga is a junior at Brandon High School, and says it’s a lot easier here.
‘We have no elective classes to take’Dannish classes are a lot more ridged, students stay in the same classroom and teachers rotate during breaks. There’s more after school activities here, more socialization in school in Brandon.?
‘It’s far more relaxing in Denmark, youth here are under a lot more demands for grades how to pay for college and what grades they need to get into school. The police here are more ridged’we can drink (alcohol) at 16 in Denmark, you can drive at 18 years old.?
Flaga, said that Dannish male-youth are required to enter a lottery for military service when they turn 18 years-old.
‘It’s only a six month stay (in the service) if your name is chosen,? said Flag. ‘We’re not at war, so it’s no big deal to join the service’we get weekends back home.?
Students also study English from the fourth through 10th grade’they also learn German in the seventh grade. Most go on to college which is funded with 50 percent income tax’which also covers health care.
Flaga will stay in the township until this summer.
For those seeking to be a host family contact Youth for Understanding call (248) 932-0811.