610-269-4400 X7420
DOWNINGTOWN DANISH EXCHANGE
DOWNINGTOWN DANISH EXCHANGE
ABOUT THE EXCHANGE
Since 2015, the Downingtown Danish Exchange Program has provided students with a rich and diverse learning opportunity. Partnered with Marie Kruses Gymnasium in Farum, Denmark, this program gives students an opportunity to immerse themselves in a culture beyond their own in order to learn to take part in our globalized society.
A YEAR IN THE EXCHANGE
APPLICATION
April and May
See Ms. Smith at East and Mr. Mapes at West to pick up an application packet and schedule an interview.  Students will be informed of selections by the end of May.
DANISH VISIT
October
Downingtown students will host their Danish partners. Students will show their partners the best of Downingtown and also take excursions to New York and Washington D.C.  The visit will be preceded by three evening meetings.
TRAVEL TO DENMARK
March or April
Downingtown students will travel to Denmark to live with their partners. Â Highlights include a trip to a Viking museum and an excursion to Copenhagen. Â As with the fall leg, the trip will be preceded by three evening meetings.
THE EXCHANGE IN THEIR WORDS
ZAC
My time in the Danish Exchange was unparalleled to anything else I’ve experienced in my life. Hosting the Danes and showing them the way you live and the environment you’re immersed in helps you notice things that you never expected were unique to it. While travelling to Denmark, exploring Copenhagen, getting first hand experience of Danish culture, and being with all of the happiest people in the world will open your eyes to new found wonders and change your perspective. This program further planted a seed of wanderlust in me, and gave me some new best friends halfway across the world.
ERIN
The Danish Exchange program was one of the most positive, and beneficial experiences I have had through Downingtown West. I learned so much about a different culture, my national identity, and how the two relate. I was also able to make new friends, and a second family. Having a new person live with me was so exciting. I was able to show her something new everyday about Downingtown, school, or American culture. While I was in Denmark I spent my days walking around Copenhagen, biking to school, and learning about Danish culture. The simplest things made me rethink American ways; like how we drive everywhere, and public transportation is almost a foreign concept. I will always be thankful for my experience with the Danish Exchange Program because it gave me a new view on my national identity, and an international best friend.
RENEE
Culture is something we identify ourselves with. Â It's different for every person, but when it comes down to it, are we really that different? Â Through the exchange, I have seen several differences in culture, lifestyle, personality, and so much more. Â Yet, looking closer at my Danish friends and their lives, we don't differ significantly. Â We are all teenagers trying to find who we are in this world and what we want to do. Â We have drama, friendships, disputes, fun, love, upsets, and everything that comes along with life. Â IÂ have thus come to the conclusion that people may differ in culture and traditions, but when it comes down to it, we're just people.
ELLIE
Traveling to Denmark has really showed me a foreign perspective on US politics.  They cherish their own system of high taxes and being socially united and equal.  They want to help others to make sure they can be successful.  They enjoy the government being heavily involved in their lives and stepping up to help.  As a republican, I don't think the government should have that much power...I am a Trump supporter,  The Danes typically don't agree with what I have to say and I learned how drastically different opinions can be.  I learned how much influence the United States has, and how we influence other countries around the world.  I have a better understanding on others opinions, and why they think that way, and how different systems benefit different countries.  As a whole I feel more culturally educated, and it has been a great experience in my life.
CONTACT US
If there’s anything you’d like to know about our program, please get in touch.
445 Manor Ave
Downingtown, PA 19335
610-269-4400 x7420