Now to the major differences I've noticed. First, the building itself.
My first day of high school in America was pretty much like any other school day because I didn't have to change schools, like most teens do. I come from a small town with a population of about 2,00o people. One school fits grades seven through twelve with extra room that could probably fit the kindergarten through sixth graders comfortably. I know for a fact that many other high schools in America resemble a prison (and yes, when I'm there, I probably say the same), but mine is not THAT bad compared to schools in the U.S. Schools in Denmark on the other hand, make everything seem like prison. In Denmark, my gymnasium, Egå Gymnasium, is one of the newest. It is HUGE, and in the middle of farming fields. It is three levels, with an almost spaceship look on the inside. As I walked in the first time, I walked through an automatic door, (you won't see that in America). I then got into the foyer, and saw couches, everywhere. Couches upstairs, downstairs, in the cafeteria. You can't escape them (but who would want to?) There is even a built into-the-floor gymnastics mat. There are huge windows everywhere. I would say it rare to not be able to see outside, unless the curtain is down. Let's just say, the school is very modern. It is one of those things where you have to be there to believe it, but I'll also post some pictures.
Second, the student/teacher relationship and class scheduling, etc.
In the United States, students mainly do not have a close relationship with their teachers at all. In Cooperstown it is very common because most of the teachers have children attending the school. You would never address a teacher by their first name, unless they instruct you to. In Denmark, you always call them by their first name. Even your friend's parents. You can even message them on the program that the majority of Denmark uses (Lectio) for scheduling classes, looking at your attendance, uploading homework, finding homework, and to even when you see if classes have been cancelled. Yes, cancelled. Most of the time, people will have three to four classes a day, with fifteen minute breaks between the first and second, and third and fourth with a half or one hour lunch break. It is very common for classes to be cancelled for whatever reason. If a class is cancelled, there is no substitute. You are also aloud to leave and come to the school whenever you please. This means people do skip class, but Danes are very smart with keeping their maximum of missed classes under 10%, and people actually want to go, and be in school. Shocking, right? Back to cancelled classes, there are many times when I have two, one, or even sometimes no classes. In class, people also openly curse, with the teacher. You wouldn't dare to do that in America. In Denmark, you stay with the same 20-30 people for all three years of gymnasium. This is much different from America, where you switch classes with everyone, everyday. And the next year it will change, and so on. Personally, I like the idea of staying with the same class. you become closer with your peers. There is also A LOT less bullying in school. I believe this is because you have to be with this class for three years, unless you change your line of study, and people are generally more mature and have a lot more respect.
Lastly, electronics in school, and dress code.
In the Danish school system, computers are used everyday. And I mean that. There is not a day where I haven't used my computer. This is very different from America because we are not aloud to use them unless we are instructed to, or are in study hall (which doesn't exist in Denmark because classes are one and a half hours long, and they are just not necessary.) Computers are completely necessary because EVERYTHING is done on the computer. To go along with computers, cells phones are also aloud to be out, whenever. In my school in the U.S. your phone would only be aloud to be out during lunch. When I first saw the phones out on the desks, I immediately thought, "that would be SO distracting!" but I then realized how focused the students really are. To cover the topic of dress code. There is no dress code, and to be honest, there is no need for one. In school everyone, boys and girls dress modestly. Even after school and on the weekends, you will rarely see someone wear "booty shorts" and low, revealing shirts. I don't even think they exist here.
I believe the reason why Danes are so laid back, and respectful is because of the way they were taught when they were younger. Yes I love the United States, but there are some things people could work on with raising children to be respectful. I also think, that the education system in the U.S. should look at the Danish education system. I think it may help with some of the difficulties we are having with school.
Vi ses,
Michaela :)