By Peter Sloth, BCL Teacher Fall 2023

This semester, we wanted to try a new way of doing Honors. Even though I’m working with BCL this semester, I still have a connection with my class, a program called SIP, back in Denmark. This gave us the opportunity to do a cultural meeting of teenagers in both countries.

This honors experience was something BCL students could choose to do, among other offerings. Would the Americans be up for meeting before normal lessons begin at 9am? Luckily, 11 American students and 13 Danish students signed up to do this first “experiment.”

The first time we met, the BCL and Danish students were randomly paired up so they each had a partner for the following six weeks. The focus for those six weeks was for the students to connect with each other and learn more about each other’s cultures.

I think it was awesome to get to talk directly to someone from another culture. The presentations about the differences between America and Denmark was cool too. We know there are differences, but actually hearing what they are is really interesting. I am interested is what the normal school system looks like in Denmark.

Nate (BCL)

Being able to connect with the Americans is interesting, I’m learning stuff about their country and their learning about mine, I’m thinking it’s a fun and creative way of learning about different countries.

Kyana (SIP)

I did not realize all the differences that lie between how we live. Definitely through working with them, I have become more conscious of the differences. Some have made me realize how good we have it in America, and some make me think about how things could be better.

Naveen (BCL)

Each pair had to come up with a cultural topic to research, and each was asked to offer resources in connection to their topic. It took some time for groups to fully connect, mainly because of the time difference, but they all succeeded in having a presentation ready.

After a few technical issues, we were ready to see 10 very different, and great, four-minute presentations. We heard about differences in school systems, food, music culture, and many other interesting topics.

Look forward to a blog post from the BCL11 Honors students soon!

Getting to know the Danes has been a good experience overall. Sometimes the early wake ups are not the most fun, but I think it is worth it for the opportunity we get from it. It has been good to be able to share our experiences and places with the Danes and learn about theirs in return. I think it is helping us all broaden our understanding of different peoples lives and take our thoughts outside of our little bubble in Burlington.

– Elsa (BCL)

I’m learning to speak better English. I’m also getting to know people from a new country and how they are living. Which I think is very interesting!

– Agnete (SIP)

Connecting with the Danes is fun, it’s cool to see the difference in cultures and I enjoy talking with Villads.

– Avi (BCL)

I enjoy talking to my Dane and learning about his culture. It’s cool to be able to talk to someone so far away. I enjoy sharing my culture with him as well.

– Quinn (BCL)

I am learning a lot about the country of Denmark. The Danish culture, their food, music, political and environmental issues, and much more. I am also getting a good look at what schooling may be like in other places, which has been a cool experience.

– Isaac (BCL)

It is always interesting learning about different cultures first hand; it’s very different from watching stuff on tv to talking to a person in real life. It’s always important to connect with different people from different places to expand your knowledge and view on different things.

Emilie (SIP)

I’ve been learning a lot about the things that they do for fun in Denmark. I’ve been learning about the tourist attractions, and outdoor activities in Denmark. I’ve also had conversations with my Dane about the education system in Denmark, particularly around languages. I’ve learned that they learn multiple languages in school and start them earlier.

Lillian (BCL)

I enjoyed meeting Emily and and having good conversations. We spoke about the difference in American and Danish education systems. She asked about our AP classes and I was surprised to find out they did not have those offered. This led me to realize how little I know about other countries’ education systems.

Bella (BCL)