Image by Alankang via Wikimedia Commons
Mathilde
COUNTRY
Denmark
Current School
High School
How did you feel when you learned you’d be moving to the Hampton Roads area in the US?
I was very happy but also stressed. I was in a relationship with my first boyfriend, and I was very hesitant to move because I didn’t want to leave him and all of my friends behind. I have finally established a network of people that I loved and trusted after moving from Belgium to Denmark in 2016 (I moved to the US in 2021) and moved to different schools.
Was the educational system in the US different from your home country’s? If so, do you prefer it or not, and why?
Yes, the educational system is very different. The educational system in Denmark is based on problem-solving abilities and group work. In my experience, the schools in America are based on the textbooks, knowing the materials that will be on the test, and now how to solve different issues. I prefer the system back in Denmark, because I like the idea of proving my understanding of the materials, by using them in a different scenario. Also the schools in America is based on tests not your ability to think.
Did you keep in touch with your friends and relatives from where you previously lived? If yes, what method worked best, and/or how often are you able to contact them?
Yes. I have a lot of family and friends and I use FaceTime and other social media platforms like snapchat, messenger and instagram to communicate with friends and relatives.
Are you in touch with any other NATO officer kids? Tell us a few things about that experience.
Yes, the Danish NATO community is very tight-knit, and we host monthly get-togethers. I also know other people who are in NATO at school and through extracurricular activities. They are mostly very open to talking because we can all relate to one another.
What do you usually do for fun after moving here? Do you have any suggestions for activities we could try?
Spots is my go-to. There are always people to connect with. I would advise you to try and be as open to conversation as possible and make the most of your adventure here. Another great activity in the Hampton Roads area is the beaches. We have some of the best beaches on the East Coast, and it is known for the boardwalk and year-round events.
Have you been on any trips within the US or to the surrounding countries? If yes, tell us a few things about the experience and make some suggestions on what the rest of us could try.
Yes, I have gone down to Florida Keys multiple times, and I could not recommend it more. It is beautiful and it shows another side of America’s various types of landscape.
Are you involved in any extracurricular activities either in your school or in outside organizations? Tell us about your experience.
Not anymore. I used to row a lot though. I love the sport, but the facilities are nothing compared to Europe’s.
How did the language barrier (if applicable) affect your experience? Do you have any tips for future newcomers struggling with learning English?
I didn’t face a language barrier.
What are a few difficulties you faced when moving to the US that you haven’t already mentioned?
Socializing was my biggest difficulty. American’s in my experience are very nice and outgoing people, but it is a surface act with many people. Of course this does not apply to all, I might have been one of the more unlucky people. My advice would be to get involved as much as possible in school, because everything social goes through the school.
What do you wish you had already known before moving to the US?
I wish I knew that my social life would be 100% dependent on what extracurricular activities I participated in and how much I contributed to class discussions.