BAYVIEW College student Ava Stephens had excellent timing when she decided to move to Denmark for six months as an exchange student.
She studied year 11 there from August 8 to January 21, a stint that coincided with Australian-born Mary Elizabeth Donaldson upgrading from Princess to Queen of Denmark.
“Me and another exchange student from Australia, we were in Copenhagen, and we went into the city, and we watched the big ceremony with the Queen and Princess Mary,” Ava said.
“I didn't actually know anything about the royal family really, until I applied to go there, but I thought it was really cool they had an Australian Princess there.”
Ava discovered the World Education Program online and decided to apply.
“I just found it online. You put in all your details and what country you want to go to.
“I was looking at a few options, I just made a list of pros and cons for each place.
“I was thinking of Italy as well. I thought the food would be really good and also the Netherlands too.
In the end, she chose to exchange to Denmark, because she was keen on having a white Christmas.
“I wanted to go somewhere colder because I've never seen snow before.
“Also, I wanted to go somewhere where they speak another language.
“I'm not fluent (in Danish), but I think I learnt a fair bit.”
Her host family were mum, dad and two sisters, who she’s been keeping contact with.
While Ava attended Danish secondary schooling, she also managed to travel during her exchange.
On her first few days, she enjoyed a three-day orientation in Copenhagen for all exchange students who arrived at the same time.
“We spent three days sightseeing in Copenhagen, and we went on a river cruise.
“We went to Tivoli, which is theme park there.”
A visit to Sweden was also enjoyed during her six months.
Ava was delighted to enjoy a white Christmas and learnt some of the traditions of the Danish festive season.
“They had a specific meal that everyone in Denmark has at Christmas.
“They have this tradition where they dance around the Christmas tree and sing Christmas carols before they open all their presents.
“It was really fun. I liked it.”
