Being published in a Danish newspaper

Hi all!

It's been a while since my last blog post - 5 days to be exact - so I thought I should post something before people start thinking that I've given up with this already.

If you've seen what I've posted on basically all of my social media pages, then you will already know what I'm going to be talking about. Although if you look at the title of this post, it's not that hard to guess!

So as most of you know, I am currently working in Denmark, and have been for the past two months. It's nothing extravagant, but I plan to write a post about my experiences in a blog next week.

I'm staying with my boyfriend's parents who live here, and it's actually because of his dad that I got this opportunity in the first place.

The island that we're staying on is called 'Samsø', and my boyfriend's dad is friends with one of the island's journalists. Long story cut short, he invited him over one evening so I could talk to him about work experience.

Unfortunately I couldn't partake in any work experience because this is a busy time of year for them, and the language barrier would make things a lot harder. So instead they suggested that rather than doing a weeks worth of work experience in the office, that I instead write a piece for their paper; and if it was good, they would publish it.

So that's exactly what I did! I decided to write quite a simple piece, that detailed my perspective of Samsø. I took a few weeks to properly explore the island and take some nice photographs.

And viola, this was my outcome:

An outsider’s perspective

by Sophie Squires

"I never once thought I’d find myself in Denmark; let alone working here. Although I am not a permanent resident, I don’t think I’d mind residing here for longer than three months.

Whenever I thought of ‘going abroad’ my head always filled with imagery of hot weather and sandy beaches. I now find myself challenging that stereotype, and diving into a completely different perspective of what that term really means.

"My first impressions of Samsø were that it was similar to what I knew from back home. Being from the south west of the UK, I found that the island reflected the surroundings that I am so used to: the open fields, coastal lines, and temperamental weather.

Overlooking the pier in Ballen

"However, after being on the island for over a month now, I have discovered what makes Samsø so distinct from anything else.

"The architecture corresponds so well with each other. Nothing looks out of place – aside from the big, grey SAK building that towers over every other house in the area – but ignoring that, everything else is a true representation of Denmark.

"The triangular roofs, colourful designs, and open-spaced housing, really builds on the character of this quaint, little island.

Many wide and open spaces on the island

"It’s nice to be a part of what I view to be, a very trusting society. I say this because of the various stalls that are scattered around the island; but no one is there monitoring the stall. Instead a there is a price list set up for each item, and a money box where you can pay. I find that absolutely amazing, because even in the more remote places of the UK, I couldn’t imagine anything like that working at all.

A stall set up with a number of items for sale

"Cycling: I have never seen so many people using bikes as a means for transport! With the island being so small, and most of the roads being fairly flat, most places in Samsø can be easily cycled too – even for those who aren’t the most confident riding a bike, much like myself.

"I find it pleasant that the majority of people on the island seem to cycle; I think it’s part of the reason behind what makes Samsø so quirky.

Spotting flowers growing in a field up by Besser

"Overall, I have had a very pleasant experience in Samsø so far. Not nly have I been able to discover such a wonderfly, unique place; but I have also been able to meet a variety of unique people that make up the community.

"I hope to make the most of the time that I have left on the island before returning to the UK, but even if I don’t, there’s always next year. And maybe next time I can brush up a bit more on my Danish."

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Looking up at Samsø from the beach

That was the final piece that I sent in to be reviewed, and it was printed in their weekly newspaper!

I'm very pleased that I was able to do some journalistic work whilst over here, it's all valuable experience for me as a student. And hopefully I get to do some more in the future.

That's all I have for this blog post - I hope you enjoyed reading.

Speak soon. x