This year, Atlantic High School is fortunate to host Amalie Halkjaer, a vibrant exchange student who has quickly become a familiar face in the hallways.
Since arriving, Halkjaer has embraced American culture while sharing insights from her home country, Denmark. One interesting thing she noted is the difference between the school structures in America versus Denmark.
Beyond her academic experiences, Halkjaer has shared unique experiences from her home. For example, a cherished tradition involved dancing around the Christmas tree during Christmas time. She also noted that multiple languages are spoken, including Danish, German, English, Swedish, and Norwegian.
Halkjaer’s presence has students excited to continue learning about perspectives as she explores what our school and community have to offer.
I had the opportunity to speak with Lily Wilrich, who is hosting Amalie. Willrich shared her experiences, offering a new perspective on the world of cultural exchange!
Willrich described the daily life with Amalie, which is filled with shared activities like playing games and exploring the Atlantic. They travel places together with Lily driving. She highlighted the adjustments and pointed out the different styles of dress and communication. Lily noted that the experience broadened her understanding of different cultures. “I have learned so much about Denmark… other European countries and their customs.” Willrich shared.
I also got the pleasure to speak to Brad and Becky Willrich, Lily’s parents, who are hosting Amalie through AYUSA. They offer insights into the joys and challenges of this enriching experience.
The Willrich family’s journey began with an application through an interview process. Although they’ve never hosted before, they emphasized the importance of open communication and treating their student as a full member of the family. This includes household responsibilities, shared meals, and a welcoming environment.
The Willrichs highlighted the importance of integrating Amalie into the school community. They encourage her to explore interests and participate in activities. They shared their favorite memories so far with Amalie.
