On September 26, 2025, Austin High hosted a class from Denmark. These Danish seniors are in an international-focused class, in which they have pursued travel around Europe and ultimately, Texas. Their visit has inspired the exploration of the cultural differences and pop culture comparison between America and Denmark. From their visit, we can investigate their experiences at Austin High.
The senior Denmark students had the option to take a class with a focus on international study. Christopher Andersen, one of these students, told us about their travels: “We have to get out of Denmark and experience other cultures, and that’s why we went far away this time.” He continued, “We’ve been to Germany and bigger cities in Denmark.” These students have already experienced parts of Europe and ultimately go even further to Austin, Texas. They had the opportunity to visit Austin High, ACC, and the University of Texas.
When asked about the differences between American and Danish schools, overall, the experience was positive. “People are very sweet here! People are very welcoming. I’ve heard a lot about immigrants and things, they’re not really welcome here. But, we were so welcomed.” The political atmosphere in America has increased the fear of visiting the US among some Danish students. Although these fears led to skepticism, the trip these students had surprised them. Simone noted that, “it’s different from the way American culture gets portrayed in the media. I think it’s different. It gets a lot of evil.”
Another shock to the Danish students was the structure of American schools. Christopher told interviewers that in Denmark, they “all have the same class,” instead of switching classrooms for each subject. Education in Denmark poses many differences to America’s approach, including a unique grading system. Harper Hollingworth gave us insight, stating that “in Denmark, their lowest grade’s a negative 3 and then their highest is a 12 and it jumps every 2 or 4. So it’s like -3, 0, 2, 4, 7, 12? It’s like it jumps. So like a -3 if like an F for us or like a 60,” said Harper. This is contrary to the ‘ABC’ and GPA grading system in the United States.
Student Christopher was surprised by Austin High’s architecture, noticing that “the way the classes are built, we have lots of space and windows all over the place. It feels more relaxed in Denmark.” Pop culture prepared Simone for the look of American schools. Simone said, “Of course, you have seen a lot of the American school systems in pop culture, and like High School Musical, it looks a lot like it.” The integration of American pop culture gave Simone a fairly accurate representation of American schools.
As Austin High students, it is a blessing to get to experience other cultures. Global students get to travel to different countries and experience their cultures, but it is always interesting to host. The Danish students’ visit provided a chance to learn about Danish culture and inspire learning. From Rebecca Wright, “Any opportunity to get beyond our small classroom and connect to the world outside is awesome.”
