Commentary by Vitória Cristal Chin Pereira Norte and Maires Máximo do Rosario (Pui Va Middle School)
Instructors: Flo Pau Ka Kei, Neddy Tam Ka Lok and Monica Yang Huan
A group of high-ability English language students from Pui Va Middle School spent more than two weeks in Denmark during this summer holiday, taking part in an international programme designed to strengthen their communication skills, cross-cultural literacy, and global citizenship
From July 11 to 27, Pui Va students joined the summer programme at Ranum Efterskole College, a boarding school known for its international learning environment. This summer programme brought together young people from different countries and offered courses such as English language learning, sustainable development education, and mindfulness.
For the students, the experience extended far beyond the classroom.
Unlike the traditional classroom-based learning experience found in Macao, the programme emphasised outdoor education, collaborative activities, and intercultural exchange. All students were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones while living and learning alongside peers from different cultural backgrounds.
One of the participants, Cheung Hoi Chun, a Secondary Two student at Pui Va Middle School, described the experience as life-changing.
“My journey began at Hong Kong International Airport, and I was unsure what to expect,” Cheung said. “Before arriving, I worried about whether I would fit in and whether local people would be welcoming. Fortunately, those concerns quickly disappeared.”
According to Cheung, Danish residents and fellow participants were friendly and open-minded, allowing him to gain a deeper understanding of Danish society and culture.
Among his most memorable experiences was a formal prom held in the school hall.
“Everyone dressed elegantly for the occasion,” he recalled. “We shared a meal, watched impressive performances, and celebrated together. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience Danish youth culture and create lasting memories.”
The programme also provided valuable insights into student life in an international boarding-school setting.
During the programme, student reporter Vitória Cristal Chin Pereira Norte interviewed Ashley J., an American student, about her experience living in a dormitory with students from around the world.
Ashley said that sharing a room with strangers was one of the biggest adjustments she faced.
“At home, I had always lived with my family,” Ashley explained. “Living independently and sharing a dormitory with people I had never met before was completely new.”
The transition was not always easy. Surrounded by unfamiliar faces, Ashley initially found it difficult to participate in discussions and group activities. However, as the days passed, she gradually became more comfortable expressing herself and building new friendships.
Some of Ashley’s fondest memories came not from lessons, but from the moments outside class.
“Playing games and having late-night conversations with roommates and friends made me feel like I belonged,” she said.
The international environment also helped Ashley develop greater confidence when interacting with people from different cultures. Through the experience, she discovered new interests and activities that she had never previously considered.
By the end of the programme, Ashley felt the experience had positively challenged her to move beyond her comfort zone.
For the Pui Va students, the Denmark summer programme offered more than academic enrichment. It provided a chance to build confidence, form international friendships, and gain a broader understanding of the world beyond Macao. As they returned home, many carried with them not only memories of Denmark, but also a renewed sense of what it means to be a global citizen.
Photos taken during the Denmark Summer Programme between July 11-27 courtesy of Pui Va Middle School
