Sixth Year of Danish Cultural Exchange Program Returns to New York City

From June 30th through July 7th, six high school students from the small Danish town of Ribe, birthplace of Jacob Riis, spent a week taking in the sights, sounds and rhythms of New York as part of the sixth year of Riis Settlement’s Danish Cultural Exchange Program. The visitors- Carl Andersen, Emilie Kisbye Jensen, Christian Skalborg Jensen, Didde Knudsen, Sebastian Fricke Lydiksen, and Erna Sjöfn Styrmisdóttir, along with their teacher and chaperone Gitte Moller- are from the Ribe Cathedral School, the oldest school in Denmark, dating back to 1145. The selective school, led by Rector Bent Karsdal, prepares young people for entrance into universities in Denmark and around the world.But decidedly more new-world pursuits were on the agenda during this year’s visit, hosted by Riis teen program participants Ny-Treasure Bartee, Tatiana Burgess, Desean Franklin, Diamonique Franklin, Roman Jennings, and Wasee Rahman. Among them were a Fourth of July barbecue and pool party, and lunch at the renowned Red Rooster restaurant in Harlem, both of which provided opportunity for fascinating cultural comparison. As Carl remarked, “I think it’s nice to see all the special places in New York and live like a real American!” Of course, New York’s world-renowned museums and cultural icons were on the itinerary, including the Museum of Modern Art, Rockefeller Center, The Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Times Square, but some lesser-known sights and activities truly broadened the horizons of the visitors as well as their hosts, such as the 40th Annual International African Street Fair in Brooklyn. “It was nice to see the differences between New York and Denmark and there are a lot!” said Didde. “New York and the people from Riis have made a big impression,” added Erna.

That feeling was definitely mutual. As in past years, the Danish visitors stayed and shared dinners with Riis Settlement youth and their families during their time in New York and, if past experience is any guide, lasting friendships have been formed. As Tatiana, one of the Riis youth, stated about her guest, “Erna is bright, funny and loving. We loved having her and are going to miss her dearly.”

Initiated in 2006 by former Riis Settlement Board Chairman, Flemming Heilmann, the exchange is a partnership with the Cathedral School in Ribe. Since its inception, it has sought to increase intercultural understanding and provide opportunity by allowing young people from each community to visit each other on alternating summers. The Program is supported by the contributions of Riis Settlement Board Members, their affiliates and generous donations from the Royal Danish Embassy in Washington, D.C., the Hansen & Karlsen family and their company, Cyncron, and Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS).

Next year, the six youth hosts from New York will head to off to Ribe and Copenhagen, where they will reconnect with their Danish friends and stay with their families. The will visit farms, the coastal marshlands, Legoland, and the Tivoli Gardens, and become familiar with the enchanting medieval birthplace of the pioneering social reformer and photojournalist Jacob Riis, who helped found Riis Settlement in the late 19th century. Not only do the New York youth look forward to their first visit to Denmark, but the Danish students are already planning their return. “New York- the Big Apple, the place to be and the place to return” exclaimed Sebastian, rather poetically.

Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement House, Inc. is the leading community-based non-profit service provider in Western Queens, New York, serving as a catalyst for change by supporting residents in their efforts to achieve greater success in life and work. Founded in 1899, Riis Settlement provides integrated educational, social, cultural and health services to more than 1600 individuals each year. Riis Settlement’s award winning programs support community members of all ages– from after-school programs for kids to English-language classes for immigrants to health services and meals for senior citizens. Riis Settlement continues to seek private and corporate support for continuation of the Exchange, which provides an invaluable opportunity for intercultural education and understanding to youth from underserved communities.

View the slideshow! Click on the images below.

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