Valerija and Antonio explain about their IB experience at Grenaa Gymnasium
Every year in August when the Danish school year starts, young people from many parts of the world come to small town Grenaa because they have been admitted to the Pre-IB or IB Diploma programmes at Grenaa Gymnasium. Last year Valerija Gerasimova and Antonio Arcas Sambola were among the new IB1 students. Valerija is from Latvia and Antonio is from Spain. They are both aged 17.
Why IB at Grenaa Gymnasium?
Valerija: I had heard good things about IB, that it is both challenging and interesting. I wanted to go to Denmark, because the standard of living is high here and IB schools are affordable. Grenaa Gymnasium then became my first choice among the IB schools in Denmark. I read reviews of the IB programme here and I also liked what I saw on the school’s social media and that there are so many international students here.
Antonio: I chose the IB programme because it opens doors, and I wanted to improve my English. As Valerija mentioned, in Denmark it is affordable. I had Grenaa Gymnasium recommended to me and also my sister got her IB Diploma here. I visited the school at her graduation. However, I actually did my Pre-IB at a different Danish IB school because I wanted a host family and to learn Danish. Then for the actual IB Diploma programme I decided to go to Grenaa. To me it matters that here IB is really something in itself, because there are many IB students.
Read about IB subjects at Grenaa Gymnasium
Talk to an IB student. Our IB Ambassadors are happy to answer questions
How would you describe the atmosphere at Grenaa Gymnasium?
Valerija: I like the teachers and that there is not a difference in status. We are all just peers. This came as a surprise to me, but in a good way. In my home country adults have high status and as a student you might not speak your opinion if you disagree. Here the teachers actually listen, and the lessons are more comfortable. It makes me study because I enjoy it, not because of pressure. And I never feel alone during a school day. People are nice to each other.
Antonio: : I also think that there is a good connection between teachers and students. It’s like ‘you and me’. Teachers do not overuse their power to for example making fun of a student. I’ve also noticed that there is flexibility here and lots of help to get a better grade.
In Danish school culture learning is seen as collective effort as much as an individual one. This sometimes surprises and frustrates international students used to more individualistic approaches to learning. What is your experience?
Valerija: : I like group work because we learn together. It is a way of getting to know people and it strengthens your communication skills. You will need that in your future because it is important to be able to communicate and find compromises, and not only with friends.
Antonio: I like group work. Of course sometimes not everyone is equally committed, but with the right match it can boost you.
You both live at Grenaa Gymnasium’s Boarding School across the road. What is a typical school day like?
Valeria: I’ll do a little revision and perhaps homework before breakfast and school. For lunch we come back to the boarding school and after afternoon lessons in the afternoon and evening there’s homework and assignments. Sometimes we help each other in one of the study rooms. There are also so many leisure activities to join in the music room, the art room, the gym… and we get free tickets for the local swimming pool right next door. It’s a lovely swimming pool. In the weekends I go for a run in the forrest and I might bake with some friends in the students’ kitchen or sing in the music room.
Read more about the Boarding School
Antonio: I second that. There is always something to do. I have joined the school choir and I participate in the music cafés so I’ve integrated with some of the Danish students at the school. I’m also in the EU Club and I go to Aarhus to scate. And everything you do you can have CAS points for. I think CAS is a good thing. I makes people open to trying new things.
Read about extra-curriculars at Grenaa Gymnasium
Choir concert: Echoes of the 80’s
How do you like the meals at the boarding school?
Valerija: I love the food. There is always such a variety with lots of greens. Even the snacks are healthy.
Antonio: I am perhaps not as big a fan, but there is always something you like, and I am never hungry. We should also mention the Friday treats: burgers, burritos or for example pizzas.
Read about meals at the Boarding School
What would be the most significant challenges, you have met here?
Antonio: Getting used to so many people every day…
Valerija: Yes, and especially if you have a twin room. You have to step over you comfort zone.
Antonio: I’d also say maturing and for example manage your time. You want to do well, but no one for example checks your CAS report until months, but you’re supposed to do it along the way.
New at the Boarding School – read here
What advice would you give to coming Pre-IB and IB students?
Valerija: Give it a shot. You will regret not trying it. Your efforts will be worth it. And don’t be scared.
Antonio: Expect ups and downs and a lot of effort, but it will still be great years.
