by Lauren Trevino
Living in a suburb near Orlando, it is not uncommon to see tourists on a regular basis, though it is unusual to wait in a parking lot at 2 AM for them. But that is what a group of families did on Mar. 2.
The families were waiting for a group of students and coaches from Denmark that attended a boarding school that combines school and soccer called Efterskolen ved Nyborg (EVN). They had come over with their coaches to experience American culture and play some soccer.
Colonial High School junior Harrison Jarman attended their school during the 2010-2011 school year, and the coaches were able to keep those connections open and organize the trip.
“Getting families to host the students is crucial for our trip,” said Coach Søren Madsen.
The hardest part of planning the trip was finding places for the students to stay through host families. These are families that take the visiting teenagers into their homes, giving them a place to stay and food, as well as entertainment on weekends.
Peggy Jarman was a connection to Madsen and the other coaches that helped make the trip possible. Between scheduling games and finding the host families, she has given these students a chance to experience American culture while playing the sport they love.
“In previous years the soccer team went to Italy,” said volunteer Peggy Jarman, “but all students take English so this was a good way for them to experience a different culture and play soccer with a non-European opponent.”
The students also got a chance to visit malls and amusement parks during their stay in Orlando. It is an opportunity for the Danish teenagers to learn more about America while their host families learn about Denmark in turn.
“Experiencing living in America is my favorite part,” said Danish student Nadia Lindholm Hansen.
The students stayed in Orlando until Mar. 11, then headed to Miami for a week, and finally returned home.