“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

The quotation comes from the philosopher Saint Augustine. Even though he lived around 1600 years ago, what he said about travel remains as true as ever.

Each of you has chosen to read several pages in that book of the world.

You have travelled here to Denmark to spend a period of your life and of your studies, here at the University of Southern Denmark.

A very warm welcome to you.

It is wonderful to see so many young people from all around the world choosing to come here, to this particular university.

For this is such a great place to study, and I know that there is a whole range of people who are prepared to do everything possible to ensure you have a good stay.

Don’t spend too much time getting used to the weather here in Denmark. I have lived here for about seven years and I’ve still not gotten used to it! 

But, as the Danes say, it’s not the weather that’s bad – it’s your choice of clothes!

Instead, spend your time enjoying life at the university, meet new people and discover our beautiful country.

You will, of course, need to work hard but when the time comes for you to head back home, you will find that you have learnt so much more about yourselves. You will also expand your network and possibilities for your future careers. 

To get along in a foreign culture and to become familiar with it requires an open mind, a curiosity and a certain ambition to become a global person, a person who can adapt to a new environment.  I am convinced that it is the most efficient way to develop us as people.

I have studied and worked in France, Switzerland, and America, and the time I spent there has played and still plays a major part in shaping me into the person I am today.

Finally, a few words about the Danish language. It has taken me a long time to understand it – and even longer to pronounce it! Fortunately, almost all Danes speak good English, so you can always fall back on that if learning Danish proves to be completely impossible. But I do encourage you to try to learn it because it is the best way to understand a new culture. 

Once again, a very warm welcome to you all to the University of Southern Denmark.