After graduating from Europea school KMASZC Táncsics Mihály Agricultural School in Hungary, Ráhel set her sights on Denmark’s only organic agricultural college to continue her studies. With the support of Erasmus+ Pro, she embarked on this new adventure. Her destination was no coincidence: during her earlier studies she had already spent two weeks at an animal welfare course at another Europea school Green Academy, an experience that left a strong impression on her and made her certain she wanted to return for more.
When Ráhel first heard about the chance to study abroad, she immediately saw it as an opportunity for professional development, language practice, and cultural discovery. Dreams often remain just dreams, but thanks to the support of her school, she set off for Denmark to experience agricultural studies in an entirely new setting.
First impressions: a friendly community and a modern school
Ráhel quickly felt at home in the new country and school. She found Denmark to be clean, well-organized, and peaceful, while the school impressed her with its facilities and open-minded spirit. What surprised her most during the first days was how direct and helpful people were, and how much importance they placed on honesty and integrity in everyday life.
Learning in a different way: practice, interaction, and dedicated teachers
The differences in teaching methods became clear very quickly. In Denmark, learning was much more practical and interactive compared to what she was used to at home: group work, presentations, and plenty of hands-on tasks forms the core of the program. Teachers are deeply engaged, which creates a motivating atmosphere.
One of the highlights of her studies is discovering the Danish approach to organic farming. She is impressed that for Danish farmers, “organic” means far more than simply following EU regulations—they set their own higher standards, which she finds deeply inspiring.
Gaining new professional skills
At Kalø Ráhel gained professional experiences that would have been difficult to access in Hungary in a school setting. She practices machinery handling, cattle and pig farming, and learns about advanced practices in organic agriculture. The program also opened the door to future international internships—opportunities that would have been nearly impossible to organize alone from home.
Community and cultural experiences
Integrating into the community happened quickly. The school organized many activities during the first weeks, which made it easier to get to know her classmates. This friendly environment not only supported her learning but also boosted her personal development: she became more confident presenting in front of others and grew stronger in teamwork.
Among her fondest memories are the day she and fellow volunteers toured local villages to compare bakery products, and the adventure of rescuing a calf that had fallen into a stream—a moment that turned into a collective effort filled with laughter.
Personal growth and future plans
During her first few months abroad, Ráhel developed many new skills. She learned to approach unfamiliar situations with courage, became more open to different cultures and working methods, and expanded her professional perspective in agriculture.
These experiences also clarified her vision for the future: she is determined to make use of her international agricultural knowledge and sees the “Global Organic Farmer” qualification as a valuable asset that opens many doors for her career.
Her message to students?
Ráhel’s advice is simple: don’t hesitate! The Erasmus+ program is a huge stepping stone both professionally and personally. With financial support covering most of the initial costs, students have everything they need to make the most of this unique opportunity abroad.
As part of its autumn seminar, Europea International also visited Kalø Økologisk Landbrugsskole, where participants spent an inspiring day immersed in the school’s vibrant community, gaining insights into organic farming education in Denmark.
(Text and pics by Ráhel and Ildikó)
