Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Asfeldt, Reeg
----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 3/23/2016
Denmark Comes to Thorp (Foreign Exchange Student - 2016)
Denmark Comes to Thorp via Foreign Exchange Student
Holger Laerche Asfeldt
Pictured in large top photo, the Reeg family and Holger. Pictured bottom left: Holger hits the ice with his hockey team. Holger went on to become one of Thorp’s first students to letter in the sport. Pictured bottom center: On one of the family’s many adventures, Holger and his host siblings gather for a commemorative photo. (l-r) are Carsten Reeg, Emerald Reeg, Calvin Reeg, Edie Reeg, and Holger Asfeldt; Pictured bottom right: After one of Thorp’s football games, players Calvin and Holger with their family.
By Stephanie Hoff
Holger Laerche Asfeldt - a foreign exchange student from Denmark, staying with Randy and Lisa Reeg and their two boys, Calvin and Carsten, for the 2015-16 school years - wanted to be a foreign exchange student as a way to “experience something [more] special than everyone else.” With the help of his host family, Holger has been able to achieve just that.
Back in Denmark, Holger’s school only goes through the 10th grade, but the sophomore year is optional depending on whether or not students want to attend college. Holger decided to spend his final year in the United States before attending college back in Denmark - even though the decision wasn’t until right before the start of the school year.
Only two months before the deadline, Holger deiced to submit his application and biography.
“There was a lot of paperwork,” Holger commented. The soon-to-be sophomore had to get a visa by visiting the American Embassy in Denmark so that they could contact the United States.
Things were equally as rushed back in America as the Reeg family contemplated the idea of hosting a foreign exchange student.
“Hosting a foreign exchange student wasn’t even on our mind at all,” said Lisa Reeg. And when the family decided to host, they jumped in full force. The Reegs looked at the exchange student biographies and decided that Holger would be a good fit. Within 48 hours, they were given a yes. “It felt like an adoption,” Lisa added.
With a host family lined up, Holger got word - but it didn’t leave much time.
“They asked me if I was ready to leave in two to three days. I had nothing packed!” Holger stated. But he quickly got his things in order and within only two weeks of the Reegs saying yes, Holger arrived in the States.
Wisconsin wasn’t a big shock for Holger because according to him, it’s pretty similar to Denmark; however, he commented, that Thorp “looks like a western movie” when looking down main street. The big differences were in the school system. In Denmark, students are in one classroom all day with the same kids and it’s the teachers who rotate. Not only did Holger get a chance to experience a new school setting, he was able to test his hand at school-supported athletics.
In Denmark, sports are not school related - only private. Holger has so far been able to participate in football and in hockey, and is now beginning to prepare for the spring track season.
“I’ve never played American football or tackled anyone before my first game,” Holger said. “It was a lot of fun hanging out with the guys.”
“And it is a good way to know people,” Lisa added.
Holger enjoyed his time out on the field, especially the school spirit and how the school in united. While playing on the hockey co-op team, Holger finished the busy season on a high note - a hat trick in his last game on his last goal off an assist from his host brother, Calvin Reeg.
During his time in Thorp, Holger has also participated in the drama production, joined the Thorp FFA, competed at the Junior Achievement competition in Eau Claire with Calvin, and has even played the triangle in some of the pep band performances during home games.
The holidays were fun for Holger too. “It was good,” Holger said with a big smile when he was asked about Thanksgiving. Christmas was a little different for Holger too, because he’s used to celebrating the holiday on Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day. In Denmark, Santa Claus isn’t from the North Pole - he’s from Greenland and he’s called, “The Christmas Man.” The holiday season ended with a bang as Holger traveled with the Reegs to Las Vegas where they even got a chance to ice skate on top of the Cosmopolitan.
Throughout his time in the United States, Holger has fully immersed himself in American culture, which he feels has led to a much closer relationship with the United States. But he’s not the only one learning in the process. He’s also been teaching his host family a lot.
“We have a new familiarity with Denmark because of this experience,” said Lisa. “Carsten is learning some Danish and we’re learning so much about the country.” Holger has been teaching his new family everything from Denmark’s queen to their higher taxes, especially on cars.
“Calvin has his own car - that’s amazing!” commented Holger.
“From a European perspective, Denmark is very progressive and successful,” added Lisa. “They also relate to the U. S. by being one of the freest countries in Europe.”
“We were told that we can’t discuss things like politics or religion with Americans - that we need to learn to smile and agree,” said Holger after mentioning that he attended foreign exchange student camps. However, the Reeg family has had many fun discussions about the presidential debates, sparking many conversations about the differences between the U. S. government and Denmark’s.
“They discuss here like we do at the dinner table,” Holger said.
“We love that Holger participates in our discussions,” Randy stated.
After watching one of the presidential debates, Holger said, “The presidential election affects the whole world.”
“We wish he could be here when it gets up to Election Day,” Lisa added.
With so many lively family discussions going on, especially around the dinner table, the Reeg family has found more ways to incorporate Denmark into their day-to-day life, including bringing Danish dishes to the very table they are discussing over. Lisa has tried to make many Danish dishes for Holger and the rest of the family including Danish meatballs, rye bread (rog brod), and Danish pudding. One thing that Holger hasn’t been able to live without is his oatmeal - staple in Danish cuisine. Even when Holger goes to McDonald’s he orders a cheeseburger and oatmeal.
The family dynamic in the Reeg household is also a new change for Holger. Back in Denmark, Holger only has one sister - so having two brothers was a big change. The Reegs also have two daughters - both are currently in college.
“It’s great having kids about the same age,” Lisa commented. “It helps to plug into social activities - and it’s how Calvin got sucked into the play! They also argue like brothers. He totally fits in.” In fact, the phrase, ‘Holger did it’ was used shortly after he arrived, especially by the youngest “brother” Carsten.
“It’s fun having a little brother. It’s fun to try new because I never experienced that,” Holger said.
“Holger was good at English even though he’s never spoken so much like he had to start doing here at home,” said Randy. Holger went from thinking in Danish to thinking in English in only about a month. “Immersion is important for learning another language,” Lisa added.
Even though there are only a couple months left in the foreign exchange student experience, Holger and the Reeg family aren’t showing any signs of slowing down in gaining experience and knowledge from one another. This spring, the family is planning a trip to Nashville, Tennessee to see the Grand Ole Opry, and of course, an NHL hockey game.
“An advantage of a foreign exchange student is that you’re more aware of the experience you’re providing - everybody benefits!” said Lisa. Even Holger’s parents are planning a visit to the United States this May.
“This has been a very positive experience and we’d definitely do it again,” said Lisa. “Hopefully he’ll come back,” Randy added. “Or the boys could go visit him.”
“It flew by really fast. It’s kind of sad. I’m going to miss this,” stated Holger.
“It will be hard to top this experience,” Lisa added.
