Student from Denmark attends River View
WARSAW – Frederik Larsen lives in the ninth largest city in Denmark, which is approximately half the size of Ohio and has a population of six million. On Aug. 6, 2015, Larsen traded in his city life for a farm in Perry Township.
“He loves it outside and he’s made the adjustment well,” said Janette Donaker, whose family is hosting Larsen during his stay in Coshocton County. “We’ve turned him into a farmer since he’s been here.”
Larsen is a senior at River View High School and has been to the United States six times while on vacation with his family. This is his first time coming to the country as part of the foreign exchange program and his first time in Coshocton County.
“A lot of my brother’s friends did foreign exchange,” said Larsen. “It always sounded like they had a good time, so I thought I’d try it.”
Since he has been in the county, Larsen has attended a Cavalier’s game, Columbus Crew game, and a Cincinnati Reds game. Sports are something Larsen is passionate about and he plays soccer, basketball, and baseball at River View. He’s played soccer for 10 years, but basketball and baseball are new to him.
“Everybody’s really nice on the team,” said Larsen about the basketball team. “The seniors let me start varsity and they let me shoot three-pointers, which was fun.”
Larsen also attended River View’s prom and homecoming, and Donaker took him to a farm in Sugarcreek.
“I really like living on a farm,” said Larsen. “I like working and I like the animals.”
Although Larsen is considered a senior at River View, none of his high school credits transfer to Denmark when he returns. He will be in 10th grade when he returns to school in Denmark. However, Larsen would like to come back to Coshocton County one day.
“I think it would be fun if my kids went to River View,” he said.
Donaker hopes he comes back to the county someday and said she will really miss him when he leaves. Larsen leaves for home on June 22.
“He’s always got that smile on his face,” she said. “He’s so outgoing and he’s never in a bad mood.”
Donaker will be hosting a girl from Germany next year and says all the foreign exchange students she has had over the years will always be her children.
Larsen said that he will always consider Donaker and her family a part of his family.
“I enjoy playing new sports, living in a new culture, getting to know new people, and having a whole new family,” said Larsen. “I have two families now.”
beth@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: People & Places
