--- title: "Change can be good, especially in Maribo" description: "Lotte is 14 years old and shares her story about moving from Hungary to Denmark" date: "2026-06-19" created: "2026-06-19" --- # Change can be good, especially in Maribo Hi, my name is Lotte, I am 14-year-old, and I live in Maribo, Denmark with my amazing parents. I go to the Lolland International school where I have lots of friends. I want to share my story of moving between different places and how it affected me emotionally. [Home](https://newcomers.lolland.dk/) [New to Lolland](https://newcomers.lolland.dk/new-to-lolland) [Change can be good, especially in Maribo](https://newcomers.lolland.dk/new-to-lolland/change-can-be-good-especially-in-maribo) (...) don't be afraid of change. There may be moments when you feel overwhelmed and wish you could disappear, but trust me, being afraid won't make the situation any easier. What will make a difference is doing the best you can and giving yourself time to adapt. Change can be scary, but it can also lead to new friendships, new experiences, and opportunities you never expected. ## Moving can be Exciting but Scary at the same time Most people think of moving to a new country as leaving one home behind and starting a life somewhere completely strange. My story is a little different. I was born in Denmark, but I spent much of my childhood and life in Hungary before returning to Denmark and settling in Maribo. Coming back to Denmark was a unique experience. Even though it was the country where I was born, it did not feel entirely familiar. Hungary had become my home, and I was used to its culture, language, and way of life. Returning to Denmark felt like reconnecting with a part of my identity while also starting a new chapter. When my parents told me that we will be moving back to Denmark I was extremely happy because I love the country, even though the weather can be annoying sometimes —it's pretty cold here! I think Denmark is such a great place. There is so much nature, and it is such a clean place. People actually do something to keep it clean, which is why it never looks like a trash-filled place. When I breathe in the air here, I can tell that it is a clean place. In Hungary, I never really felt the same way. In my experience, many people would throw their rubbish on the ground and simply continue with their day, which made me sick to my stomach. ## The international school My parents originally wanted to move here because of the school's excellent education. However, as they spent more time here, they fell in love with the area and decided they wanted to stay. Maribo is a small, peaceful town in Denmark, and it quickly felt like home to our family. Compared to Budapest and other huge cities, life here feels very different. People in Maribo are generally friendly and open, and it is common for strangers to greet each other or start conversations. This was something I was not as used to before moving here. And the best part was that Maribo has an international school, which has made my life much easier and better. The reason for that is that I had almost completely forgotten how to speak Danish, and I wasn’t sure how I would find friends or communicate with anyone that way. But when my mom told me that there was a school where English is the main language, I was so relieved. ## From feeling Lost to feeling at Home We were trying to find a house that was close to the school and at the end we found one just perfect for us. The day came, my first day in my new school! I was very nervous, not sure if I will fit in, but that thought didn’t last for long because the second I stepped into the school a very nice girl from my grade approached me. She told me everything I had to know, she made me feel welcome. She introduced me to the others and everyone was so nice. I made so many friends, and some of them have become like family to me. I still remember how confused I was with the teachers. Not because they’re bad teachers it’s because they talk to their students like they’re at the same level. It felt like the teachers were our friends while still being there to teach and guide us. I just really liked how I didn’t feel that stress like in my old class. There, we always had to think at least three times before we spoke, so we don’t accidently say something that would make the teacher upset. ## Activities that keep me going In my free time I’m usually with my friends, we hang out a lot at my place. We don’t really go anywhere else, because we think there aren’t lot of places where we can hang out at in Maribo. But it’s okay though, as if you’re with the right person the place does not matter anyways. If I’m not with them I do some activities. I do Zumba and I love it! I can really let my energy out there. And I love the teacher, she’s an athletic elderly woman who’s full of energy and loves to have fun. Other then Zumba I go to the gym. People would think that I go to the gym to stay in shape but honestly, I just think it’s so much fun, especially when my music is just screaming in my ears. ## Change can be scary but also good I have one last thing to say, don't be afraid of change. There may be moments when you feel overwhelmed and wish you could disappear, but trust me, being afraid won't make the situation any easier. What will make a difference is doing the best you can and giving yourself time to adapt. Change can be scary, but it can also lead to new friendships, new experiences, and opportunities you never expected. *(This article was written by Lotte as part of her internship with Lolland Municipality's Newcomers Service. It reflects her own experiences and perspectives)*