It is with particular pleasure that I welcome you both, Joseph Kelly and Danielle Conlan, two outstanding students in their fields of mathematics and law respectively, to Denmark and the University of Copenhagen.

Congratulations. What a life-enriching opportunity you have been presented with as holders of this exchange student scholarship.

An opportunity to experience and appreciate another culture, to potentially meet life-long friends or  perhaps even a life-long partner, to travel, to realise the importance of understanding difference and not being afraid of it and being open to another's way of life, belief system and traditions.

You being here in Denmark creates a similar opportunity for the Danes you meet. Cultural exchange works both ways…

Your time here can be a wonderful time of growth, both personally and intellectually.

Geographically Denmark and Australia could almost not be further apart.  Our languages could similarly be described and Joseph, you could add climate to this list.  However, there are many, many similarities and these you will, if you haven't already, notice very quickly.  Hopefully, you will come to feel very much at home here in Denmark and at the University.

By accepting to study abroad you have both demonstrated a willingness to challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone.  Not an easy decision, but hard decisions often bring the greatest rewards.

Congratulations once again. Study hard and enjoy the Danish way of life.