English (Advanced) - Advance English Lessons - one

Shirley talks about how customs officials also play an important role in protecting endangered species from being smuggled across borders.

Alex: So Maria, you've seen what’s been happening recently in Europe, and things haven’t been going too well. What do you think the future looks like for Denmark? Do you think the country will do well?

Maria: Honestly, I don’t think we’ll do that well. My generation has had it really easy. We could choose any job or education we wanted, and the government even pays us to study. I still receive money every month for my studies, even while on exchange. Compared to many other countries where education is a privilege, we’ve taken it for granted. People now call us the “luxury generation” because we’re not used to working hard—and I can relate to that.

Now that the job market is more competitive, we’re starting to struggle. Unemployment is high, especially among young graduates. Unless you have a very specific degree, like medicine, it can take over a year to find a job. My sister is about to graduate with a degree in European social studies, and she’s terrified she won’t find work soon. The biggest issue, I think, is that Danish youth aren’t used to facing real challenges—but now we have to, because Europe’s situation has changed.

Economically, Denmark still has some strong advantages. We have large companies, strong trade connections with the U.S. and the rest of Europe, and close ties with our Scandinavian neighbors, especially Sweden and Norway. However, with a new socialist government, there’s some uncertainty. I personally like our system, but it could create economic difficulties.

I expect my generation will have it tougher than our parents did. Luckily, I’m studying business, so I could always work abroad—maybe in Australia. But overall, I’d say Denmark’s future feels uncertain right now.