Billmarks get education from around world

By DAWN SLADE
Mille Lacs County Times
Posted 2/19/03

Daine Billmark and his sister Nadie are becoming world travelers, thanks to scholarships and a desire to learn more about other cultures, but mostly because of the support they receive from their parents, Danie and Diane of Milaca.

"We encourage them to go overseas, because we feel theyíre pretty isolated here in Milaca," Diane said.

"Weíd like them to meet other people that are different than they are. We think it would help them mature. Theyíre both real smart, well-mannered kids, but I think you always grow when you have to deal with different circumstances."

As a family the Billmarks have traveled to the Bahamas and Hawaii, but now the kids are going it alone.

Daineís adventures

A 1999 graduate of Milaca High School, Daine now attends the University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD).

But in August 2001, Daine received a scholarship from the universityís computer science department and spent a semester in Ronneby, Sweden.

He attended the Blekinge Technical Institute, staying in old military dorm rooms with other students from around the world.

Daine took a week-long course to help learn more Swedish, but said most people spoke English so he didnít have to utilize his foreign language abilities.

While overseas, Daine spent 10 days on a solo backpacking trip through France, Belgium, Holland, Germany and Denmark.

Stepping into new countries, talking with strangers, getting around and not be afraid to ask people for help, were growth experiences for Daine.

"I became much more independent and grew up faster in those four months than I ever imagined," Daine said of the experience.

"Before I left, I thought of the United States as ëthe worldí and didnít take any interest in the other parts of the world. Now, Iím much more aware and concerned with happenings of the entire globe, rather than just the U.S.," he added.

While Daine was in Sweden, the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States took place.

He was in school when the attacks occurred and when he returned to his room another student told him to turn on the television.

Everyone watched TV all day and all night, Daine said, and surprisingly a lot of it was in English.

As Daine was the only American in the school of about 2,000, everyone wanted to know his opinion on the incident.

"In a war situation, you always hear about the other countryís view points. Now, I definitely see their take on things and their point of view. And I take them more seriously," Daine said.

Concerning the probable war with Iraq, Daine said that many people in Europe and Sweden feel the United States tries to be like the worldís police. And he said, some are more afraid of us than Iraq - as a superpower.

Daine returned to Minnesota Dec. 23, 2001 and is now in his senior year at UMD. Following graduation, Daine hopes to find himself with a career in marketing information systems and technology.

The advice he gave his little sister before she headed off for her schooling abroad, "Donít concentrate on school work too much. See the sights and explore the country."

Nadieís turn

Nadie is travelling to Australia so she, too, can have the opportunity to live and study with other students from around the world.

A 2001 graduate of Milaca High School, Nadie is also a student at UMD where sheís studying biology.

She received a partial scholarship to study abroad through the International Education Office at UMD.

Since her last semester ended in December, sheís been working full-time with Fairview Health Systems. The semester at Curtin University in Perth, Australia doesnít begin until March 3.

On Saturday, Feb. 15, Nadie boarded a plane at Minneapolis International Airport and spent an overnight layover in Malaysia - where she celebrated her 20th birthday.

Though a total of 20 students from UMD are studying abroad, it was just Nadie and three others who left on Saturday as they had to make individual flight plans.

Luckily for Nadie, two are roommates and the third was in her dorm last year, so she had familiar faces with her in Malaysia.

Because of the layover and time changes, the foursome arrived in Australia on Tuesday, Feb. 18 - three days after they left Minnesota.

The amount of travel to get to Australia and the coinciding time changes were a bit dizzying for Nadie. Before leaving she said, "In a way, I really donít want to know."

And Nadie didnít know who any of her roommates might be in Australia, she only knew sheíd be staying in a co-ed flat with other students from around the world.

Before leaving, Nadie did some research to prepare for the trip, learning a few things about the Australian lingo.

For example, giving the thumbs up here is considered a good sign, over there itís a negative gesture.

Besides wanting to try surfing, Nadie said what sheís most excited about is, "I really want to learn about the people Iím staying with and experience their cultures. I want to learn about the differences, but more importantly, what we have in common."

Danie said of their overseas education, "To be able to understand how mainstream populations of foreign countries view world issues, politics, and global concerns, will be, in itself, an important education.

"And to know how the people of other countries look at Americans and their foreign policies can only help us become more aware and better citizens of America and the planet."

Nadie also hopes to travel to Sydney and to experience the outback, but she points out that Australia is about the size of the U.S. So, making her way to Sydney will be like trying to get to California from Minnesota.

The only other time sheís traveled without her family was back in 10th grade when she went to Mexico with her Spanish II class.

Since she will be gone until June, Nadie spent the last few weeks before her departure visiting with friends and family. E-mail will be her lifeline to family and friends and she plans to send weekly updates to everyone.

"When you have to let them go on their own, itís kind of scary," Diane said of her kids.

Travelling during these times of terrorist threats and probable war with Iraq is a concern for the Billmarks.

Nadie said before she left, "I donít know how my familyís dealing with it. My mom is especially nervous because of terrorist threats, in particular this weekend."

Danie said of letting the kids go, "As parents we worry anytime that our children are away from home where we may not be able to readily help them.

"What we have to remind ourselves is that our children are not children anymore. They are aware and level-headed adults whom we are very proud of. The reality is that the destinations they have chosen are, for the most part, very safe and filled with helpful and caring people."

Danie added, "As Daine noted, his time in Sweden and traveling in Europe were incredible experiences he will cherish for a life time and Iím sure Nadieís experiences in Australia will be for her as well.

"I am certain these experiences will enhance their lives and careers in many ways."