The International Gasque

On the 22nd of October, I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to attend the International Gasque; which is the only English speaking student dinner that occurs at Uppsala University. I was lucky because I waited a bit too late to get my ticket and there were only a handful left. There were many people who wanted to attend, but couldn’t, so they had to wait until the after-party. The dinner consisted of over 400 students with international officers at each table and a host (I forgot his name). The dress code was jacket and tie for boys, while girls had to wear a cocktail dress.

The event started at 5.30 pm, with a reception where everyone mingled and were treated to one glass of wine. During the reception, we got a chance to see where we would be seated, as there were seating lists on the walls; it was random. After the reception (which lasted for an hour), we headed upstairs to the dinner where our starter course had already been placed; it was bread and prawn mixed in some sauce. I loved it

I made friends with two girls from the USA (Chicago & Wisconsin), a girl from Japan, a guy from Germany and another girl from Holland; they all sat at my table. During the Gasque, our host gave jokes and lead us in songs. Songs were randomly sung throughout the dinner; they were mostly songs about alcohol in English, Swedish, French and German. After each song, we had to take schnapps (a shot of alcohol) and toast the glass in a particular direction. However, there was a choice of whether you wanted to have alcohol or not with your dinner; a few opted for punch and coke.

After the starter, we were served the main dish, which consisted of Salad, Potato Salad and Elk meat. This was the first that I had tasted Elk; however it was my least favorite of the night because it was served cold. I’m not sure whether there was a problem keeping the meat hot or if that was the way it was to be served. It was not that bad, but I would’ve liked it a lot more if it was served hot. The main meal was served with red wine.

We were also given short speeches by the International Student Committee:

And the Presidents of the Nations and the Student Union

Entertainment was provided by the all-male choir of Vastmanland-Dala Nation, along with a drumming band.

Lastly, the final course (dessert) was served. It was white chocolate and something else (I can’t remember); but it was very delicious. Its funny because I do not like chocolate, and wasn’t aware that it was chocolate until after I ate it. Tea was served with the dessert.

After the dinner ended, most people were already drunk (including me) due to the many schnapps. But the night was not over yet; it was time for the after party, in which the dinner area was transformed into a dance-floor. I must admit that the music was a bit cheesy, but when you are drunk, everything sounds amazing.

The International Gasque was a great experience, and I am happy that I attended it. It allowed me to learn a bit more about Swedish culture and meet even more cool people of different backgrounds. If you ever come to Uppsala University as an exchange student, attending the International Gasque is a must! So make sure you get your ticket – and early! Because they sell out fast. I’ll just leave you with a video that I shot, so you can get a glimpse of what went down. So until next time, Hejdå! (that means goodbye in Swedish)