March 2018 by The International Denmark

international

the

hygge

- danish comfort food

real stories from expats

happenings around denmark

insight into danish culture

MARCH 2018 - THE-INTL.COM

IN TUNE WITH DENMARK

REGINA SHARES HER MUSICAL JOURNEY FROM REYKJAVIK TO COPENHAGEN MARCH 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

GET COMFORTABLE, WE TELL YOU HOW...

THE RESPONSE I’ve received from readers of The International following our inaugural issue has been both overwhelming and encouraging. I am truly inspired by the words of encouragement and motivation in the many messages we have received on our social media pages. It seems as if there is a real need for expats living in Denmark to access reliable and real stories of survival that will add value to their lives. It seems that the first issue spoke to the needs of our expat community – and this issue will be no different. Our ever-expanding team of contributors share both personal and relatable stories of life in a new country. Keri Bloomfield’s culture shock into Danish society (page 26) certainly resonated with me and my first few years in Denmark, as I'm sure it will with many of you. For those ‘fresh off the boat’ so to speak, there is plenty of expert advice from civil society, including help on your job search (page 11) and understanding the workings of Folkeskole (page 22). Regardless of whether you have been in Denmark one month or

ten years, the winter weather takes much getting used to. And this winter has been particularly harsh. Having battled the flu for much of February, I know how much of a toll the cold and snow can take on the body. I find refuge in the comforts of family and friends, or what we in Denmark like to call Hygge. It’s that feeling you get when surrounded by loved ones in the company of good conversation and great food – the comfy life. Be sure to try out Erin’s ‘Burning Love’ recipe on page 19. Keep warm in these last days of winter. Easter is around the corner and spring on the horizon! So kick your feet up, grab a mug of hot chocolate and enjoy the March edition. And feel free to share your thoughts and stories with my team and I – visit our social media pages or send me an email – we look forward to hearing from you.

“THE GOOD LIFE requires that we take pleasure in new things; A GOOD LIFE requires that we take pleasure in moments. To enjoy THE GOOD LIFE we have to get ahead; to enjoy A GOOD LIFE we have to make the trip worthwhile. THE GOOD LIFE is supported by feeding

Love.

our pocketbooks; A GOOD LIFE is

LYNDSAY JENSEN MANAGING EDITOR

supported by feeding

WWW.THE-INTL.COM

our souls.”- Steve Goodier

MEET THE TEAM MANAGING EDITOR & LAYOUT LYNDSAY JENSEN has twenty years' experience in the advertising and publishing industry, and holds a degree in Business and a Desktop Publishing degree in print and repro. Born in the UK, and brought up in South Africa, she has the ability to understand different cultures, and is passionate about networking. She is a wife of twenty years and mother to two boys aged 20 and 13. She loves travel, photography and art. lyndsay@the-intl.com

SUB-EDITOR DAVID NOTHLING-DEMMER is a print and digital writer, communicator and media production manager/ editor. He has several years’ experience in the media and publishing industry, and holds a Master’s degree in media and politics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa). He is passionate about politics, publishing and people-empowerment. He is a husband of almost two years, and has a love affair with good food and wine. david@the-intl.com

MANAGING DIRECTOR KENNETH MACALPINE is a Nordic Financial Manager in the Transport industry. His education is in Finance and he has a business degree obtained in the UK. Born in Norway he moved to Denmark at the age of 22. He is of Danish Scottish ancestry and lives in southern Denmark with his large multi-national family consisting of Danish, Irish and Brazilian heritage. He is always interested in new challenges and loves to live life to the fullest. kenneth@the-intl.com

MARCH 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER MARK MILLEN is a business development and sales specialist from Northern Ireland. He has many years' experience in the media advertising industry in Denmark, and comes to us after founding and being the sales director at The Murmur. Mark is currently reading for his Master degree in Service Management at Copenhagen Business School. He lives with his Icelandic partner and their two beautiful girls. In his spare time (if he has any) Mark is generally found to be watching football or socialising with friends. mark@the-intl.com

SALES For advertising sales, please contact: sales@the-intl.com ADDRESS

The International ApS, Industrivej 14, 4683 Rønnede; +45 42676745

Provins-Trykkeriet ApS, Vordingborg

COVER PICTURE Regina Unnurolafsdottir

SALES AND DISTRIBUTION HRISTO T. ALEKSANDROV is in the process of completing his Masters’ degree from CBS. Hristo has over 3 years' experience in the media business in Copenhagen, as a media consultant and distribution manager. When not engaged with his clients or his masters thesis, Hristo likes to try his hand in different sports, often with dubious success. Like a true Bulgarian, there is a special place in his heart for mountain hikes and nights by the fire under a starry sky. hristo@the-intl.com

DISTRIBUTION

The International is available at a range of businesses, institutions, cafés and public libraries across Denmark

SUBSCRIPTIONS

For home or corporate delivery of the printed edition please contact: distribution@the-intl.com The International is published 12 times a year. This issue was published on February 28, 2018

CVR:

39118181

[sumsum] English: Bzzz Japanese: BÃºn Turkish: Vzzz Korean: Boong German: Sum

It isn't that difficult.

Learn Danish at IA Language School

Free lessons IA Sprog / Vibevej 9-11 / 2400 Copenhagen NV Ph +45 3888 3233 / info@iasprog.dk / www.iasprog.dk MARCH 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

MAKE THE MOST

OF MARCH

DISCOVER DANISH CULTURE AND TRADITION THIS MARCH WITH AN ARRAY OF EVENTS FOR THOSE OF YOU WANTING TO IMMERSE YOURSELVES IN THE DANISH WAY OF LIFE.

COPENHAGEN

18 MAR

22 MAR

24 MAR

EASTER FUN FOR THE FAMILY

SCANDINAVIAN TRADITIONS

ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW

A fluffy bunny, colourful eggs and chocolate treats – Easter is just around the corner! Do you know how the Danes celebrate Easter? Bring your family, friends and colleagues to this fun Easter event and find out! There will be fun activities for kids and lots of time to network. It’s free of charge, and everyone is welcome!

Skt. Hans, Kanelbullens dag, Santa Lucia... Sweden and Denmark have many traditions, and they are firmly rooted in history, yet always evolving. Join this event to learn and understand more about Danish and Swedish cultures and traditions.

What can we say about this? It´s the ultimate cult film experience; the movie to which all others are compared. Its a rock musical, a horror film, a celebration of sexual multiplicity as well as a founding artifact of the punk revolution. But most of all its a heartfelt homage to the moth-eaten culture of old Hollywood movies and a ringing confirmation of what should be obvious - that movies are the "real thing" and life itself is but a pale imitation.

COPENHAGEN

TIME OUT - LONDON

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE COPENHAGEN

COPENHAGEN

ADMISSION: FREE OF CHARGE TIME: 17:00 - 19:00 LOCATION: GYLDENLØVESGADE 11, 1600 COPENHAGEN

ADMISSION: FREE OF CHARGE TIME: 14:00 - 16:00 LOCATION: HUSET-KBH, RÅDHUSSTRÆDE 13, 1466 KØBENHAVN K

MARCH 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

ROCKYMUSIC.ORG

HUSET-KBH

COPENHAGEN MEDIA CENTER - TY STANGE

ADMISSION: 60 DKK, OPEN SEATING / AND THEY ONLY ACCEPT CASH OR MOBILE PAY / TICKETS ONLY SOLD ON EVENING OF SHOW TIME: 20:00 - 22:00 LOCATION: HUSETS BIOGRAF, RÅDHUSSTRÆDE 13, 2 TH, COPENHAGEN

COPENHAGEN

LOUISIANA MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

BETTY NANSEN THEATRE - SØREN MEISNER

COPENHAGEN

3 - 24 MAR

1 FEB - 2 APR

CRASH

MUSEUM OF MODERN ART PRESENTS - LOUISIANA

What happens when all of a sudden we are deprived of life? The team behind award-nominated STØV presents a new visual music performance with performer and puppeteer Svend E. Kristensen, soprano Regnia Unnur Olafsdottir (Mogens Dahl Chamber Choir), guitarist Rune Risager (Den Fjerde Væg), cellist Josefine Opsahl (We Like We), composer Peter Kohlmetz Møller (The Eclectic Moniker), and librettist Neill Cardinal Furio. CRASH premieres on March 3rd at Edison, an annex stage to the Betty Nansen Teatret. Their latest show STØV impressed the reviewers as well as the audience. Now, Sew Flunk Fury Wit presents a new visual and poetic music performance, performing a tragic and life intensifying 70-minute car crash. While their car is shattered, a couple sees their lives pass by. They relive their first kiss, their last quarrel, the great moments of happiness, the unbearable grief, and the dreams that never came true. In desperation they try to reassemble their car as well as their lives and their lost future.

Louisiana on Paper George Condo: The Way I Think Drawings 1974-2015 The breakthrough for the American artist George Condo (b. 1957) came in the 1980s, when the waning of the prestige of the picture was challenged by a new figurative painting which among other things investigated what the old masters and those of the 20th century still had to offer. This is the background for Condo’s pictorial world with its skewed and provocative mixture of historical styles and a particular fascination with artists like Velazquez, Manet, Picasso and Guston. Condo, who worked for Warhol and on the New York scene in the 1980s, and was close to artists like Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, tested the modernisms and avant-gardes of the European tradition with humour, kitsch and American reality. Besides showing his dazzling draughtsmanship, this exhibition of Condo’s paper works makes it clear that the status of the drawing as a sketch and draft for the painting is a thing of the past. Clearly, too, the works do not ask to be judged alongside their historical references but, as Condo himself puts it, can be called ‘artificial realism’. Condo has not exhibited before in Scandinavia, so his drawings from four decades offer a unique opportunity to get to know this original artist. The exhibition has been organised in collaboration with The Phillips Collection in Washington, DC.

ADMISSION: 50 - 225 DDK LOCATION: GAMMEL STRANDVEJ 13, 3050 HUMLEBÆK LOUISIANA MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

ADMISSION: 50 - 225 DDK TICKETS: WWW.BETTYNANSEN.DK TIMES: MONDAY TO FRIDAY, 19:00; SATURDAY, 16:00 LOCATION: AN ANNEX STAGE TO THE BETTY NANSEN TEATRET), EDISONSVEJ 10, 1856, FREDERIKSBERG

H i g h Ac ad em i c S t an d ar d s C h ri st i an E t ho s C onv en i en t l y l o cat ed i n H el l er u p

rygaards.com MARCH 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

COPENHAGEN

COPENHAGEN GAMES

COPENHAGEN

KINO.DK

LOUISIANA MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

COPENHAGEN

1 FEB - 27 MAY

TWICE IN MARCH 28 – 31 MAR

PICASSO CERAMICS

DK ON THE BIG SCREEN

CALLING ALL GAMERS

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) is a highly prized artist at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and in the Louisiana Collection. Several exhibitions have been shown over the years with the focus on particular periods or themes in his oeuvre. One distinctive but perhaps less well known area in Picasso’s oeuvre, his original ceramic works, has not been presented earlier in Scandinavia in large selections – a situation Louisiana wants to change with this exhibition at a time of great renewed interest in ceramics. The exhibition will show more than 150 works from the period 1947-1964. In the summer of 1946 Picasso was living in Golfe-Juan in the South of France. Along with a friend he went to a ceramics exhibition in Vallauris, an area well known for its many potteries. The experience became a turning point for Picasso, who throughout his life sought out new artistic paths with all sorts of materials. Picasso immediately plunged into experiments with the various ceramic materials, oxides and glazes, and it turned out that the ceramic processes and techniques – and especially the unpredictable aspects of the actual firing process, because the colours are difficult to control – were a great and interesting challenge for him. In 1948 Picasso was given a regular workplace in the Madoura pottery and decided to move permanently to the South of France. The bright Mediterranean landscape that defined his art in those years is also reflected in the ceramic works. There he produced – alongside his paintings, drawings, sculptures and graphic works – about 4000 ceramic objects. Some are painted decorations and elaborations of plates, jugs and dishes that had already gone into production at the Madoura pottery, others are more sculptural figures: animals, fauns and female figures that grew out of Picasso’s imagination while the wet clay was being formed.

Twice a month The Danish Film Institute presents Danish on a Sunday, screenings of a Danish classic or a highly acclaimed new production with English subtitles. Tickets are 80 DKK (50 DKK for members of the Cinematheque), and can be booked and bought online. The upcoming Danish on Sunday screenings can be found at www.dfi.dk. This is a great way for expats to practice their Danish by taking in Danish sounds with the benefit of English subtitles. And what’s more, an evening out watching Danish cinema wouldn’t be complete with Danish pastry! Before each screening, there is a special offer of a coffee and Danish pastry (or a piece of cake) at Restaurant SULT for an additional cost of only 40 DKK. The Danish Film Institute is a state institution under the Ministry of Culture.

Copenhagen Games has been Denmark's flagship eSport event since 2010, it remains the largest eSport event on Danish soil and is unique both in its structure and history. Counter-Strike, Global Offensive, Hearthstone and StarCraft II are all on the programme for avid gamers.

MARCH 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

COPENHAGEN GAMES

ADMISSION: 80/50 DKK (FOR MEMBERS) DATES AND TIMES: TWICE A MONTH LOCATION: GOTHERSGADE 55, 1123 KØBENHAVN K

THE MOVIE DATABASE

ADMISSION: 50 - 225 DDK DATES AND TIMES: 1 FEBRUARY-27 MAY LOCATION: GAMMEL STRANDVEJ 13, 3050 HUMLEBÆK

ADMISSION: FROM 50 (KIDS) TO 150 DKK, PER DAY FOR GUESTS LOCATION: ØKSENHALLEN, HALMTORVET 11, 1700 KØBENHAVN

How many foxes do you need to make a fox cake?

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MARCH 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

GRÆSTED

AARHUS

VISITAARHUS

CPH:DOX

FOLKEFERIEFONDEN

COPENHAGEN

15 – 25 MAR

9 – 10 MAR

2 – 11 MAR

CPH: DOX 2018

ESRUM ABBEY BEER FESTIVAL

THE FESTIVAL OF CENTURIES

Copenhagen's international documentary film festival, DPH:DOX is the largest of its kind in Scandinavia, and one of the largest in the world. It aims to present a programme that ranges from the works of major international directors to new talent, from large-scale theatrical releases to films and formats that do not reach cinema and TV screens. The programme goes beyond traditional boundaries between disciplines and media, offering perspectives on creative crossovers between cinema, television and media art. Each year the festival fills Copenhagen's cinemas with a selection of more than 200 documentary films from around the world. During the ten festival days, CPH:DOX also arranges a bunch of parties, talks etc. in different, alternative and creative venues. Visit www.cphdox.dk for more info.

Taste your way through a world of beer at the Beer Festival at Esrum Abbey. For a third year in a row the festival opens its doors to gallons of magnificent and award-winning beer. Even the most discerning beer enthusiast will return home with tonnes of new taste sensations and their bags full of historical beer, abbey beer, homebrew, microbrew and local brew. At the Beer Festival you can dive into beer's history and development with engaging talks and workshops, including "Keeper of the unopened bottle collection", which manages the world's largest collection of unopened beers, as well as inspiring beer enthusiasts and beverage culture historians who will tell stories of medieval brewing and wild yeasts. Last but not least an impressive selection of unique historical beers such as spontaneously fermented gueuze, rauchbier and abbey beer brewed from original recipes. Meet a local brewer and attend the awarding of the best beer of the year Behind every beer, there is a unique story and knowledge, and at the festival, the brewers are happy to share and nerd along with you. No matter if you are an experienced brewer or new in the world of beer, there is something for you. You can also attend the awarding of the best Danish beer, and give your opinion about which beer should be called The Monastery beer of the Year.

The Festival of the Century is a knowledge festival. With its mixture of knowledge, art, and culture, the 2018 festival focuses on La belle époque, French for The Beautiful Era. La belle éppoque encircles two wars between 1871 and 1914. During that period Europe was characterised by political stability while culture, technology and art flourish. The festival brings together scientists, artists, institutions, and fiery creative souls with a programme that is both creative and has an edge. There will be salons, concerts, dinners, literary nights, films, and exhibitions presenting scientists, authors, musicians, and artists side-byside. The focus is on knowledge, yet it is always with the cultural experience as a sensual spice. Visit www.aarhundredetsfestival.dk for more details.

MARCH 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

AARHUNDREDETSFESTIVAL - MARTIN DAM KRISTENSEN

CPH:DOX

ESRUM KLOSTER

ADMISSION: 75 DKK; 10 SMAGEPOLETTER – 100 DKK. BUY YOUR TICKETS AT ESRUM.DK TIMES: FRIDAY - 15:00 - 20:00; SATURDAY - 11:00 - 20:00 LOCATION: KLOSTERGADE 12, 3230 GRÆSTED

NATIONWIDE

FREDERICIA

BILGALLERI.DK

EMERGENZA

VINNI BAKKENSEN - GALLERI V

RIBE

7 MAR – 9 JUN

30 MAR – 1 APR

24 – 25 MAR

EMERGENZA MUSIC FESTIVAL

ART TOUR

CAR EXHIBITION

Emergenza Music Festival is the biggest music competition in Denmark. Each year the Emergenza Festival sees over 100 selected bands entre the competition that presents and up-and-coming bands live at different Danish venues. For more details on the Festival, visit www.emergenza-festival.dk

A huge art event takes place in South West Jutland in Easter every year. 106 artists, artisans, galleries and museums will be open for three days over Easter. This is a unique opportunity to visit the active art scene in South West Jutland. Visit www.kunstrunde.dk for details on the exposition catalogue.

Denmark's biggest car sales exhibition, and exhibition of special vehicles. An incredible 300-400 special cars will be on sale and can be purchased directly from the owner. Car revellers can browse approximately 150 booths with mopeds, motorcycles and parts - new and used - everything from Alfa Zodiac-parts, tires, interior, insurance, literature and other exciting things. There will also be a host of other stalls featuring old model cars and toys, plates, utensils, clothes, leather goods, hobby items and party goods.

ADMISSION: 100 DKK; CHILDREN UNDER 14 - FREE TIME: 09:00 - 17:00 LOCATION: VESTRE RINGVEJ 101, 7000 FREDERICIA Sources: www.visitdenmark.com, www.visitcopenhagen.com;

BILGALLERI.DK

TINA HENNEBERG

EMERGENZA

International House Copenhagen

YOU’RE HOME WITH US WE TAKE THE FUSS OUT OF FINDING THAT PERFECT HOME FOR YOU! DANISHHOMES.COM +45 70 15 90 07

MARCH 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

JOB SEARCH DENMARK Moving to a new country is undoubtedly a daunting task, the prospect of fitting into a new lifestyle, socialising and embracing the culture play a lot on the minds of many expats. This becomes even more challenging for those without the prospect of walking into a job when arriving in their new country. TEXT DAVID NOTHLING -DEMMER

ENTRY INTO THE Danish job market presents its own set of challenges, from networking in the right circles to understanding its unique work practices. Fortunately, there are several organisations and service providers available to expats that will assist in making your next career move an easy one.

KNOWING THE MARKET

But where to start? A good place would be with organisations offering labour market-related advice and courses aimed at newcomers to the Danish job market. This includes the likes of International House Copenhagen and its public partners such as WorkInDenmark and Business House Copenhagen (BHC) who offer different programmes for international jobseekers. BHC's programmes include First Job Copenhagen’s five day job search course for highly educated internationals, Copenhagen Career Programme for spouses and Greater Copenhagen Career Programme for international students. They provide information about the Danish labour mar-

MARCH 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

SOURCE INTERNATIONAL HOUSE COPENHAGEN (AND PARTNERS)

ket and give international jobseekers tools that will help them in their job search. “We see a lot of highly qualified people from all over the world. For many, the barriers between them and a good job are that they have neither the basic knowledge of how to approach the job search, nor an awareness of their value in the Danish labour market,” says WorkInDenmark, a service provider offering tools to improve expats’ chances of getting jobs equivalent to their education and experiences. Once a month, WorkInDenmark offers a one day, freeof-charge career course held in English. The seminar covers job searching in Denmark, networking, research, how to find relevant jobs and how to apply for them. First Job Copenhagen offers a five-day long job search course, also free-of-charge and runs from 14 - 18 May and 11 - 15 June 2018. This is open for international jobseekers residing in the Copenhagen Municipality with a minimum qualification of a bachelor’s degree. “The course will give you an intensive introduction to job searching in general, how to

write a CV and an application, the work culture you will be a part of in Denmark, communication across cultures, Social Media, networking and career planning. You will end the course with a workshop in ‘Jobinterview’. After the intensive job search course, you have the opportunity to get feedback on your CV, cover letter and LinkedIn profile. Furthermore, you can have one-on-one counselling regarding your job search process,” says First Job Copenhagen’s coordinator Mahak Laursen.

WHERE DO I SEARCH FOR A JOB? If you are new and looking for work in Denmark, there are several places you can get an overview of relevant job postings and opportunities. Online: There are several online portals where you as a job seeker can look for a job, focus your search and upload your resume so employers can find your profile. The most popular is www.workindenmark.dk. Networking: Even though the Danes use such online portals for job search a lot, it is often through networking

that you find work. Therefore, it is a good idea to get involved in local institutions, your local kommune, and to spend some time researching expat communities and other relevant web communities. Canadian expat Geneva Tubby came to Copenhagen in the spring of 2014, and while searching for a job, focused on expanding her network, socially as well as professionally. “Networking is so important here. It really is about who you know, which means that you have to put yourself out there,” she explains. Recruitment centres: Besides the various online portals, it may be a good idea to visit a recruiter. In Copenhagen there are many to choose from, including the WorkInDenmark-centre. The employees of the centre, and the various recruitment agencies, can answer questions and help with recruitment and finding jobs suited to your qualification and experience.

ble. It was good to meet other expats as well,” explains an Indian spouse of her experience at one of the meetings. Copenhagen Career Program also offers individual counselling, job match making and measures promoting employment such as internship and salary subsidy placements. “Thanks to the Copenhagen Career Program and support of the Municipality. I also wanted to thank them for their hands-on support with the salary subsidy. It has been really invaluable in finding this spot-on position in my field here in Denmark,” says an Austrian spouse who got a permanent job after she completed a salary subsidy contract. THE-INTL

DID YOU KNOW: UNEMPLOYMENT IN DENMARK SITS AT AROUND 4.3%, AMONGST THE LOWEST IN THE WORLD

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A JOB? The way you apply for a job in Denmark is the same way as in many other places around the world. Typically, you send an application and a resume, but, as Geneva explained, many people find a job using their various network they have established – joining your local expat community is a great place to start. Here are four of the more traditional approaches you can take when trying to land your first Danish job: #1 Responding to a job advert that you find in the paper or on the internet. #2 Sending unsolicited applications to all the companies that interest you. #3 Registering your CV at some of the many job data-

– STATISTICS DENMARK (JULY 2017).

bases, who will contact you once they find potential matches. #4 Establishing a professional network and making it known that you are looking for work which may lead to good contacts and eventually a job. Typically, companies advertise available jobs, and then you apply for them. But often jobs are filled through networking, so make use of your network when you search for a job. It may also be a good idea to make sure you have a good LinkedIn profile, as many companies look for new employees here.

WHAT ABOUT MY PARTNER?

✱

Upcoming information meetings for spouses/partners are scheduled for: Wednesday, 21 March 2018 at 10:00-12:30 Tuesday, 24 April 2018 at 10:00-12:30

As an accompanying spouse you have come to Denmark because your spouse/partner has either got a job here or is searching for one. Perhaps you are also pursuing a career here in Denmark? As an accompanying spouse you have similar options and possibilities as others looking for a job in Denmark. Copenhagen Career Program, which is associated with International House Copenhagen, provides services for accompanying spouses living in Copenhagen Municipality. The programme offers regular meetings that spouses/ partners can attend free-of-charge, and discusses the ins and outs of job hunting in Denmark. “When we moved to Denmark we were completely lost. But the guidance provided by Copenhagen Career Program and its team has been extremely knowledgea-

International School of Hellerup is a not-for-profit IB World School for students aged 3 -19. We welcome over 500 students representing more than 50 nationalities and we offer the three main IB programmes: PYP, MYP and DP. Our students receive an excellent, well-rounded education from passionate and highly qualified teachers in a caring, supportive and exciting learning environment. Find out more about us and book a school tour at ish.dk

MARCH 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

MARTIN GREGERS JENSEN

THOMAS HØYRUP CHRISTENSEN

MARTIN GREGERS JENSEN

TIVOLI - PETER NØRBY

NAVIGATING THE DANISH RENTAL MARKET No matter where you’ve come from, all expats face similar challenges when moving to Denmark. From learning the language and understanding the culture to knowing your rights as an expat and coming to grips with the Danish rental market. These are all seemingly simple tasks that have tripped up many an expat. Laura Wintemute offers up some first-hand advice on one of the first hurdles expats are faced with – finding a home. PHOTOGRAPHS COPENHAGEN MEDIA CENTER & MARTIN GREGERS JENSEN

TEXT LAURA WINTEMUTE

SOURCE WWW.INTERNATIONS.ORG

DENMARK IS repeatedly rated as one of the most “livable” locations in the world. It is then no wonder that every month over 1000 people move into the Greater Copenhagen region alone. Unfortunately, cities like Copenhagen are struggling to keep up with this high influx, and subsequent demand for housing – causing much stress for those just arriving. In my personal experience working alongside thousands of international expats moving in and out of Denmark, the most common challenge faced is the Danish rental market. Limited property options, high monthly rentals, property size differences and a fast-moving market all make this experience quite possibly the most stressful one. Regardless if it’s a house or an apartment you are looking for, understanding your rights as a tenant are imperative. Rental contracts, house rules, tenant and landlord responsibilities, move in inspections, termination clauses… the list goes on. And all in Danish!

REALISTIC CRITERIA When you’re searching for a property, the first thing to bear in mind is that the market is likely much different from what you may be used to back home. The chances of finding a three bedroom, two bathroom apartment with an elevator and balcony for under 10,000 DKK, oh and it has to be a 10-minute walk to the office, is basically impossible. Expanding your search areas to Greater Copenhagen, greatens your options. The further you go out from the city center (Østerbro, Vesterbro, Nørrebro, Amager, Islands Brygge) the bigger the properties get and the less expensive they become.

MARCH 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

COPENHAGEN MEDIA CENTER - THOMAS HØYRUP CHRISTENSEN

Depending on where you live in Greater Copenhagen, you can expect a maximum commute time of approximately one hour. This would be a treat for people living in New York or Singapore.

3 THINGS TO EXPECT From personal experience and through interactions with other expats on the search for a property in Copenhagen. I’ve come up with a list of things to look out

for when on the hunt for your ideal home.

#1 WHERE TO LOOK: PRIVATE OR PUBLIC WEBSITES There are numerous websites advertising rental properties, both private and public. Public websites meaning a certified and authorised rental property agency. Private referring to those which you must pay to be a member. I would however caution the use of private websites. I know of numerous in-

stances where people have found properties on the private websites, paid the rent and the deposit and shown up on moving day to find other groups of people also waiting to move into the same property. Unfortunately, scams are out there. Just be sure to do your homework on any service provider before you sign up. If you find a property on a private websites be sure to:

LAURA WINTEMUTE OWNER, HOMESTEAD Laura was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. At a very ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗

Never pay cash in advance. Always have a signed rental contract in hand. You will have to sign before the owner, but this is normal. Check that the person claiming to be the owner is the actual owner, you can ask the Municipality. If it's an Andelsbolig, make sure to get proof of perm ission for the rental. Read and understand your lease contract before signing. Have it translated. Conduct a move-in report to document the state of the property. Pictures are worth a thousand words, the more the better.

If it’s too overwhelming to find a property on your own, you could always hire a company to help you find a selection of properties based on your needs. They will even arrange the viewings, drive you around to see the properties, assist you with lease contracts and move in’s etc. Charlie’s Roof for instance comes highly recommended. You can also go online and find a property through a Danish Rental Property Agency yourself. They would ensure things are done by the book and they don’t charge for their services (this is borne by the owners of the properties). They do however screen owners and ensure things are done as per the Danish Rental Act. If this sounds more feasible to you, I’d suggest giving Danish Homes a try. If you ever have questions or concerns, feel free to contact me. Homestead offer affordable consultancy services for all aspects of settling in. Visit www.homesteaddenmark.com to find out more.

#2 MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES In Denmark landlords take general maintenance and cleaning of their properties very seriously. They expect you to take care of their property as if it were your own. Lack of maintenance can become extremely costly when you move out. I’ve heard many horror stories of Danish landlords taking entire deposits when it comes time to move out. The property owners in Denmark are just following the Danish rental Act. They only expect things to be as they contractually should be done. Be sure to know what it is you are signing when you sign your lease contract. The norm is three months deposit and your first month up front. Although it’s not uncommon for owners to also request an extra three months of pre-paid rent Regardless of how your property was taken over, as seen, newly painted or nyistandsat (newly refurbished) you are expected to leave it in the exact same condition when you move out. Regardless if you’ve lived there six weeks or six years. Wear and tear is rarely taken into consideration. However, its not all bad, especially if you expect never to see your deposit again, you may be pleasantly surprised when you do get some of it back. If you properly document the state of the property when you move in, there should be no questions when the time comes to move out. Things like airing out the property, using rinse aids in appliances, removing lime scale from the faucets are just a few examples of things that could cost a great

deal when you move out if they’re not taken care of during your stay.

young age she knew that she wanted to travel. At the age of

#3 FURNISHED OR UNFURNISHED

22, she packed her bags and

It’s one or the other. Literally. Furnished properties are fully equipped. Down to your knives and forks, bed sheets and bath towels. All you need to move in with is your toothbrush and your undies! Unfurnished properties on the other hand are like empty shells. No lights, no wardrobes and no window coverings. They do however include most appliances like a fridge, stove, dishwasher and sometimes washer and dryer. There is, of course always exceptions to both.

moved to the tropical Cayman Is-

THE COPENHAGEN BATHROOM Another big difference for me was the size of bedrooms. Coming from North America, where everything is BIG, this took some getting used to. Danes say it’s because all they do is sleep in them so why make them bigger. That’s why you find many properties with very large open kitchens and living rooms. This is where they spend most of their time, having “Hygge” with family and friends. If you’re renting in Copenhagen I’m sure you’ve heard about them. “The Copenhagen Bathroom”. Where you’re sitting on the toilet and the shower is above your head. Talk about killing two birds with one stone. My first apartment in Copenhagen was a 47 m2 cozy little 5th floor apartment in Amager. This apartment was built in the late 1800s, when you used to have to go outside to shower and use the toilet. We did have a toilet and hand sink – but no shower! Every morning, I'd have to go down the backfire-escape, down five flights of a steep rounding staircase in my housecoat and flipflops. Toiletry case and towel in hand all the way down into the dark cold basement. The worst was when I forgot my soap. I would have been thankful for the Copenhagen bathroom. Finding your ideal home will come with many challenges, but with the right approach (and some compromise), it can be done. THE-INTL

lands. This launched her journey as an expat. In the Cayman Islands she learned how to interact with people from all walks of life, all nationalities and all cultures. She worked in the hotel concierge service, hotel management and, eventually, opened her own restaurants. In her eighth year of living in the Cayman’s, she met her Danish husband-to-be. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Whistler, Canada, where Laura managed a 5-star restaurant. One year later they settled in Denmark where she married and had a daughter. In 2012, she started working for a relocation company. It was a job that encapsulated both Laura’s experience as an expat and her love of helping people. She learned everything there was to know about relocation into Denmark and built a good network. After 6 years’ experience in relocation, she wanted to take her expertise to the next level and started Homestead – welcome international working expats and their families to Denmark.

www.homesteaddenmark.com

COPENHAGEN MEDIA CENTER - MARTIN_HEIBERG

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A JOURNEY OF MUSICAL DISCOVERY

FROM REYKJAVIK TO COPENHAGEN

REGINA UNNUR OLAFSDOTTIR IS A CLASSICAL SINGER FROM REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND. SHE MOVED TO DENMARK IN 2005 WITH THE AIM TO TAKE HER MUSICAL CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL. SHE SHARES HER STORY OF ADJUSTMENT TO LIFE IN COPENHAGEN AND THE BENEFITS OF PURSUING A HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE COUNTRY. PHOTOGRAPHS REGINA UNNUR OLAFSDOTTIR

REGINA IS NO stranger to foreign living. Having started a degree in classical music in Iceland she took on a brief stint at the University of Georgia, USA where she furthered her studies. A year later, she returned to Iceland to complete a Bachelors Degree, but was not yet done and decided to make the move to Copenhagen to complete a Masters in Classical Singing at the Royal Danish Academy of Music. “I had a really great experience in the USA, but when I returned to Iceland to finish my degree, I knew that I wanted to con-

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tinue my studies. At that time you could only do a BA degree in classical music in Iceland, so if I wanted to continue my studies I had to move to another country,” explains Regina. Prior to her visit to the USA, much of Regina’s musical exposure was from within Reykjavik. “When I was around 11 years old I started singing in a children’s choir. That was the start of my singing education. The conductor and his wife had a really big impact on me. She was a famous Icelandic opera singer and would sing with the choir

TEXT DAVID NOTHLING -DEMMER

on different occasions. She also became my singing teacher at the Reykjavik Academy of Singing and Vocal Arts. I started to sing solos with the choir, even though I thought it was nerve wracking, I really enjoyed it. At 16 I got accepted into the Reykjavik Academy of Singing and Vocal Arts and my interest for classical singing grew. There I started singing arias from operas, lieders and art songs. It was so interesting to get to know the stories and characters behind each song. It was fascinating, and I was sold,” Regina recalls. She went on to say

that having established herself as a singer, it was important, as it is for all classical musicians, to go out and study abroad. Here, she says singers get a better sense of what its like to perform in the real world. Regina had heard good things of the professors at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen, so decided to visit Copenhagen for a few trial lessons to see if there was good chemistry. “It´s very important that you have a good connection with your teacher and therefore important to try a few. You can have lessons with the

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"YOU BASICALLY HAVE ALL THE SAME RIGHTS AS A DANE. YOU CAN START WORKING AS SOON AS YOU'VE GOTTEN YOUR CPR NUMBER AND A BANK ACCOUNT. EDUCATION IN DENMARK IS ALSO VERY GOOD, IT'S FREE AND YOU CAN EVEN GET A STUDENT GRANT."

CRASH - SØREN MEISNER

most famous teachers in the world, but if there is no connection you won’t get great results. I had some really good lessons with Professor Kirsten Buhl Moeller and wanted to continue to work with her on regular basis and so decided to move to Denmark,” Regina enthused. Denmark also seemed the most logical destination explained Regina, as adjusting to life in a country so close to her home was not so bad. “You basically have all the same rights as a Dane. You can start working as soon as you´ve gotten your CPR number and a bank account. Education in Denmark is also very good, it´s free and you can even get a student grant. If you want to educate yourself it is possible to do so,” she says. During her time as a Masters student Regina also had a few part-time jobs and had time to get reacquainted with the Danish language. “I studied Danish in school in Iceland, but as eve-

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rybody knows, studying a language is very different from speaking it,” she laughs. Regina does however go on to say that times have changed drastically, and that life is not as easy as it was when she first made the move. “When I moved it was relatively easy to find somewhere to live and find a part time job. I did move a lot, about once a year for many years, but I always found a place for a fair price. Now people are struggling, and rental prices are extremely high,” she cautions. “I do love Copenhagen though,” she smiles, saying that the city is beautiful and green. “I’ve always felt that Copenhagen is one big city with many different towns (Nørrebro, Vesterbro, Østerbro, Frederiksberg, City, Christianshavn, Islands Brygge and Amager), which all have their different qualities. I now live on Amager and I love that I can walk down to the beach and smell the sea and go to Amager fælled and get lost in the nature. I met my Irish

www.cis.dk

"THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING ON IN COPENHAGEN, IT HAS A RICH CULTURAL SCENE AND A LOT OF DIFFERENT FESTIVALS," PERFECT FOR SOMEONE IN THE ARTS

Settling into a new country can be challenging – especially for the nonworking spouse. We know, from studies and from experience, that a successful posting depends on the happiness of the entire family – and our school is home to a very active, warm and welcoming community. Our PTA offers a wide range of opportunities: newcomers network, Spring Fair, Halloween, Yoga, Activities Fair, Wine and Cheese Evening, Dads’ Club and Ladies’ Night Out. Dedicated parents coach our sports teams, run our boy scouts and serve on the school Board. At CIS the whole family finds a place to grow roots and make friends. So to quote one of our parents: “I came for the job, but we stayed for the school.”

CRASH - SØREN MEISNER

partner in 2012 and we now have two wonderful kids who I often take out to the Nature centre at Vestamager where there are sheep and horses, and all kinds of fun activities. I’m also a big fan of the bike culture and the public transport system is also very good and affordable. There is always something going on in Copenhagen, it has a rich cultural scene and a lot of different festivals,” perfect for someone in the arts she says. Regina says that in her experience there is a rich culture for classical music in Denmark, and that making the move was a good one for her career. In the world of classical singing Regina is what you’d called a full lyrical soprano (as opposed to light lyrical soprano). It´s a high voice with a warm quality to it. “I´m a bit of a voice chameleon. I like singing different styles of music and using my voice in many different ways. As an authorised Complete Vocal Technique vocal coach I´ve leart and know how to use my voice to do different things, like distortion, grunt, growl, screams and others in a healthy way. But professionally, I mostly sing classical,” she says. Regina’s broad singing style is nicely suited to her current production CRASH, in which she plays a woman involved in a car crash. The theatre production includes a range of musical genera’s from classical to rock. You can read more about CRASH in our ‘What’s on’ section on page 5. THE-INTL

Before long, you’ll belong

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HYGGE - SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST COMFORT FOOD Warm up to the Danish way of life as our resident foodie, Erin Chapman invokes emotions of hygge with mouth-watering foods. Discover (at least one) meaning of hygge with this month's simple yet scrumptious hygge-inspired recipe, as Erin shares one of her favourite Danish comfort foods, perfect for seeing you through the last stretch of winter. PHOTOGRAPHS THE AMERICAN PIE COMPANY

AN IMPORTANT PART of culture in Denmark is the concept of hygge, (pronounced “hoo-guh”). While there is no direct translation of the word into English, it involves being comfortable and relaxed, especially in situations of good food and great friends. Although difficult to define, hygge is important because its pursuit is considered by many to be a fundamental part of Danish culture. For many expats the concept best describes the feeling of being comfortable and intent with your situation and surroundings. American Erin Chapman says that in American culture, “hygge” can best be equated to the comforts Americans find in certain foods – “Comfort Foods”. So does this mean hygge and comfort food is one in the same thing? Erin thinks not, but rather that the concept of hygge can mean different things to different people. “Speaking from an American standpoint, I feel that the concept of Danish hygge is more an atmosphere – a ‘feeling’ – as opposed to what is actually being eaten, the food that makes you feel comfortable,” she goes on to explain. D ane Alex B eauchamp tends to agree, saying that hygge is most aptly used when acknowledging a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary – as cosy, charming or special. “Hygge (or to be ‘hyggeligt’) doesn’t require learning ‘how to’, adopting it as a lifestyle,” explains Alex in her blog Hygge House. Having said this, Danes do have their share of foods (most being of the meat and

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TEXT ERIN CHAPMAN & DAVID NOTHLING-DEMMER

potatoes variety) that they would traditionally associate with the feeling of hygge. One particular recipe that has stood out for Erin in the many years she has lived in Denmark is Brændende Kærlighed or, Burning Love. She describes the dish as

being memorable for her when she first moved to Denmark, joking that it must be awesome because it’s not like the normally reserved Danes to name something so sultry and intimate. THE-INTL

SOURCE WWW.HYGGEHOUSE.COM

ERIN CHAPMAN CO-OWNER, THE AMERICAN PIE COMPANY With over 20 years’ experience in the advertising industry, working both in Denmark and USA, Erin has specialised in brand building and image development for lifestyle, food and fashion clientele on both national and interna-

BRÆNDENDE KÆRLIGHED (BURNING LOVE)

tional levels. Erin attended DIS, Denmark’s Study Abroad programme in 1996 and made a connection with Copenhagen. She moved to Denmark permanently in 1998 with two suitcases and a pocketful of change. Working in the advertising industry she worked her way up as a senior creative,

THE PREMISE OF THE DISH COULDN’T BE MORE SIMPLE, AND MORE “DANISH COMFORT FOOD”. IT’S, IN A NUTSHELL, MASHED POTATOES, BACON AND ONIONS – SIMPLICITY AT ITS BEST. WHY IS IT NAMED BURRING LOVE YOU ASK? WELL THAT’S SIMPLE TOO, IT GIVES ONE THE FEELING OF WANTING TO BE WARM AND COSY AND INVOKES SCENES OF SITTING BY THE FIRE ON A BEARSKIN RUG, LISTENING TO THE HOWLING WINDS OUTSIDE, GLASS OF WINE IN HAND. PERHAPS THAT WAS THE INSPIRATION. SERVES 2-4

as well as a voiceover artist, and then began her own brand and design business in 2006. Merging her love for food and art direction, she began food styling and cookbook design for other authors, and then proceed-

INGREDIENTS:

mash with a potato masher or hand

salt and ground pepper, and sprin-

1kg potatoes, peeled and

mixer, adding a pinch of salt as de-

kle with freshly chopped parsley.

cut in quarters

sired. Transfer the mashed potatoes

600g good quality bacon

to a large serving dish or spoon in-

Best served with a side of pickled

1 large onion, chopped

to individual serving dishes. Top with

beets for an authentic Danish com-

40g butter

the bacon and onions, a pinch of

fort food experience!

50ml milk Handful of fresh parsley, chopped

ed to continue with recipe development, publishing two cookbooks in Denmark. While living in Los Angeles, Erin worked with several US brands on image and recipe development and upon returning to Denmark, she partnered with Dorte Prip in 2015 to introduce The American

Salt & pepper to taste

Pie Company in Copenhagen.

METHOD:

Danish husband and is the moth-

Erin is happily married to her

In a pot of boiling water, cook the

er of a sassy 5-year old daughter

potatoes until tender. While prepar-

who speaks fluent “Danglish”.

ing the potatoes, fry the bacon in a skillet until cooked through and be-

www.theamericanpieco.com

ginning to crisp. Transfer to a paper towel and sauté the onion in the bacon fat until soft and golden brown. Add the bacon back into the pan and toss over medium heat. Drain the potatoes and return to the pot. Add the butter and milk and

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FEELING SAD? DON’T LET THE GREY OUTSIDE GET YOU DOWN Wet, cold and grey day’s getting you down? Beat the seasonal slump by embracing the Danish winter with warmth.

TEXT DAVID NOTHLING-DEMMER SOURCES WWW.MAYOCLINIC.ORG, WWW.PSYCOM.NET, WWW.NHS.UK

FOR MANY EXPATS new to Denmark the winter weather can be a real downer. Life at this time of year naturally slows down, the days grow shorter, light becomes scarce, and we respond by hibernating just to keep warm. For some though, this seasonal slump can become a more serious problem. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons, and begins and ends at about the same times every year. Most people notice SAD symptoms starting in autumn and increasing during the winter.

ACCORDING TO THE MAYO CLINIC, THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF WINTERSPECIFIC SAD MAY INCLUDE:      

THE DANISH WEATHER CAN BE BOTH FRIGHTFUL AND FANTASTIC - AND USUALLY EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. BE PREPARED FOR ALL SEASONS IN ONE DAY - ALL BEFORE LUNCHTIME.

FEELING DEPRESSED MOST OF THE DAY, NEARLY EVERY DAY LOSING INTEREST IN ACTIVITIES YOU ONCE ENJOYED HAVING LOW ENERGY TIREDNESS AND OVERSLEEPING WEIGHT GAIN SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL

According to Dr Arnold Lieber in an article on Psycom.net “SAD is a ‘specifier’ of major depression, which is just a fancy word for a more specific kind, or subtype. Persons with seasonal affective disorder experience the symptoms at a particular time of year. With the changing of seasons, their depression goes into remission. If you notices this switch happening several times over two years, then you may qualify for this diagnosis,” he explains. Like in the case of Denmark, those who live farther from the equator also experience the symptoms more frequently. Dr Lieber goes on to say that if you are young woman or have a family history of depression, you may have an increased risk for SAD. A range of treatments are available for SAD. It is however recommended that you consult a GP for a diagnosis

as opposed to self-diagnosis. A GP will be able to recommend the most suitable treatment programme for you.

DON’T LET THE WEATHER GET YOU DOWN For many expats, like Erin Chapman, the Danish winter weather has the ability to bring on symptoms of SAD – even though they aren’t SAD sufferers. Erin says that for her, the Danish winters grew more intense the longer she lived in the country. She would say: “it’s not the cold – it’s the damp and grey!” The Danish weather can be both frightful and fantastic – and usually everything in between. Be prepared for all seasons in one day – all before lunchtime. As the

Danes say, there’s no such thing as bad weather… just the wrong clothing. The best advice is to just embrace it and find something to enjoy about the winter weather – as Erin discovered in her love for winter foods. Read her story on page 18. It’s best to not brush off the yearly feeling as simply a case of the ‘winter blues’ or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year. Getting as much natural sunlight as possible, exercising regularly, better managing your stress levels and finding activities will keep your mind active will all assist in turning your frown upside down this winter. THE-INTL

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CHRISTIAN LINDGREN

TY STANGE

CHRISTIAN LINDGREN

FOLKESKOLE - A GLOBAL TOP-10 SCHOOL Putting your kid through school in Denmark guarantees them an inclusive and quality education, despite concerns around linguistic deterioration. Jeppe Jensen explains… PHOTOGRAPHS COPENHAGEN MEDIA CENTER

TEXT JEPPE JENSEN

JEPPE G. JENSEN TEACHER AND FATHER Jeppe is an Upper Secondary Teacher, teaching both English and Film. He married an expat from the USA and is father to two kids, aged seven and four. He currently lives in Roskilde, but has lived in both Copenhagen and

FOLKESKOLE, APTLY NAMED the school of the people, is mandatory for 10 years with an optional eleventh year (see table below). This highly pedagogical and catchy phrase speaks to the institutions’ ability to be transitory, introducing pupils to the concept of learning how to learn. Although, many children already know how to sit still, learn, raise their hand, and respect fellow children, the challenge is to do this is in a group of 25 children crammed in a tiny classroom. A natural deterrent to the ability of one to focus. The optional year, 10th grade, is an individual choice, but can al-

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Elsinore. Jeppe has always travelled exso be recommended by the school. Usually, students choose it to improve their grades in preparation for the next level of study or simply in order to mature on a more personal level. At a national level, the Danish Folkeskole is regulated by the Folkeskole Act, which provides the overall framework for the schools’ activities. The aim is to contribute to the all-round academic, social, and personal development of the individual child by providing subject-specific qualifications and preparing pupils for living in a democratic society. Pupils and parents or guard-

ians must accordingly receive information about their child's academic and social performance at school at least twice a year.

MORE THAN JUST GRADES Despite its challenges, there are many pros when it comes to Folkeskole. The system may seem lenient in terms of learning, but curriculum is not everything (and I speak as a teacher here). There are many skillsets to learn and Danes rank very high in the ability to learn, which has resulted in a consistent high ranking in OECD’s PISA test (a test conducted every third year to assess

tensively. First with his parents, seeing almost every European country, then as a student, spending eight months attending Glasgow University. Jeppe and his family often travel on holiday to visit family in the United States. Education is something Jeppe values highly and wishes for everyone.

students’ abilities in specific areas). Denmark ranks 7th worldwide in Math and 15th in Science as well as in Reading. The students are above average in all categories, which is something to find comfort in. Generally, the schools are good, and the teachers are dedicated. Pupils learn social skills as much as academic skills, which is equally important. A few years back, a Danish documentary compared a Danish class to a top school in China, and yes, in most areas of academia, the Danes lost. Hands down lost. But as soon as the students were asked to work together, the

Chinese fell apart. They simply weren’t equipped for it. Danes are. Danes realise the importance of working as a team.

AN OPEN, DIVERSE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT Depending on the school, pupils are given either a PC or an iPad. Yes, you read that right. Every pupil receives his or her own personal electronic learning device. The Danish school system has realised that adding computer programmes to the curriculum offers students a chance to learn through playing “fun games” and adds to

OPTIONAL 10TH GRADE 9TH GRADE 8TH GRADE

GRADUATION SCHOOLING

7TH GRADE 6TH GRADE

TABLE: THE DANISH FOLKESKOLE BY GRADE

5TH GRADE

MIDDLE GRADES

A CAUTION ON CUSSING

INTRODUCTORY SCHOOLING

So, what is the problem with linguistic deterioration you ask? Having been in Denmark for more than three days, you will surely have discovered that the infamous F-bomb is used on quite a regular basis. By all. At all times. And this starts in school. Children pick up words that older siblings or students use and incorporate them into their own language. And the versatility of that word is just astounding. It functions as a noun, a verb, an adjective, an ad-

4TH GRADE 3RD GRADE 2ND GRADE

the abilities of the student. Naturally, this also opens Pandora’s Box as Minecraft, Block Star, Roblox, YouTube and other nonlearning tools can be installed. This is where parents need to administer and somewhat control which Apps and programs are added. In most schools they use these devices to teach. Your child will learn how to create their own books, math equations, videos and much more. The schools genuinely try to administer the use of computers and combine them with more analogue learning strategies. Another pro in Danish schools is the ongoing battle against bullying. Crown Princess Mary is its national protector and it is a focal point for any school to stop bullying. Teachers are very attentive to it. The schools are also very diverse, culturally, and the idea is to teach students to be open-minded and accepting of other cultures.

1ST GRADE GRADE ZERO (KINDERGARTEN CLASS), STUDENTS ARE SIX YEARS OLD OR TURN SIX

verb enhancing an adjective and thus covers more ground than most Danish words dream of doing. The reason I am stating this, is that establishing it in a child's vocabulary starts in the Introductory classes. As parents, we hate it, we loathe it, and we want our children to unlearn it – but the immense usage from other children is a tidal wave, we cannot hinder. And for that I am sorry. I do all I can to stop the slaughter of proper English, but realise I am attempting to stop a tidal wave through the means of a rusty sieve. Despite this endemic problem, Folkskoles are a sound schooling choice, but be sure to enroll your kid early to ensure that they attend the best available school in your area. Technically you’re supposed to have ‘free choice’ when it comes to choosing which Folkeskole to send your kid to, but ultimately you must select from schools in your kommune that have room. On the plus side, these public schools have the advantage of being free. THE-INTL

herlufsholm.dk INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

AT HERLUFSHOLM SKOLE, NÆSTVED Give your child the best of Denmark wrapped in an international education.

Herlufsholm is a boarding school located in beautiful surroundings south of Copenhagen. We offer the IB Diploma as well as a preparatory IB class, opening doors to university home and abroad. Our students are ambitious. They combine their studies here with international exchange, service work, The Duke of Edinburgh International Award, sports, arts, Model United Nations, etc. We set the framework for world citizens but it is our students who aspire to see the world. we aim to inspire and engage students small classes - student-teacher ratio is 7:1 study hall and after school tutoring to students in need of a helping hand assigned mentor who guides students and helps them set goals for personal and academic development 25 years experience with international boarders and how to make them feel at home strong alumni network with group meetings all over the world

A DANISH INTERNATIONAL

EDUCATION

Have a taste of our everyday life on Facebook: Herlufsholm Skole og Gods #myherluf @herlufsholm_skole

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SPONSORED CONTENT

GRANDPARENTS ON THEIR ROLE IN FAMILY LIFE WE HAD THE PLEASURE OF INTERVIEWING RITCH AND JOAN EICH AND NANCY CHARAMELLA DURING THEIR RECENT VISITS TO COPENHAGEN. HERE ARE THEIR VIEWS ON WHAT IT TAKES TO MAINTAIN FAMILY TIES.

TEXT COPENHAGEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

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PHOTOGRAPHS COPENHAGEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

"BEING INVOLVED IN THE LIVES OF YOUR GRANDCHILDREN IS SO REWARDING, INSPIRING AS THEY GROW AND DEVELOP AND GREAT FUN! PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS - LIKE TEACHERS, PRINCIPALS, AND ALL THOSE WHO WORK IN SCHOOLS - INFLUENCE CHILDREN EVERY DAY WHEN THEY INTERACT WITH THEM."

DO YOU AGREE THAT GRANDPARENTS WHO LIVE FAR AWAY FROM THEIR GRANDCHILDREN CAN MAINTAIN A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP THROUGH FREQUENT VISITS AND BY PHONE CALLS, SKYPING, AND EMAILING BETWEEN VISITS?

NANCY:

RITCH AND JOAN:

Joan and I believe family comes first and therefore a maximal effort must be made to use every form of communication and, of course, visit whenever possible. We think it is vital to use forms and modes of communication grandchildren use regularly; it goes without saying that this often requires new learning by grandparents. We have four grandchildren, two here and two on the east coast in the USA. and we try to ensure all the cousins speak with one another, too. Joan often remarks that we cannot take anything for granted and these relationships must be worked at. Joan’s mother adopted computer skills early and often emailed our two sons and her other grandchildren. Each grandchild had a jar labeled “hugs and kisses” and filled with Hershey’s chocolates. The jars were refilled on request so the children knew they were loved.

There are a myriad of advantages inherent in being a grandparent; they include: having your faith in the future restored every day; thinking “younger” than if you had little to no contact with your grandchildren and their friends; seeing the world through their eyes and with their hope, idealism, honesty and optimism about the future; having the chance to be a mentor and being able to positively enhance their dreams and ambitions.

NANCY:

As one grows older, it is sometimes too easy to become pessimistic and have your views about much in the world become negative. Grandchildren have brightened our lives considerably; they make us laugh, and they elevate our spirits. Taylor Sun and Carter are always very respectful but they will sometimes politely question us or challenge our thinking which is wonderful!

Yes! The technology is key due to the visual aspect.

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE MOST IMPORTANT ROLE OF A GRANDPARENT IS?

RITCH AND JOAN: We believe it is giving unconditional love, and reinforcing behavioural guidelines established by the children’s parents. Ritch was given a coffee mug by Taylor Sun and Carter, which says “a grandpa is like a father but with fewer rules”, that he uses frequently. Being involved in the lives of your grandchildren is so rewarding, inspiring as they grow and develop and great fun! Parents and grandparents - like teachers, principals, and all those who work in schools - influence children every day when they interact with them. Both Joan and Ritch’s mothers were teachers, Joan’s dad was an architect, and Ritch’s dad was a teacher and later a principal. They were active volunteers and engaged in their communities, frequently working with children. Peter Drucker once said “be a teacher” - not necessarily in a classroom setting but he meant “develop” people, help them grow by providing challenging opportunities where they can succeed and fail and learn from both. This is a long winded way of saying be involved, make yourselves available, make sacrifices for your grandchildren as you did for your children, be selfless and enjoy the ride!

Supporting the parents and providing unconditional love.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING A GRANDPARENT?

With Taylor Sun and Carter, we are truly blessed because their parents, Geoff and Nancy, invite us to events important to their family; they are incredibly generous and thoughtful, and they periodically ask for our opinions. We are extremely fortunate because they include us in their lives and our grandchildren’s.

brother by being up at 5am so Taylor Sun could swim that morning. Joan reminded Carter than Uncle Teddy (Geoff’s younger brother) frequently had to get up at 5 am so we could be at Yost Arena at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor so Geoff could play ice hockey. I think the moral to this brief story is that sharing stories comes naturally when you are with grandchildren. Joan is the best storyteller as her recall skills are much better than mine. Our stories are also regularly shared through photos, emails and more. In our families, Joan’s older sister and my older brother are the chief historians.

NANCY: Sharing stories about your grandchild's parents is an interesting way for them to learn about their history.

IF YOU WERE TO GIVE ADVICE TO THE FUTURE GENERATION OF GRANDPARENTS, WHAT WOULD THAT BE?

RITCH AND JOAN: We are reminded of the Oscar Wilde quote: “the only thing to do with good advice is to pass it on. It is never of any use to oneself.” Being involved in the lives of our grandchildren continues to bring us great joy. This is due in large part to their parents who make it possible through their kindness, encouragement, thoughtfulness and generosity - and to the “kiddos” themselves for their love and interest in us.

NANCY:

All the joy and none of the responsibilities!

Give as much support as you can, and see your grandchildren as often as possible. THE-INTL

GRANDPARENTS ARE KNOWN AS THE FAMILY HISTORIANS, HOW DO YOU SHARE STORIES OF THE PAST WITH YOUR GRANDCHILDREN?

RITCH AND JOAN: Whether we are with our grandchildren or not, we share stories and draw parallels from our two sons’ experiences for our grandchildren. A recent example was inspired by the Copenhagen International School (CIS) swim coach who greeted us (our son Geoff, Carter our grandson and Joan and myself) while Taylor Sun was changing into her swimsuit. He came over and in his very good natured way was kidding Carter about being a supportive

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FROM LOCAL TO FOREIGNER IN JUST TWENTY-FOUR HOURS Navigating the transition from local to foreigner, Keri Bloomfield shares with us the beginning of her expat journey in Denmark. PHOTOGRAPHS GOSIA KURZYK

IF YOU CAN REMEMBER the

1998 movie Sliding Doors then you’ll understand when I say it was a ‘Sliding Doors’ moment that brought me to Denmark. A seemingly small and insignificant decision to look right instead of left one night at a bar in New Zealand, was all that it took to begin my journey towards life in Denmark. I call it my ‘Mary’ moment.

LIFE BEFORE DENMARK Kiwis are typically well known for our love of travelling and exploring. It probably has something to do with the fact that as a country, we are at least 24 hours (give or take a few airport transit lounges) away from Europe. This unavoidable time investment only naturally grows our motivation to make the most of all opportunities to explore the ‘other side of the world’. So, as most New Zealanders in their twenties do, I headed to London for my OE (overseas experience) in 2001. After surviving two years living in London my parents were, I presume, relieved that I resisted any advances by British locals and had returned home single. I had avoided falling for a local and therefore relocating to the other side of the world. If you’re a parent, you’ll get this. You want your children to go forth and live their lives and be happy but in all reality, you’d really prefer it if they did that ‘just down the road’ and not on the other side of the world. It just makes everything a little bit easier. You can then probably imagine their ‘horror’ when a few years later I met a Dane in my hometown of Wellington, New Zealand. He had been cycling through New Zealand (of course he was) on a 3-month holiday and had chosen the same popular local bar and restaurant as I on that fateful night, to sample the local produce. Sitting at my table, I looked up from my

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menu and to the right I saw ‘the Dane’. Although, technically it was his pizza I saw first (I was hungry), but let’s not ruin a good story or the Dane’s ego, by going into too much detail. To cut a long story short, this was how I found myself in Denmark with a Dane and Dan-iwi.

THE FIRST YEAR – SURVIVAL Fast forward a few years of life together in New Zealand to 2016 when we arrived in Denmark with our 4-monthold daughter. For me, the first year was simply a year of survival. Although most things are when it comes to babies. But there’s nothing like a 17-hour flight then a 7-hour flight with a 4-month-old to really learn the meaning of survival. Moving countries isn’t easy. Even for the most robust of souls, it comes with many challenges. Every sense in your body becomes challenged. Especially in those first few days and months when everything is just so foreign. You can easily find yourself feeling like you are existing in a dark unknown tunnel trying to make sense of everything. Your surroundings, environment and even a new language. Two plane flights was all that it took for me to go from being a ‘local’ to a ‘foreigner’ and for the Dane to now be the local and have the undisputed advantage. In less than 24 hours the tables had been turned in our relationship. From the seemingly ‘easy’ tasks of supermarket shopping (if anyone else has tried buying milk and margarine on your first day in Denmark, you’ll know what I mean) to learning the language. Every moment became a test of not only my ability to adapt and sur-

TEXT KERI BLOOMFIELD

KERI BLOOMFIELD BLOGGER

vive but also my ability to show resilience and thrive. And continues to be. Through this journey I quickly discovered the most important thing was to simply keep putting one foot in front of the other. And when even that gets a bit tough, a fresh batch of pastries surprisingly also has many beneficial qualities for one’s sanity. But moving countries is also a fantastic opportunity. It’s an opportunity to explore and understand a new country as well as a chance to be an ambassador for your own country. Who you are and where you come from doesn’t ever just leave you because you have crossed a border. It only but adds to your story. For myself, moving to Denmark has been an opportunity for my daughter to be raised bilingually and for myself to also learn Danish. It is the first time in my life that I have learnt a language and will easily be one of my proudest life achievements when I become truly bilingual. It has also given me the great opportunity of living a European life bringing with it a range of unique experiences from developing a very fond and close relationship with my bike to relishing the normality of grocery shopping while wearing a cycle helmet. And after having lived in New Zealand with the Dane for 4 years, it also completes a little piece of the puzzle for me in beginning to understand his view of the world. As integration and immigration continue to dominate political agendas across the world, I see and hear the similar challenges and concerns both in Denmark and New Zealand. These are conversations being had in many countries at the moment. Life as an ‘International’ now has a new focus. THE-INTL

Keri Bloomfield is a connector, writer, event manager and blogger currently living in Copenhagen. Originally from New Zealand she was recently employed by her daughter (Bilingual Backpack Baby) as editor, writer, photographer and social media manager to document their adventures living in Denmark. Prior to this job posting, Keri navigated a corporate life in New Zealand and England working in the field of event management and people management. She is strongly passionate about healthy workplaces (and pastries). Now based in Denmark Keri is on her way to becoming bilingual (she hopes) and is the co-organiser of ‘Post A Letter Copenhagen’. A monthly event held at ENIGMA Museum of Post & Communication in Østerbro. Entry is by donation and in return attendees are able to write letters to anywhere in the world for free. She recently initiated a project for volunteer writers to write to lonely elderly people all over the world. This is part of Keri’s greater goal to encourage more thoughtful and meaningful communication in the world. You can read and follow Keri’s adventures in Copenhagen with her Danish partner and daughter and learn more about Post A Letter Copenhagen, visit: www.bilingualbackpackbaby.com www.postalettercopenhagen.com

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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE TECH Self-confessed tech geek, Suzaan Sauerman surrounds herself with tech that she says improves her life. An expat for over 18 years (having lived and travelled to most continents of the world), she shares with us the technology we should be using to make life just that much easier, and fun! PHOTOGRAPHS VARIOUS

HERE ARE MY FAVOURITE TECH GADGETS AND APPS FOR FITNESS, AT HOME AND ON-THE-MOVE FOR MARCH!

TEXT SUZAAN SAUERMAN

GOOGLE HOME - VOICE ACTIVATED SPEAKER Google Home really rocks and is also a good replacement to Amazon’s Alexa in case you want to try something new. It can assist you with just about anything – just ask! From playing your favourite music to answering a zillion questions, and it helps organise your day.

AVAILABLE FROM: WUPTI.COM APPROXIMATE PRICE: 1.430 DKK

LET’S YOGA NADI X YOGA PANTS

These yoga pants have built-in technology that guides you through your yoga poses. It has wovenin technology with sensors around the hips, knees and ankles that provide gentle vibrations for easier yoga. Connect to the Nadi X mobile App and your pants will do the work. Available in different colours.

APPROXIMATE PRICE: 1.340 DKK AVAILABLE FROM: WWW.WEARABLEX.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION

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LEATHER TASSEL LIGHTNING CHARGING CABLE Tech accessories can still look cute. Let’s face it, we all start to panic when our phone’s battery level drops below 50%. Take it from work to parties and on the unexpected journeys in between. Available in white, tan, pink and black. Made for iPhone and iPad.

AVAILABLE FROM: CASETIFY.COM APPROXIMATE PRICE: 365 DKK

✱ FOR THE RUNNERS I try to run at least 3-5km each day to keep my mind and body fit and healthy. I love using

EDITOR'S TOP PICK!

THIS IS A GREAT LITTLE GADGET, COMBINES FASHION AS WELL AS TECHNOLOGY.

new runners or those discovering their fitness.

#2 GET RACE READY: Create a My Coach training plan. There’s a get started four-week training plan for couch-to-5km level, an eight-week plan that targets building more athletic fitness, and finally you can cre-

the Nike+ Run Club App

ate detailed training plans for 5km, 10km, 15km, half

which is available for iP-

and full marathon.

hone and Android devic-

#3 MONITOR PROGRESS: Log results of your bench-

es. The App also integrates with

mark runs.

the Apple Watch.

#4 DISCOVER NEW ROUTES: Nike+ Places. This lets you discover new routes by using a heat map or tapping in

SUZAAN SAUERMAN LIFESTYLE TECH ADVISOR Suzaan has over 18 years experience working for various technol-

Whether you are a beginner or need some motivation

a postcode to find popular running routes near you.

or a performance push, the App will help with your

#5 MUSIC TO MOTIVATE YOU: Sync with Apple Music

performance, motivation and enjoyment levels:

or Spotify. Access your hidden gears with that pow-

keting organisations, developing

#1 GO FOR A GUIDED RUN: There are eight different

er song that will help you to boost yourself during

product portfolio’s, driving digital

guided runs available, largely focussed on supporting

your runs.

transformation and unique retail

ogy brands, leading global mar-

experiences. Currently she focuses her time on wearables & hearables, helping various companies to create unique experiences that enhances lives, make us healthier and drives education through technology – to mention a few. Suzaan, a self-confessed tech geek, has been travelling, working and living in all the continents of the world. In her spare time she loves to keep fit by running and training at The Wolfpack Gym. She

OJO SMART ELECTRIC COMMUTER SCOOTER

has a passion for food & wine, always trying to find the best cup of coffee in the city, enjoys art galleries and spending quality time with

For the Techie on the go (literally). I mean, how cool is this? This sleek and smart scooter with a top speed of 20mph can reach a distances of 25 miles on a single full charge. It’s bike-lane friendly and no licence is needed. You will be off to work in no time

her friends. Suzaan lives in Copenhagen, was born & raised in South Africa and is a British citizen. Current-

and will turn heads at the same time.

ly she travels to London and San

AVAILABLE FROM: OJOELECTRIC.COM APPROXIMATE PRICE: 11.565 DKK

Francisco on a monthly basis.

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A MASTERCLASS IN WINE One never stops learning about wine. Every plot of land produces a different wine to its closest neighbour. Every season produces a different nuance to last year’s harvest. Every wine drinker experiences their own personal and sometimes completely different take on a wine. Put all of these factors together and you have an endless number of experiences and lessons that you can learn from wine. An infinite journey that is as individual as it is expansive. Join Mathew Castle as he offers up a masterclass into the world of wine.

THE STORY OF wine is a journey that has endured for over two thousand years. And by journey I mean that moment wine lovers embark on an adventure of discovery, from those first awkward moments of sampling to a lifelong relationship with a creation so intriguing and complicated in its simplicity. At the beginning of my wine journey during the postApartheid wine boom in South Africa, I was always amazed at the openness of the wine industry. I had been working in the flower industry which is closed and secretive due to the risk of your techniques or cuttings or seeds been stolen and cloned by the competition. But in the wine industry it seemed everyone was proud to show their techniques off, happy to share their knowledge and new “secrets”. I came to realise that this was because, however much they try your neighbour can never copy your wine. He can use the same plant material as you, use the same methods and make the wine in the same cellar as you. The variables on the ground are just too many. Many refer to this as Terroir, or micro climate. It refers to the small differences in angle to the sun created by sloping land. Differences in humidity due to altitude, row direction, canopy density etc. differences in soil composition, soil structure and soil macro and micro elements. Your neighbour cannot copy all of these factors, therefore he cannot copy your wine. This has led to an industry that is amazing to be a part of. Open, helpful and fun.

WHY WE DRINK WINE BI find that people are sometimes intimidated by wine talk, wine snobs and wine pushers (sommeliers and wine merchants). Forget about them. Wine is designed to be fun. We drink wine because it takes the edge off. It gets us laughing. It helps us forget. It helps us remember what’s important like friendship, good company and great food. These three elements are the foundation of a happy relationship with wine. A journey that never stops. The more you learn the more you crave to learn. In this series of articles I’d like to invite you on a journey to discover wine for yourself. Together we can debunk some wine myths, create some new ones, learn some wine facts and increase our wine vocabulary. We might visit a few wineries together or talk to someone interesting about their wine journey. Promise me though you will be true to yourself and be honest. Wine is simple. If you like it, it’s a good wine. If you don’t, it’s not a good wine. Your opinion is the only one that counts on your journey.

A WORD ON WINE Where to start on this journey though. At the beginning of course. The term cultivar is defined in wilkipedia as such, “plants selected for desirable characters that are main-

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tained during propagation”. In wine terms this means that for the past two to three thousand years man has been selecting wine for certain characteristics. All modern day wine cultivars descend from the wine we know today as Shiraz. This was found in the valley of Syrah in the kingdom of Persia, which is modern day Iran. We know this from genetic mapping. In those days the vine was a desert growing creeper. Today’s cultivars are human-bred grape varieties. Sometimes we refer to them as wine types. Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay are all wine cultivars. In other words they are types of wine plants that have been bred to create certain characteristics of taste. We now protect these characteristics fiercely. So – back to those ancient Shiraz grapes in the desert. It crept along the hot desert floor looking for shade. When it found shade in the form of a rock crevice or upright bush it turned its shoots skyward and climbed into the shade. A plant hormone called Auxin sitting in the tips of the shoot caused a phenominen called apical dominance. The tip of the shoot keeps growing in length until the shoot tip turns skyward. Once it turns skyward the auxin kicks in and stimulates production of grapes. If the vine had stayed on the scorching desert floor and tried to make grapes they would simply have shriveled up in the desert heat. Interesting you say, with a look on your face that says it all. Why is he telling me this? You see this phenomenin is the basis of all modern wine farming. Through hundreds of years of trial and error, and more recent research into hormones etc., man has realised that the vines produce more grapes, better grapes and more uniform grapes when the shoots point upwards as straight as possible. This has led to the modern methods of trellising grapes on wires strung between poles. The rows and rows of grapes that you see in their pristine rows would have otherwise fallen over and created an unruly clumped mass of vine crawling in every direction looking for something to help its shoots point upwards. So since then man has taken cuttings, selected material and used any means available such as trellising to change the vine into that modern cultured and preened vineyard that you see on your travels. It is a journey rich in history and full of innovation. But the leading reason is because it warms your heart and calms your soul.

SHIRAZ – THE CULTIVAR Well we already know the origin of Shiraz so let’s go a bit deeper. Shiraz first seems to

have been noticed in France around 600 B.C. Called Syrah in France, it gained notoriety in the Rhone valley around the town of Hermitage. Shiraz is one of the darkest reds. It is quite high in Tannin which accounts for its ability to age well, its big solid feel and its health benefits. As a novice wine drinker I used to associate Shiraz with toothpaste. It might have been the spicy fluoride or the feel it gave me in my mouth. But hey, don’t trust me – make your own opinion. It is a spicy wine with pepper being quite notable. It is this trait that makes it go so well with spicy foods. I like it. A lot. Some may call me a wine snob, I know my wife does! Wine snobs like to let everyone know they know a lot about wine. They sometimes talk down to and intimidate lesser folk. They talk in lofty tones about Terroir and love to reference obscure wine regions. But, if you can look past this, join me on a journey and I promise to offer you a worldly taste of wine. Write to The International and tell us what you’d like to read in Mathew’s next masterclass – lyndsay@the-intl.com.

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