The International - August 2021

ISSN 2596-5220

NO-CHURN ICE CREAM

BRINGING DENMARK TOGETHER

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH

EDUCATION NEW REALITY FOR 2022

AUGUST 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

LOLLAND A GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONALS

F RO M OUTSK I RT TO G ROW T H C E N T RE

I N T E RNAT I O NA L L EA RN I N G

Business Lolland-Falster assists in the region’s growth.

Education options in Lolland for all ages.

➡

L O L L A N D’ S PAST, PRESE N T A N D F UT U RE A journey back in time through Lolland’s history.

AUGUST 2021

international

the

‘RAISE YOUR HAND’ TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES

SAYS LOLLAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL’S FIRST PRINCIPAL, DOMINIC MAHER.

FRLEAEND

LOL ZINE MAGSAIDE! IN

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BUILDING COMMUNITY AND WHY IT MATTERS.

HELEN KELLER COULDN’T HAVE PUT IT MORE BEAUTIFULLY “ALONE, WE CAN DO SO LITTLE; TOGETHER, WE CAN DO SO MUCH.”

I

IN DENMARK, SOMETHING is happening. We have lived in challenging times for the last two years, but now I feel a community buzzing again. With developments down in Lolland (check out the informative 32pg Lolland magazine that comes with this issue), community-based events like Welcome September that brings Denmark together (Pg 10-11) – something is happening. I’m hopeful for internationals in Denmark! I get the feeling a change has come chiefly from communities being apart for so long. Of course, there will always be challenges, but they also can bring about opportunities. Today, it might be never-ending COVID-19, but tomorrow, you could be facing other challenges.

That’s why building and cultivating a community is more essential than ever right now.

Let’s start with these solid tips on how to create your own:

DEFINE YOUR COMMUNITY Before you can start conversations and help facilitate connections, you need to know your audience. This helps you understand them, their motivations, their role concerning your organisation, how to best reach them and what relevant questions or challenges you can help them solve.

COMMUNITY GOALS Now that you have a clear picture of the people that comprise your community, use that insight to help collaboratively develop some goals for your community. Giving your community a chance to form goals gives community members a chance to truly invest in what you’re achieving. In addition, the feelings of ownership and pride not only help members of your community feel appreciated and recognised but also that they have a seat at the decision-making table right next to you.

START THE CONVERSATION By understanding your audience and what you hope to achieve together, you can create ways to converse, share and engage. Social distancing is keeping many people away from offices, gatherings, meetings and events. Seize the opportunity to let your community know you’re still invested in bringing them together, even if there are some events still through digital methods.

BE FLEXIBLE WITH YOUR CALENDAR Events are typically a significant part of community building. Conferences, meetings, and work sessions give community members a chance to learn, share, build relationships, and solve problems face-to-face, strengthening individual connections and community.

Yet when you’re forced to cancel, postpone or rethink an event - take a deep breath and a few steps back and reassess how you can still bring your community together in a different way. Think of it this way: by keeping your community connected and engaged

amid challenging circumstances, you’ll help strengthen those bonds and provide some much-needed stability and reassurance to those who need it.

KEEP IT GOING… Consistency is key to successful community building. Outline the steps you’ll take to keep community-building a continual priority. Build a calendar for your communications so you can track your progress. This can also help you identify what sort of messaging, content and assets you need to keep your community informed and connected.

Don’t forget to encourage feedback and leadership from your community directly to more effectively measure your efforts and what you can change or refine to make them even more successful.

Always try and remember, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Well, the same applies to your community. You aren’t going to build a community in a day. Instead, focus on the small steps you can take now to bring your community together. Those small steps often lead to more significant actions, and that’s what community building is all about.

Love,

LYNDSAY JENSEN - EDITOR & FOUNDER THE-INTL.COM

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OUR SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM AROUND DENMARK HEAD OF SOCIAL MEDIA

EDITOR & FOUNDER LYNDSAY JENSEN has over twenty years' experience in the advertising and publishing industry, and holds degrees in Business and Desktop Publishing (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 three years and mother to two boys aged 22 and 16. She loves travel, photography, music and art. lyndsay@the-intl.com

MANAGING DIRECTOR & PARTNER KENNETH MACALPINE is a Nordic Financial Manager in the Transport industry.

His degree is in Finance and business 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

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CATHERINE HEFFERAN is originally from DC, and loves living in Copenhagen. A passion for traveling, meeting new people, and dabbling in other artistic endeavors outside of social media, like illustration, graphic design and podcasting keeps her busy.

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The International is published 12 times a year. This issue was published on 30 July, 2021

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THE FEEL-GOOD STORIES OF DENMARK ESBJERG’S FESTIVAL FOR THE CITY’S INTERNATIONALS International House Esbjerg will serve as a focal point for the city’s international community and better connect with the locals.

for us that both newcomers and people already here are part of a community they belong to”, adds Maria.

While the opening was planned to take place earlier, the COVID pandemic stopped the original plan.

However, with restrictions lifted and normality being restored across the country, the opportune moment was finally found. A variety of activities will take place on that day, ranging from arts and crafts stalls to dance and music performances by Esbjerg’s international community. The International House will also serve as the centrepiece of Esbjerg’s Welcome Month, part of Denmark’s Welcome September initiative.

“What we do is try to make people moving here feel at home, so the next time they look for a job, they do it here.”

Esbjerg’s mayor, Jesper Frost Rasmussen, is equally excited about the opening. “I will just give a short speech and cut a ribbon”, he jokes.

One of the initial backers of the idea, he says the big problems were securing funding and finding a place to establish the House; problems solved through careful planning and a bit of luck, as the old Arresthus coincidentally became available. “What we do is try to make people moving here feel at home, so the next time they look for a job, they do it here”, he says, highlighting one of Denmark’s most significant current issues: its need to attract and retain skilled workers.

With the opening expected to be a true “celebration of diversity” and high hopes for many locals joining in, one thing is for sure: the opening of the House will be something to talk about! THE-INTL

MONIKA PEDERSEN

CONTRIBUTING TO THE FABRIC OF SOCIETY

Why volunteer?

Denmark is a small country of many tightly knit communities, so volunteering is a way to integrate and make new connections. It could help you step into a job or learn the language. Howev-

MICHAELA MEDVEĎOVÁ

NIKOLAOS PAPADOPOULOS

The excitement is evident in the room as Pia Enemark, and Maria Anglada of Esbjerg’s Newcomer Service sit down to discuss one of the city’s big summer happenings: the opening of Esbjerg’s International House. Incorporated into Esbjerg’s Festuge, taking place in August, the International House will be a gathering place for internationals living in the city; Danes are, of course, welcome at any time! “Part of our work is to connect internationals and locals”, says Pia. “It is important

Volunteering or ‘frivilligt arbejde’ is an integral aspect of Danish life. It has deep roots in the country’s democratic values and history. Moreover, it is seen as a way to contribute to the fabric of society. Volunteer work is done for free and does not involve any monetary rewards. Many associations include sports & activity clubs, community cafés, senior citizen homes, and crisis centres. According to a recent survey by ‘The National Volunteer Centre of Denmark’, one million hours a day are collectively given to such activities. Amazing!

Men in skirts against gender expectations

er, you need to be realistic and find an organisation where internationals not savvy with the Danish language are welcome to ensure a positive partnership.

Municipalities or ’Kommunes’ also rely on volunteer work as it benefits an area by enriching its community and increasing its residential desirability.

Volunteering is enjoyed by those who give their time, and I can vouch that my experience at a charity shop or ‘Genbrugs butik’ was really satisfying.

And for those who reap the benefits, it makes a big difference in their lives, as it provides access to services or opportunities that could not have otherwise been realised.

Rules There are some rules regarding volunteering if you are not a Danish citizen.

An excellent site to check out the reg-

MONIKA PEDERSEN is an international educator who has worked in the UK, Germany, and is now based in Copenhagen, in the bilingual, international school system. Married to a Dane, she enjoys her time, jogging, walking, and cooking.

ulations is https://frivilligjob.dk/, as it has an English translation.

How to get started?

Decide on an area of interest in which you would like to channel your energies.

Consider how much time you can frequently allocate, for you need to be reliable. Check out possibilities online, and your ‘Kommune’ can advise you. Make contact and find a match. I hope you enjoy the experience. THE-INTL

MICHAELA MEDVEDOVÁ comes from Slovakia and moved to Denmark 3 years ago to study for her Master's degree. Living in Odense she says it's the perfect city for her because it's not too large to be intimidating, but still exciting!

When you choose your outfit in the morning, you may think about the temperature, how much it will rain, or what the trends are.

Would you think about the limits your gender puts on you?

Dylan Cawthorne does. But the Associate Professor at the Drone Center at the University of Southern Denmark has created his own paradigm.

After seeing a strict gender difference and expectations that he believes are arbitrary and harmful - even in such a free society as Denmark - Dylan wants to demonstrate his support of non-binary gender norms. For example, by wearing a skirt or dress.

“People are a lot more complex than their gender,” he says. Nevertheless, there are certain things within gender that society encourages or discourages - status quo visible on the lack of women in engineering or adverse reactions to little boys putting on skirts.

So last year, Dylan made an event called Men in Skirts - positioned as an interactive art experience where, alongside people wearing skirts as part of the exhibition, the audience could also join. “It was a sort of a social experiment - will people, if they feel safe, do it? Will a man wear a skirt in a public place?” And all except one did.

The event was about putting a focus on men appropriating “women’s” clothing. Of course, the situation is different for women - they already wear a lot of “men’s” clothing. “They fought for the right to wear pants or suits at work because they thought that to be respected, they had to.

It says a lot that something similar has not happened with men,” says Dylan about the value associated with gendered clothing.

With his next event, Fashion Freedom Fest taking place in Odense on August 13th, Dylan wants to extend the focus and make it about freedom in fashion in general. “The premise is: dress the way you want, with no judgement.” Additionally, Dylan wishes more people from the outside would come to the event even if they were critical towards it as it would help open an interesting conversation.

Overall, Dylan would like to see people taking advantage of the freedom and relative safe space we have in this society. But he believes we are headed in the right direction. “I have more hope with the younger generation. They are much more relaxed with sexuality and gender; they put people in boxes less.” THE-INTL

NIKOLAOS PAPADOPOULOS is a Greco-Russian marketing professional, with a love for creative writing and interesting stories, and also an avid volunteer. He is currently finishing his Master's degree in Digital Marketing in Esbjerg.

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ALL EVENTS

VERA SPANGLER

VISIT DENMARK - DANIEL OVERBECK - VISITNORDSJÆLLAND

ZEALAND

BORNHOLM

WONDERFESTIWALL - HJALTE GREGERSEN

Even though Denmark is returning to normal, we still encourage you to follow the government's guidelines and stay safe. For up to date information on these guidelines and the latest news, follow www.coronasmitte.dk

SMUKFEST FESTIVAL - ANDERS BOLL FILM & FOTO

IN AUGUST

SKANDERBORG

4-8 AUGUST

6-7 AUGUST

SMUKFEST FESTIVAL

SOUND OF SUMMER

Perhaps the most picturesque festival in Denmark. Located in a beech forest close to Skanderborg, the festival is a unique experience of music, togetherness, life and love. This year’s line-up includes more than 170 acts. Besides its music programme, Smukfest offers yoga, crossfit or beach-handball on the different campsites. In addition, you can dance limbo from morning into night, or you can visit the festival’s talk scene and engage in lectures, discussions and other kinds of more intellectual events.

Are you ready for some music, sunshine and good vibes at Hammeren? This year, Musikhuzet, Wonderfestiwall and TV 2/Bornholm present a unique, alternative event – Sound of Summer. You can dance to sounds from Medina, tv-2, suspekt and other famous musicians. With its beautiful landscape and amazing beaches, Bornholm is undoubtedly worth a visit!

FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://WONDERFESTIWALL.DK/

FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://WWW.SMUKFEST.DK/WELCOMETO-SMUKFEST/THE-SMUKFEST-EXPERIENCE

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VISIT DENMARK - JONAS TOGO

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WONDERFESTIWALL - MATHILDE MARIA RØNSHOF

JUTLAND

WONDERFESTIWALL - HJALTE GREGERSEN

VISIT DENMARK - NICLAS JESSEN

SMUKFEST - JAKOB WORRE

FUNEN

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COPENHAGEN

AARHUS

FOOD WEEK FB PAGE - DEN GAMLE BY

CHGP FB PAGE - RACELENS.DK

COPENHAGEN SUMMER FESTIVAL FB PAGE

COPENHAGEN

6-8 AUGUST

8-19 AUGUST

9-15 AUGUST

COPENHAGEN HISTORIC GRAND PRIX

COPENHAGEN SUMMER FESTIVAL

AARHUS FOOD FESTIVAL

Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix is speed, action and fun for the whole family. The classic car race takes place every year during the first weekend of August. So come and join us to celebrate Danish and international race drivers and historic race cars.

In the beautiful surroundings of Charlottenborg at Kongens Nytorv, a handpicked group of gifted young talents present a range of classical chamber music.

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://WWW.CHGP.DK/?LANG=EN

FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://WWW.COPENHAGENSUMMERFESTIVAL.DK/

Located at Aarhus’ beautiful harbour, the gastronomic event is a great festival for the whole family. You can find activities and workshops for all ages. A particular highlight of the festival is the Peoples Feast. You are seated at an extra-long table with others invited to discuss your food, make new friends and enjoy some hygge. Definitely, something we have missed over the past year. Dig in!

FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://WWW.FOODFESTIVAL.DK/

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STRØM FB PAGE

RANDERS

RANDERS FESTUGE FB PAGE - BO AMSTRUP

COPENHAGEN

COPENHAGEN PRIDE WEEK

COPENHAGEN

11-14 AUGUST

12-22 AUGUST

13-21 AUGUST

STRØM FESTIVAL

COPENHAGEN PRIDE WEEK

RANDERS WEEK

The top electronic music festival takes place for a whole week in summer. Various events, from concerts, workshops to raves, happen at different venues all over Copenhagen. So come and explore Denmark’s capital city while enjoying the best electronic scene in all of Scandinavia.

WorldPride is nearly here! During this year’s twelve-day programme, you can visit workshops, debates, cultural and sports events, and, of course, participate in the big parade celebrating equality, arts, and human rights.

One week full of hundreds of events for the whole family.

Randers Week is a unique initiative of the city with various concerts, shows and events. Randers Week doesn’t have one specific theme, but everyone is welcome to participate – it is the citizens, and cultural actors who arrange the various events. Activities happen in tents all over the city, and venues like theatres, the library, or churches hold events for children and adults. So, join us for a fun, relaxed time while enjoying the charm Randers offers.

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://COPENHAGEN2021.COM/WORLDPRIDE/

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://STRM.DK/

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where can i find a copy?

Don't miss picking up the latest issue at these public pick-up points around Denmark.

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VESTER FARIMAGSGADE 3 - COPENHAGEN GYLDENLØVESGADE 11 - COPENHAGEN BLEGDAMSVEJ 68 - COPENHAGEN SKINDERGADE 25 - COPENHAGEN AMAGERFÆLLEDVEJ 108 - COPENHAGEN TORVET 3 - MARIBO

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HACK KAMPMANNS PLADS 2 - AARHUS RANTZAUSGADE 4 - AALBORG TORVEGADE 23 - ESBJERG SKOLEGADE 1 - VEJLE TORVET 5 - HERNING KLØVERMARKEN 35 - BILLUND RÅDHUSSTRÆDET 6 - IKAST RÅDHUSTORVET 10 - SØNDERBORG

You can also read or download the latest issue online: the-intl.com

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ODENSE

TØNDER

TØNDER FOLK FESTIVAL FB PAGE

COPENHAGEN COOKING FB PAGE

H.C. ANDERSEN FESTIVALS FB PAGE

COPENHAGEN

20-29 AUGUST

22–29 AUGUST

26–29 AUGUST

COPENHAGEN COOKING

HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN FESTIVAL

TØNDER FOLK FESTIVAL

Copenhagen attracts guests and chefs from around the world with its Nordic cuisine and fantastic restaurants.

This is celebrated at Copenhagen Cooking, one of the biggest food festivals in Northern Europe. Get ready for this ten days homage to Copenhagen’s delicious, sustainable food scene!

Look forward to a week full of imagination, fairy tales and wonder. The city of Odense invites for one of the most significant cultural festivals in Denmark, offering concerts, parades and performances.

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://WWW.COPENHAGENCOOKING. COM/

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H.C. ANDERSEN FESTIVALS FB PAGE

Copenhagen's most chilled Sunday afternoon can be found in Vesterport (across from the station). So come unwind and enjoy some fantastic live music and a delicious brunch/lunch coupled with some of the best coffee in the city. The Swing Jam Band plays traditional jazz and swing from the 1920s through the 1950s. The group comprises jazz musicians from the local community with horns, guitar, banjo and drums. The best place to be in the city every Sunday!

H.C. ANDERSEN FESTIVALS FB PAGE

GRAB A FREE PRIN TED COPY OF THE PAPE R AT SOCIAL BREW!

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Since 1974, Tønder Festival’s community is growing year by year with musicians, guests and volunteers. The festival gathers local and international musicians, supporting music in its original form. Tønder Festival has a unique musical profile with a focus on hand-made music. The festival ambience in Southern Jutland is friendly and relaxed and brings the summer to a great end.

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KULTURHAVN FESTIVAL FB PAGE

COPENHAGEN

27–29 AUGUST KULTURHAVN FESTIVAL It’s time for Denmark’s largest cultural harbour celebration. For a whole weekend, you can enjoy more than 60 cultural experiences. The activities include children’s events, music, dance, workshops, and sports along the city’s scenic waterfront. It is free for all!

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://KULTURHAVN.KK.DK/EN/FRONT-PAGE

A focus on learning

AARHUS

AARHUS FESTUGE FB PAGE

Early Years setting (3-5 year olds) Primary School (5-11 year olds) Secondary School (11-16 year olds) High School (16-18 year olds)

27 AUG–5 SEP

www.nis-ngg.dk

AARHUS FESTIVAL

Cirkelhuset, Christianshusvej 16

In It Together – the festival’s theme says it all. Welcome back! For ten days, music, art and cultural events take over. The festival is one of Scandinavia’s largest cultural events, celebrating local, national and international artists and offering around 1000 events for both children and adults. The first Aarhus Festival took place in 1965. Since then, the festival has evolved into a highly esteemed event with an international focus. The whole city is buzzing, and people unite through art and culture – whether to dance the night away or to experience art performances – Aarhus Festival is something we do together.

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BRINGING DENMARK TOGETHER A REMARKABLE STORY OF COUNTRY-WIDE EVENTS HAPPENING THIS SEPTEMBER FOR ALL.

TEXT NIKOLAOS PAPADOPOULOS

SITTING HERE WITH Kirsten, Lasse, and Lise, representatives of three of Denmark’s

distancing will not be a factor for many events, as online events, workshops, and webilargest municipalities, the air of excitement is evident; excitement for things to come, nars can be accessed worldwide. as this September, something big is happening throughout Denmark. The three of them Since the initiative’s aim is twofold, welcoming and retaining internationals in Denare here to present this collaborative effort. It is an initiative coming to fruition thanks mark, the concept is open for newcomers and internationals who have lived in Denmark to the combined efforts of the country’s municipalities, business regions, state authorifor years. It will be an excellent opportunity for newcomers to kickstart their life in Denties, associations, and business organisations. For the first time ever, more than 65 mumark by getting practical information, meeting people, and using the events as a startnicipalities and organisations all across Denmark are opening their doors and working ing point for settling down. For internationals who have called Denmark home for years, together with one common goal in mind: to welcome internationals to Denmark. Septhe events will also allow them to acquire knowledge and get involved in social activitember will be a national welcome month: a concerted effort across Denmark to disties that will strengthen the sense of Denmark feeling like their home away from home. pel existing negative preconceptions about the country and its “unwelcome” attitude.

As an effort that truly encompasses the entire country, events are not focused in a Although the COVID pandemic naturally created many obstacles that had to be oversingle area but can be found across the country; from the capital to small towns such come while planning for such an initiative, it is also one of the reasons behind it. As as Maribo and Aars, internationals will have ample opportunity to become part of the Denmark emerges from extended lockdowns and slowly reinitiative. The events will address job-seeking, housing, turns to normality, it is imperative to bring interpersonal and networking professionally and socially to navigating "AS AN EFFORT THAT TRULY interactions and networking back into peoples’ lives and the Danish tax system. Events that tackle professional what better way to do it than a country-wide event bringand practical issues of life in Denmark are usually a comENCOMPASSES THE ENTIRE ing together a multitude of people with diverse nationalimon theme across regions, and some are done at a nationCOUNTRY, EVENTS ARE NOT FOCUSED ties, says Kirsten Vestergaard Lauridsen, innovation conal level, but each municipality, big or small, is free to add IN A SINGLE AREA BUT CAN BE sultant for the Citizen Service of the City of Aarhus. its own touch to the initiative. From zoo and museum visIn the past, welcoming events for internationals have its in Aalborg and Odense to dancing classes in Esbjerg, to FOUND ACROSS THE COUNTRY. taken place in different parts of the country, but they were speed dating in Kalundborg, one thing is for sure: everyINTERNATIONALS WILL HAVE AMPLE not part of a holistic, country-wide undertaking. The idea one, no matter where they are from and their interest levOPPORTUNITY TO BECOME PART has been there for several years, and now it finally comes els, will have ample opportunity to find an event tailored to fruition with financial assistance from Talent to Danto their tastes.

OF THE INITIATIVE." mark and the European Social Fund. It was inspired by the And by everyone, we mean everyone; organisers of the inevents taking place in and around certain municipalities itiative hope to attract Danes to participate in the events such as, but not limited to, Copenhagen, Aarhus, or Aalborg, since every one of these too. Several events are directly aimed to bring internationals and Danes together. “An and other communities were already organising welcoming events for internationals ininternational citizen is not a nationality or a passport. It is a mindset,” says Lasse, meandependently. This time, the idea has been to join forces across municipalities, business ing that internationally-minded Danes have much to gain from this initiative by personregions, and business organisations to get newfound inspiration and exchange ideas ally meeting the different nationalities that are part of Denmark. on events that contribute to the attraction, reception, and retention of internationals across Denmark. All events taking place as part of the welcome concept will be available at lifeindenmark.dk/welcomeseptember from the middle of August.

The ultimate goal of this initiative is to attract but most importantly retain foreign highMutual learning is one of the most critical components of the initiative. Even bigger ly skilled workers and integrate them into the Danish workforce and social experience. cities with large international populations and experience in organising such events can This does not only apply to experienced professionals but also extends to students and still benefit from cooperating with smaller ones. Smaller municipalities then have the families. People coming to Denmark need to feel they are welcome here while at the opportunity to upscale their own events through this cooperation. These areas of Densame time exploring the numerous opportunities the country offers. Moreover, there is mark are especially in need of international workers, as generally, internationals tend a long-standing issue of workers and students arriving in the country only to abandon it to flock to the capital regions because of its natural appeal and abundance of opportuafter some time. “If an international comes to Denmark to work and their spouse can’t nities. While Aarhus, Aalborg, and Copenhagen are the leading partners in this endeavfind a job, what’s the point of staying?” says Kirsten. our, the focus is on promoting what the whole country can achieve together.

“Even when a stay in Denmark is temporary, as in the case of Erasmus students, by banding together across Denmark and organising events that attempt to include every international, they also hope that this will result in them acting as ambassadors for With over 100 events across the country, Welcome September will attempt to cover eveDenmark in their respective countries when they return home,” says Lasse. rything an international needs to know about Denmark, but that is not all. Fun, culturIn joining forces to promote Demark as a whole, these events will benefit everyone, al and educational entertainment is also part of the programme. Lise Kingo Hansen, not just the bigger cities. Excitement and anticipation regarding this initiative are evChief Advisor for Copenhagen Municipality, calls it a “360 degree September”. It will ident and Lise, Lasse, and Kirsten hope the combined efforts of everyone will achieve be a combination of online and physical events addressing a variety of topics. Physical all they have planned! THE-INTL

CHANGING THE NARRATIVE

WORKING TOGETHER AS ONE

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You can access online more information about the 110+ events throughout Denmark from late August until early October 2021 at www.lifeindenmark.dk/welcomeseptember. This website will be live from the middle of August.

NORTHERN DENMARK

Online - 30 August Smart and effective job search 2021.

Nykøbing Mors - 4 September Newcomer network.

Thisted - 8 September Living in Thy. Aalborg - 10 September Diversity evening at Aalborg Zoo 2021.

Aalborg - 10 September Getting started - An introduction to life in Denmark.

Nykøbing Mors - 10 September Newcomer network.

Frederikshavn - 11 September Frederikshavn culture day - Hele verden i Frederikshavn.

Online - 16 September Career in Frederikshavn.

Aalborg - 21 September Internationals' Fair North Denmark.

Online - 30 September Job search in North Denmark.

Online - TBC Company visit to MAN Energy Solutions webinar.

Aars - TBC International voters for local elections.

Aars - TBC Go Vest / Tour de Vesthimmerland.

CENTRAL DENMARK

Aarhus - 28 August Expat reception.

Skive - 1-30 September World map - Put a pin in your home country.

Ikast - 4 September Expat Day Ikast-Brande.

Aarhus - 9 September International Leadership Forum (ILF).

Ikast - 9 September Job search seminar for internationals in Ikast-Brande.

Skive - 11 September Meet international newcomers for board games.

Online - 14 September Working across cultures (workshop).

Aarhus - 17 September TGIF (Thank God it's Friday).

Herning - 18 September Herning Expat Fair.

Online - 28 September Understanding Danish culture and society - Danish culture, values, customs and traditions.

Horsens - 28 September Discover the locals.

Aarhus - 1 October Monthly coffee morning.

Aarhus - 2 October Aarhus City Welcome.

Aarhus - TBC CV workshop.

Skive - TBC Big Blue City Tour for international newcomers.

SOUTHERN DENMARK

Sønderborg - 1, 15, 29 September Food club for newcomers.

Sønderborg - 1, 15, 29 September Food club for newcomers.

Esbjerg - 1 September Esbjerg International Ladies coffee morning.

Odense - 1 September Guided tour with The Night Watchmen.

Odense - 1 September International Family Day. South Denmark - 1 September Intro meeting for students Future Talent Denmark.

Odense - 2 September New in Denmark seminar.

Esbjerg - 2 September Information meeting for new arrivals.

Billund - 2 September Welcome to your local democracy.

Esbjerg - 4 September Newcomers guided city walk.

Sønderborg - 4 September Information day for newcomers from German speaking countries.

Odense - 5 September International playdate.

Odense - 5 September Urban gardening.

Esbjerg - 6 September Open house FOF Beginners Danish or FVU Danish.

Esbjerg - 6 September Line dancing.

Esbjerg - 6, 16, 27 September Try football with a social aspect.

Odense - 7 September International meetup.

Esbjerg - 7 September Get a free Salsa lesson at Esbjerg Salsa club with Cuban instructor Lexys Santiaguero Gonzales.

Vejle - 7 September ABC's of an active LinkedIn. Odense - 7 September Open training: Rugby.

Esbjerg - 8 September Newcomer Hub Jobcafé.

Odense - 8 September Work in progress circus performance.

Odense - 9-10 September Children's theatre performance: Hattemågen.

Odense - 9-11 September Generator Festival.

Online - 9 September Kick off event - Future Talent Denmark.

Odense - 9 September Welcome to visit Tietgen Business College.

Esbjerg - 9 September How to work in Denmark.

Sønderborg - 11 September Welcome day for newcomers.

Odense - 11 September Open training: Self defence.

Sønderborg - 11 September

Dansk Café for newcomers.

Odense - 12 September Sports crawl by LALO Let's Go. Esbjerg - 13 September Try Zumba - Open house Esbjerg country line dance club.

Sønderborg - 14 September CaféNy for newcomers.

Esbjerg - 14 August World Wide Esbjerg (fair, live talks and music).

Esbjerg - 15 September Esbjerg international playgroup.

Esbjerg - 17 September Cook and Talk - African Food.

Odense - 17 September Guided tour for students.

Augustenborg - 18 September Welcome day for newcomers in Augustenborg.

Esbjerg - 19 September Coffee with a local.

Odense - 19 September Open training: Tennis.

Skjern - 19 September International welcome event.

Vejle - 19 September Autumn reception.

Odense - 20 September Open House.

Esbjerg - 22 September Free trial / Open house for international newcomers at Esbjerg Toastmasters club.

Odense - 22 September Public speaking meeting.

Esbjerg - 23 September Culture shock workshop.

Odense - 24 September Open training: Softball.

Esbjerg - 24 September Newcomers BBQ. Odense - 24 September Friday bar.

Odense - 25 September Interactive city tour.

Odense - 26 September Repair Café Odense.

Sønderborg - 26 September Get fit and friends at CrossFit Sønderborg.

Billund - 28 September Don't leave us alone with the Danes.

Vejle - 30 September Global Dinner.

Esbjerg - 30 September Kids in Denmark.

Sønderborg - Every Friday in September Yoga for newcomers and students.

Odense - TBC Odense Sct Knud International Rotary Club welcomes expats and newcomers.

Esbjerg - TBC Try theatre and circus for kids Open house at Fugl Fønix.

Esbjerg - TBC Try ping pong - Open house at Esbjerg board tennis club.

Esbjerg - TBC

Try out photography at Esbjerg Photography Association.

Odense - TBC Visit Art Museum Brandts.

ZEALAND

Maribo - 4 September Birgitta Festival and networking picnic.

Maribo - 10 September Open House Lolland International school.

Online - 15 September Webinar: Online introduction to bilingual education at Denmark’s first public international school.

Rødbyhavn - 19 September Visit to the Femern Tunnel Exhibition Center and construction site.

Maribo - 24 September International happy hour at The Greenhouse.

Kalundborg - 26 September Meet the Danes by speed dating.

Nykøbing-Falster - 26 September Visit/tour to the Medieval Center.

CAPITAL

Valby - Apply between 10 August 19 September Greater Copenhagen Career Program.

Valby - 30 August / 3, 27 September; 1 October First Job Copenhagen.

Valby - 8-10 September Head Start.

Copenhagen - 24-26 September International Citizen Days.

Online - 29 September International Matchmaking Event.

Lyngby - 30 September Lyngby Day. Lyngby - 7 October Open Air Welcome Concert.

NATIONAL WEBINARS

Online - 1 September Job Search in Denmark.

Online - 6, 14, 29 September The Danish Tax System.

Online - 8 September The Danish Labour Market and Danish Workplace Culture.

Online - TBC Buying Real Estate in Denmark.

Online - TBC Rentals & Cooperative Housing​in Denmark.

Online - TBC Clubs and Associations in Denmark.

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RAISE YOUR HAND AUSTRALIAN DOM MAHER RAISES HIS HAND TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES

THAT FEELING OF BEING IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME ISN’T SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS. IT’S SOMETHING YOU MAKE HAPPEN, SAYS LOLLAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PRINCIPAL DOM MAHER.

PHOTOGRAPHS ROCHELLE COOTE PHOTOGRAPHY

DOMINIC MAHER MET his wife, Maria, at the open-air beer garden of the Victory Hotel in Brisbane, Australia. Nestled between skyscrapers in the heart of the city's central business district, 'The Vic' dubs itself "Brisbane's favourite meeting place" - a sentiment with which Dom and Maria indeed agree.

Maria, a Dane studying in Australia, had bumped into Dom at The Vic several times - the first time, literally - before the couple began dating. Though, if pressed, Dom admits it wasn't an accident. "I saw her friend pointing over to me before," he jokes. That was more than 20 years ago and 15,565 kilometres away from their current home in Køge, Denmark.

"I always expected we'd live in Denmark at some point," Dom said. "I knew that if I was going to build a relationship with someone from another country that we'd live in their country, too."

When Maria finished her master's degree in business administration, the couple realised Denmark was finally a possibility. In 2012, they put their Brisbane home on the market, anticipating they could acclimate to the idea of moving while they waited for the house to sell. "Then, we ended up selling it in a day," Dom said. Within five weeks, they resigned from their jobs, packed and shipped a container of belongings, and hopped aboard a plane with their children to a new life on the other side of the world.

Although Dom didn't see the rapid sale of the house as a sign, he did see it as "a sign we had a good-looking house!" He doesn't tend to believe in fate. "I think the sense of 'right time, right place' is more about a willingness to grab opportunities when they are in front of you, rather than shy away or take a wait and see approach."

AUGUST 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

TEXT SARAH REDOHL

After nearly a decade living in Denmark, Dom feels confident that he and his family are in the right place at the right time. "We took a risk moving to Denmark," he said, "but we landed on our feet. It's like we didn't skip a beat changing countries." This fall, Dom will be guiding the brand new Lolland International School into its inaugural year as the school's first principal - a position that feels just right for an international with 25 years of experience in education.

COMMUNITY IN KØGE For the first month the family lived in Denmark, they rented a summer home in the seaport town of Køge, 40 kilometres southwest of Copenhagen. Known for its historic town centre, Køge is home to several half-timbered buildings, including the oldest in the country dating back to 1527. Situated on a natural harbour, Køge has long been a market town, and its market square is one of the best-preserved medieval squares in Denmark.

Located halfway between Maria's family and Copenhagen, where they both expected to find work, Køge quickly felt like home.

"We bought a home in a neighbourhood we like that's going through exciting changes," Dom said. Built in the 1970s, many original residents of the neighbourhood have retired elsewhere, and families with children of similar ages to their children have moved in. "Everyone is on board to start up community Facebook pages, social groups, summer lawn parties, and running clubs." Dom's own contribution to the neighbourhood's social calendar is a Men & Beer night, copying off the neighbourhood's Women & Wine nights.

It's the type of neighbourhood where people say hello to one another, borrow tools,

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"ONE OF DOM'S BIGGEST CONCERNS WHEN THE FAMILY MOVED TO DENMARK WAS HOW THEIR CHILDREN WOULD SETTLE IN."

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and keep an eye on each other's children. "You always hear internationals say how hard it is to develop close relationships with Danes because, in a way, it's like they're not accepting applications for their friendship circle," he laughed. Dom's approach to building relationships with Danes has been a bit different. "I'm grateful to fit into a community where we know one another. That's belonging; I'm not expecting more."

Dom believes he came to Denmark with the right attitude. "I think if you're pessimistic, every small frustration feels huge," he said. Instead, Dom chose optimism, jumping in with both feet from the very beginning. Upon his arrival, he immediately contacted several sports clubs, including an organisation of Danish rugby referees (he refereed rugby in Australia). "I figured it was something I could give back and a way to connect with my community."

Dom's approach to life has always been to raise his hand for new opportunities. Professionally, this has led him to teach in a variety of settings, from teaching at boarding schools and building up a primary school in Australia to substitute teaching in London and starting his career from the ground up in Denmark.

When the family moved to Denmark, the only teaching position Dom could find at that time of year was as a teacher's assistant at Rygaards International School.

However, it was only two months before he was teaching his own grade four classroom when a colleague left on maternity leave. "That's how I rebooted my career in Denmark," Dom said. "I've always been the type of person who puts their hand up and says, 'I'll help with that.'"

Eventually, he became the coordinator of the international programme at St. Josef's in Roskilde. During his tenure, the programme grew from 30 to 200 children. So when the role of vice-principal opened up at St. Josef's, Dom raised his hand. And when the role of principal at Lolland International School opened up, Dom again raised his hand. "I'd built up a school twice before, so I can bring that experience."

BILINGUAL KIDS, BILINGUAL SCHOOL One of Dom's biggest concerns, when the family moved to Denmark, was how their children would settle in. The family exclusively spoke English in Australia, so Danish was relatively new to the children. "Their mother tried to speak Danish to them when they were kids, but they just looked at her like she was speaking gobbledygook," Dom said.

Their eldest, Emilia, now 15, was 6 years old when they first moved. She attended an early-start school programme where she quickly learned Danish before beginning primary school the following August. "By the time that came around, she was speaking without any problems," Dom said. "She's always been good with language."

Noah, now 11, had only just begun to speak English when the family moved. At age 2, he stopped speaking

A BILINGUAL MODEL SCHOOL, HALF OF LOLLAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL'S COURSES WILL BE TAUGHT IN DANISH AND HALF IN ENGLISH. "FOR FAMILIES LIKE MINE, WHERE OUR CHILDREN SPEAK TWO LANGUAGES, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A VERY ATTRACTIVE OPTION." English altogether to focus on learning Danish - "the playground language," as Dom refers to it. "Noah sounds like a Danish person speaking English, whereas our other two children don't have that accent when they speak English."

Their youngest, Elliot, now 6, was born in Denmark but prefers to speak English. "He uses English even when he plays by himself," Dom said. "It's funny how they've all taken to the two languages in slightly different ways."

This experience was an exercise in differentiated learning, where various approaches are employed to accommodate each child's learning needs. Differentiated learning will be key to Lolland International School's classrooms.

"The idea of differentiated learning is a new concept to some Danish classrooms," Dom said, suggesting that this might be a result of Danes' trademark equality. "With our model of having multi-age classes with different language abilities, differentiated learning will be essential."

Located in Maribo, Lolland International School is Denmark's first public international school, with a recognised international curriculum and an independent leader, board, and budget. Fully funded by Lolland Municipality, the school is the first to implement the Municipal International Foundation school law (Kommunale Internationale grundskole love). The law was passed in 2017 and enables municipalities to establish public international schools.

A bilingual model school, half of Lolland International School's courses will be taught in Danish and half in English. "For families like mine, where our children speak two languages, this would have been a very attractive option," Dom said.

Although many international families choose to send their children to international schools, Dom and Maria opted to send their children to Danish public school. Not only had Maria been educated at Danish public schools, but the family also thought it would fit their long-term plans as a family. When the family moved, they knew they were committing themselves to a minimum of two years in Denmark - and likely between five and 10 years. "We weren't coming with a short term point of view," Dom said. "We thought public school fits well with our long term vision and approach."

"Many families have a short-term view on their time in Denmark, but then they fall in love with the place and want to stay," Dom said. In addition, a bilingual school ensures their children are prepared for further studies, whether or not they choose to study in Denmark. And if a family's stay does turn out to be short-term? "Their kids'

life is all the richer for having had that experience while here, and it probably made their time here better. Also, I think it helps people engage more with Danish society."

Other families seem to see the benefits of bilingual education. Lolland International School has already enrolled 55 students for the fall semester - half their total capacity and more than double the enrollment they'd anticipated for the school's first year. "I think our model solves the problems of families having to choose between a purely international school and a Danish one," Dom said.

RIGHT TIME, RIGHT PLACE When Dom and Maria moved to Denmark, they knew they didn't want to live in Copenhagen, but they anticipated the capital would hold many professional opportunities.

That's what initially brought them to Køge. As it has turned out, neither Dom nor Maria have worked much in Copenhagen during their time in Denmark. "Copenhagen isn't the end-all, be-all for internationals," Dom said.

"If you come in with optimism, you'll see opportunities everywhere."

"Other regions are opening up to a more international approach," he said. At the end of May, the Danish government announced 25 new higher education programmes around the country while reducing admissions to universities in Copenhagen by 10 percent. The goal is to more evenly distribute educational programmes around the country and give local communities a boost. Following a recent expansion of its hospital, Køge will be home to those studying medicine.

"There have been a lot of big investments in the region, from the hospital expansion to transport centres and warehouses," Dom said. "I think it also comes down to attitude. You have to put your hand up, and that's what this town has done."

He's seen a similar mentality within Lolland. "They recognise the Femern tunnel will increase the number of internationals in this area," Dom said. Slated to open in 2029, the 18 kilometre tunnel beneath the Baltic Sea will connect the island of Lolland with the German island of Fehmarn. This will shorten the travel time from 45 minutes by ferry to 10 minutes by car and seven minutes by train.

"Everyone is super positive and excited to take advantage of the new opportunities with the tunnel, the rebranding of Lolland, and the increased internationalisation in the area," Dom said. "And Lolland International School is a piece of that puzzle." THE-INTL

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DENMARK’S

‘SCANDI-LOUS’ REPUTATION PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH / ISTOCK

TEXT SARAH REDOHL

With its sex-positive policies, public nudity, and provocative press coverage, Denmark seems to have stirred up a somewhat steamy international reputation. But is the reputation warranted? Columnist Sarah Redohl investigates.

I

IT WAS THE first hot day of summer - the kind that makes a girl

world to legalise por-

want to tie on a bikini and bike to the nearest beach. For me,

nography in the late

that’s Amager Strandpark, where I had just nestled between two

1960s. In fact, porn was

dunes when a man settled a couple metres in front of me and

screened on public TV

stripped down to nothing but a smile.

channels in Denmark

➔

41% OF DANES HAVE PUBLIC SEX

In my native United States, it’s rare to see strangers totally

in the wee hours of the

nude. Certainly not at the beach, and even in locker rooms, peo-

night. However, these

ple cower in corners trying to pull up their pants while strug-

decisions were more

gling to cover up with a small towel. On the other hand, locker

pragmatic than they

rooms here abound with naked Danes.

were provocative. In the 1970s, an internationally recognised re-

Danes’ openness to nudity ranks high on the list of “16 Ways

searcher at the University of Copenhagen found that porn hadn’t

Denmark Wins at Sex,” according to Buzzfeed. But public nu-

led to an increase of sexual violence as many had feared, but that

dity here seems more sensible than sexy. After all, it’s practical

the rate of some sex crimes had dropped.

to be nude in locker rooms or at the beach (goodbye, tan lines!).

In addition to pragmatism, when it comes to sex, Danes also

And yet, Denmark seems to have stirred up a somewhat steamy

seem to separate personal feelings from public policy. Although

international reputation.

one third of Danes in the Sexus survey reported that same-sex

SARAH REDOHL JOURNALIST, WRITER, FILMMAKER Sarah is a journalist, writer, and filmmaker from the

sex didn’t align with their morals, nine in 10 support same-sex

American Midwest. Although

THE SEX SURVEY SAYS...

marriage. Denmark was also the first country to legally recog-

she holds a journalism de-

Eight out of 10 Danes think a good sex life is important, accord-

nise same-sex unions in 1989.

gree from the University of

ing to Project Sexus. A collaboration between Statens Serum

What I think the Buzzfeed article got right about sex in Den-

Missouri, she’s been a nat-

Institut and Aalborg University, Project Sexus is the world’s

mark is an overall attitude of ‘If it feels good and it’s not hurt-

ural-born storyteller since

largest population study on sexuality and health. The study was

ing anyone, go for it.’ Small but surprising freedoms underscore this ethos. For example, public sex is allowed in Ørstedspark-

she could talk. Her work has

full of interesting statistics; did you know one third of Danes have had more than 10 sexual partners? But I needed compar-

en (if it feels good…), yet signage requests couples avoid loud

ative data. That’s when I found YouGov’s most recent Europe-

or visible sex during the day and clean up afterwards (...and it’s

an Sex Survey.

not hurting anyone…). Go for it.

When asked which sexual activities respondents have tried,

taken her all over the world, from Amsterdam to Zambia and many places in between.

She's travelled to more than

Scandinavian countries ranked first (out of 13) in every activity.

GETTING A REPUTATION

40 countries, living in sever-

Denmark ranked among the top three in nine of the 11 activi-

Recently, a Radio 4 journalist ‘went for it’ on a broadcast about

al before settling down in Co-

ties. Danes reported the highest rates of watching pornography

the re-opening of swingers’ clubs post-Covid when she recorded

penhagen with her partner

(63 percent), one-night stands (51 percent), public sex (41 per-

an interview while having sex with a fellow guest. Her report-

and their two (well-travelled)

cent), and more. Danes were also the second least likely to have

age garnered broad media coverage in Denmark and a fair bit of

cats. Prior to moving to Eu-

participated in ‘none of the above’ (10 percent).

international press. Such stories might even lead one to declare

rope, Sarah worked in a varie-

the Danes have ‘won’ at sex. Have they?

SEX-POSITIVE POLICY

Half of the Danes surveyed by Project Sexus said they were un-

Denmark does seem to have a history of sex-positive policy. Sex-

satisfied with their current sex life. In the YouGov survey, Danes’

ual education here begins at the age of 6. During ‘Sex Week’ - the

satisfaction was the second lowest of the 13 countries surveyed.

sixth week of every school year - children learn about subjects

And Denmark’s sex-positive policies? Like Danes’ approach to

ranging from masturbation to LGBTQ+ rights. The curriculum is

nudity, the policies seem more sensible than sexy.

considered among the most progressive in the world. Next door,

Ultimately, it’s tough to determine whether or not Danes are

Sweden was the first country in the world to introduce manda-

having more (or better) sex. Perhaps it’s just more out in the

tory sexual education in 1955.

open here - in schools, in surveys, on the radio, and after hours

Denmark has its own firsts, too. It was the first country in the

AUGUST 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

in Ørstedsparken! THE-INTL

ty of newsrooms, from print to radio, and taught multimedia journalism at her alma mater. @sarahredohl @sarahredohl @sarahredohl

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HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR

INTERNATIONAL LIFE? A GUIDE TO GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR EXPAT LIFE THROUGH REFLECTION. HERE IS A WAY TO LEARN AND ABSORB MORE FROM YOUR JOURNEY AS AN EXPAT THROUGH JOURNALING.

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH

TEXT AINA MASOOD

L

LIVING ABROAD IS a breathtaking experience, and many Danes tell me that it is also courageous. I happily accept that as a compliment as I realise how strong and courageous all internationals are to leave their homes, comfort zones, and a lifetime of familiarity to jump into the choppy waters of this new life. I believe navigating through these tempestuous waves to be the ultimate challenge of being an international.

HOW CAN YOU MAKE THE MOST OF IT? A simple answer to that question is through journaling. As John Dewey said, “We do not learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience.” And that is precisely why journaling is so essential.

Moving to a new place consists of heaps of new moments, some sweet and some bitter. There are ups and downs and a lavish amount of ‘firsts’, and as you juggle, some of them are bound to slip from memory. However, living abroad can also be discouraging at times, and those are the times your journal can come to the rescue. So often, it is easy to forget where you started your journey or where you are headed; a journal can serve as a friend who reminds and reassures. Moreover, reflective journaling has been linked with boosted cognition, improved memory, and learning.

Writing something down makes it more likely to remember things and helps you process your feelings, thoughts, and behaviour patterns. It also helps in self-expression and discovering your voice to narrate your own story.

As moving abroad can be heavy on the pocket, it is gratifying to have means of self-care that do not cost you a ton. Journaling is one of the cheapest ways of taking care of your mental and emotional health. First, it is you showing up for yourself and listening through writing. Second, it is cathartic and helps in managing stress as it has the power to shift your perspective, promote action, prioritise, and make informed choices. Last but not least, it brings your attention and awareness to things that otherwise go unnoticed, like small moments of joy or the feeling of relaxation as you put the weight of the world from your shoulders to the paper and as Anne Frank said, “Paper has more patience than people”, it allows you to share your burdens.

Journaling also gives you a chance to be creative. Although I love writing by hand in my journal, the options are as vast as your imagination. Research suggests that writing down with a pen and paper is very beneficial, but it is not limited. If you do not want to keep a diary/journal, you can write on your mobile phone, iPad, or laptop. You do not have to keep a paper journal if you are not keen on it. For people who are more visual, a picture log can be a great idea. Any form of journaling can work if it helps you record your experiences, reflect, process your emotions, and do

"PAPER HAS MORE PATIENCE THAN PEOPLE." - ANNE FRANK -

AINA MASOOD PSYCHOLOGIST

something regularly.

It is essential to start small and keep your expectations realistic. If it is hard for you to write, schedule it in your day and set the mood. Sit in a park or a café, or if you are home, light candles or put on soothing music. There are no instruction manuals for journaling; it is all about finding what works for you. Make it personal. Make it yours.

Lastly, ask yourself, what do you hope to get out of journaling? What does it mean for you? Then, analyse how it is working and if it is not, what are the blocks and how can they be resolved. Being mindful while embarking on a journaling journey is essential. THE-INTL

Aina is the founder and CEO of R.A.I.N (Recognise, Accept, Investigate, Nurture), a company that helps universities and organisations take care of their colleagues and employees' mental health. Aina has completed her master's in clinical psychology from Pakistan. She has lived in the USA for 6 months and has been in Denmark for over a year. Passionate about mental health and destigmatising mental health problems, she is working towards helping individuals and organisations be healthier, happier, and more productive. She accomplishes this by working with clients via Skype, conducting workshops/webinars with various organisations, and through research and writing. She is a professional photographer and uses her pictures to reflect on her daily life and shares them on her blog. A psychologist, writer, speaker, mental health advocate, photographer, explorer, volunteer, and a wife, Aina is making her way through the world and narrating the story of her life. https://www.linkedin.com/ in/ainamasood/ https://www.instagram. com/ayena_reflections/

AUGUST 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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SCHOOL REFUSAL

A GROWING PROBLEM AMONGST CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN DENMARK.

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH

TEXT SARA R. NEWELL

S

SCHOOL REFUSAL IS a term which is also called school avoidance or school phobia and is used to describe the signs of anxiety a child has in their refusal to go to school.

Many factors can come into account when a child refuses to go to school, for example, challenges at home, bullying at school, a poor learning environment. Other factors could be too much noise to be able to thrive or many other factors. However, there is increasing evidence that children with disabilities are especially susceptible to school refusal, which is rising.

CONSEQUENCES OF THE INCLUSION REFORM During the last several years, special needs organisations have reported increasing school refusal amongst children.

In 2012 the Danish Government and the National Association for Danish Municipalities (Kommunernes Landsforening) agreed that children with special needs should be moved to mainstream classes - this is known as the Inclusion Reform. A goal for this agreement was that 96 percent of all students in Denmark should attend mainstream classes by 2015. However, results from surveys show that school refusal has been increasing steadily ever since.

The National Autism Association (Landsforeningen Autisme) carried out a survey in 2017, showing that 32 percent of children with autism refused to go to school for weeks, months, or even years. By 2018 this number had increased to 35 percent. A survey carried out by The Danish Disability Organisations (Danske Handicaporganisationer) reported that approximately 55 percent of parents to children with special needs were unhappy with the inclusion of their children in mainstream classes and that 7 out of 10 children with disabilities refused to go to school to some extent. The survey showed that in 2018/2019, 1 out of every 3 children with a disability refused to go to school for at least a month or more.

LACK OF SPECIALISED KNOWLEDGE ABOUT SPECIAL NEEDS Many children with special needs experience school refusal, which illustrates that many of these children do not have their needs met at school. Another factor could be that schools lack specialised knowledge about how to meet the needs of this group of children.

The responsibility for social services for people with special needs had previously been administered by 14 Danish municipalities until they were dissolved in a significant structural reform in 2007. Consequently, the responsibility for social services for people with special needs was dispersed between 98 municipalities. In other words, the specialised knowledge previously anchored within 14 large municipalities was spread out between 98 smaller

AUGUST 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

❝The amount of time during which a child has not been thriving is at least as long as it will take for the child to recover again.❞ - Monica Lylloff, mother to 3 children with special needs.

municipalities with no specialised knowledge or experience in assisting people with their needs. Since local municipalities are responsible for providing specialised education, both in mainstream schools and special education schools, it is not unlikely that municipalities' lack of specialised knowledge impacts the increasing prevalence of school refusal amongst children with special needs.

GETTING HELP IF YOUR CHILD IS EXPERIENCING SCHOOL REFUSAL School refusal not only affects the child who has a fear or anxiety about going to school but, left untreated, can also have significant consequences for parents. When a child experiences school refusal for a significant period, this can result in parents struggling to make ends meet in their jobs and in their daily lives.

If your child is experiencing distress about going to school, or if your child is experiencing school refusal, it is always best to start by contacting your child's teacher to discuss your observations and concerns. We recom-

mend that you ensure that your child's school involves the Pedagogical Psychological Unit (Pedagogical Psykologisk Rådgivning). You can also contact your general practitioner for assistance and advice. If the school is dismissive of your concerns, we strongly recommend that you contact a neutral third party for guidance and advice. For example, relevant disability organisations, associations for families for children with special needs, or associations and support groups included in the October 2020 issue of The International https://www.the-intl.com/post/a-guidinghand-through-disability THE-INTL

SARA R. NEWELL is originally from Canada, and has worked and studied in Iceland and Denmark. She is a disability rights activist and active member of #enmillionstemmer, and has masters degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Technological Business Development from Aarhus University. Sara has lived in Denmark since 2003, and lives in Skanderborg with her husband and their three children. She hopes to contribute and share insights with others who have children with disabilities. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-rose-newell-b1904726/ https://m.facebook.com/groups/bakopomdepaarorende

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BACK TO SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH / NORTH ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

TEXT SHANI BISHOP, NORTH ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

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AFTER A LOVELY and well-deserved summer holiday, everyone is looking forward to returning to school. The 20212022 academic year will be more stable and hopefully corona free. We hope to enjoy a regular school year with the children mixing freely again with more people vaccinated.

North Zealand International School (NIS) asked parents whether they would recommend the school to others in the spring term. The number of parents who said they would recommend NIS increased to 94%. Parents agree that the school did an excellent job setting up comprehensive home learning programmes and communicated effectively with parents throughout.

THE SILVER LININGS NIS teachers have seen how students have developed various skills during this period of change. Distance learning meant learners became much more confident in managing their time and became more independent in their learning. By making choices about their own learning, their understanding of how they learn grew. For example, working collaboratively online with other learners and their role in understanding when and how they work best to produce assignments they are proud of. Teachers saw that learners reached out more to ask questions when they needed support. This has translated into more confidence back in the classroom as learners continue to seek assistance as needed.

NIS started online parent consultations during the period of school closure which proved a success. Busy parents can now join from work if they cannot get away.

WELL-BEING Well-being has been prioritised over the last year, and rightly so. At NIS, the message is always clear, the children's well-being through good mental and physical health comes first. Our school achieves this in several ways. One of the school's physical challenges sought to see how far families could walk, cycle and run. This helped parents inspire their children. Seventy-three families took part, and the average distance was 80km in a week. One family managed 550km!

Our class teachers and social and emotional counsellor Michelle Aniere-Bentsen supported learners on an ongoing basis. Class teachers see children every day and so are quick to spot any potential issues. In addition, Michelle provides counselling support if required to learners and families.

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS ACADEMIC YEAR There are so many activities and events to look forward to in the coming academic year. When our Primary learners at NIS complete a unit, they celebrate their exit point by inviting other children, including siblings from different classes, to share in their success. Typically parents attend these events in person, but parents were invited to participate online during school closure. Online exit points had the added bonus of allowing grandparents based overseas to join. This further strengthens the bond between NIS families and the school and subsequently started many conversations about learning worldwide.

NIS children enjoy day trips and overnight stays as part of their academic development at NIS. Trips to special places in Denmark can go ahead now so all the IPC (International Primary Curriculum) goals, including communicator and collaborator, can be practised.

It's usual in NIS for children from two classes to work on the same unit. Recently NIS children in years 5 and 6 studied fairgrounds and constructed their own rides in miniature, applying what they had learnt about forces in their designs. Parents then could watch online presentations where the learners showcased their knowledge and skills.

NIS children are delighted they can play with kids from other classes again. Xavier from NIS said, "I'm so happy to play with my brother and my friends again in the playground". Rebuilding those bonds with other children is vital for their social development, so it's something we can all smile about. THE-INTL

ARE YOU STILL LOOKING FOR AN OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL? NIS is open from early August and is accepting applications now online and throughout the summer, so apply at https://ngg.dk/international/admissions

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HAPPY COPENHAGEN PRIDE MONTH! THIS YEAR’S PRIDE CELEBRATIONS IN DENMARK WILL BE HELD IN AUGUST, WITH COPENHAGEN BEING THE CENTRAL HUB POINT. PRIDE MONTH IS THE TIME TO CELEBRATE, SHOW ACCEPTANCE, EQUALITY, AND, OF COURSE, SHOW OFF YOUR BRIGHTEST AND MOST EXTRAVAGANT MAKEUP AND FASHIONS. IN THIS MONTH’S COLUMN, I HAVE SELECTED SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE BEAUTY INDUSTRY COMPANIES WHO ARE NOT JUST JUMPING ON THE BANDWAGON IN THE PRIDE CELEBRATIONS BUT ACTUALLY MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE AND GIVING BACK AND DONATING MONEY FROM PRODUCT SALES TO THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY.

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BARBARA MENSAH BEAUTY EDITOR & MAKEUP ARTIST Barbara was born in England, London and relocated to Copenhagen, Denmark in 2017.

She has been a profession-

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al International Makeup Artist for 11 years and a professional Lash Stylist for 3 years.

After moving to Copenhagen, Denmark, Barbara became the owner of Barbara Mensah Beauty Studio. Her stylish, cosy and chic studio provides a welcoming, comfortable space for clients to spend their time getting glammed and pampered for those special moments and occasions.

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All bookings for Lash Extension and Makeup can be made via her social media or tel: +45 53564504

barbaramensah barbaramensah barbaramensah

1. NYX - PRIDE MONTH COLLECTION / 2. OGX - SHAMPOOS, CONDITIONERS, AND OILS. / 3. MORPHE - LIVE WITH LOVE ARTISTRY 4. HARRY’S - SHAVE WITH PRIDE / 5. HERBIVORE BOTANICALS / 6. TANGLE TEEZER / 7. SPOTLIGHT ORAL CARE / 8. MAC 9. JEAN PAUL GAUTIER

AUGUST 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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JUTL AND

SHARING, LISTENING AND LEARNING IN SOCIAL NETWORKING GROUPS AARHUS AND EASTERN JUTLAND IS HOME TO MANY INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS CONTRIBUTING TO THIS AREA'S INTERNATIONALISATION. THIS MONTH INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY GIVES THE FLOOR TO TAYLOR FITZGERALD.

PHOTOGRAPHS TAYLOR FITZGERALD / VISITDENMARK

TEXT TAYLOR FITZGERALD

I

IT WAS ALMOST Christmas 2017 when my Danish partner won funding for a postdoc in Aarhus. There was no question I wouldn't join him; I was almost finished with my own PhD and had decided I definitely didn't want an academic career.

Even though I'd been living abroad for most of my adult life, I was still worried about everything to do with the move—immigration, finding work, learning Danish, making friends, leaving the life I'd built for myself in the UK. However, everyone told me it would be fine: I'm American and highly educated, my partner and I were married before the move, and I'd have an 'in' with the Danes through him.

But after we moved to Aarhus in August 2018, my worst fears came true. I tried to focus on the positives—I had time to write fiction again—but it's hard to be creative and optimistic when everything else in my life seemed to be on hold. Danish classes were an expected highlight, and some classmates encouraged me to join the International Spouse Community. I realised I wasn't alone; others knew just what I was going through, and Aarhus began to feel like home.

Through such social communities, I began to meet more people. I even co-founded the 'Aarhus International Fantasy Book Club'. (My co-founder, Rishma Maharaj, gets full credit for the idea.) We meet around once a month to discuss a book.

Each book is suggested by one of the members, so we get a wide variety of subgenres and a bit of old and new. It's great fun—especially when we disagree.

My least favourite thing about Denmark is the network pressure, especially when jobless—it always feels disingenuous to

"ANOTHER POSITIVE ABOUT BEING SOCIAL WITH NO PRESSURE TO 'NETWORK' IS THAT OPPORTUNITIES OPEN UP WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT THEM." - TAYLOR FITZGERALD

me. But joining social groups is pain-free networking because you're sharing and listening and learning; you just have to take the plunge if you're an introvert like me.

One tip is to buddy up and go with someone else (even if it's your partner) so you know you won't feel like you're the odd one out—just remember to be open and try to join in other conversations, too.

Another positive about being social with no pressure to 'network' is that opportunities open up when you least expect them.

I got my foot into the Danish labour market, first an internship and then a wage subsidy position, through chatting to my husband's wonderful colleagues at Aarhus University (and with support from AU's Expat Partner Programme and JobCenter Aarhus). Those experiences led to other jobs with AU doing what I love: working in a university administration role to support research and staff, especially with the language. I was lucky enough to be employed throughout all the lockdowns, and even when I'm in-between jobs, I can stay positive. My future in Denmark seems much brighter now. I don't just imagine a future in Aarhus; I want those imaginings

to come true.

I try not to gloss over the less glowing parts of my Denmark story because what really helped me wasn't meaningless assurances that things would be okay but people who actually acknowledged the difficulties of my situation. So, if you're feeling this way, know that there are others out there like you. Join social networks (maybe even a book club!)—not because you think those people can do something for you or help you get a job, but just for the human connection. You can even use those connections and the large Facebook groups for internationals to find like-minded people to start your own group. THE-INTL

LOVE FANTASY OF ALL KINDS?

Join the Aarhus Fantasy Book Club for book discussions once a month, selected from a wide variety of authors and subgenres. Past favourites have included City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin. Join us on Facebook to find out next month's pick! https://www.facebook.com/groups/3424886807581850

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY OF AARHUS We of fe r a w ide ra ng e of events, seminars and online activities that help internationals get settled in Denmark.

Learn more on our website or follow us on: www.erhvervaarhus.dk www.internationalcommu nity.dk @internationalcommunity Aarhus @internationalcommunity aarhus

DENNIS BORUP JAKOBSEN

JENS THAYSEN, ÅRHUS STIFTSTIDENDE

PHOTOPOP - VISITAARHUS

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THE EDUCATION NEW REALITY FOR 2022 WHAT TO EXPECT PURSUING AN ENGLISH-TAUGHT DEGREE IN DENMARK

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH / ISTOCK

TEXT SKYLER BENTLEY HALL

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PURSUING AN ENGLISH-TAUGHT degree at a Danish Business Academy or University College is an attractive offering for internationals, but students face a new reality for the next application cycle. Take a moment to scroll through websites such as KEA Copenhagen School of Design and Technology, University College of Northern Denmark, UCL University College or VIA University College, and you will see the disappointing announcement published on 25 June. “A political majority has reached an agreement which means that all Danish university colleges and academies - with a few exceptions - are no longer allowed to admit students on English-taught programmes from September 2022.”

One of my American clients was primarily impacted by this recent development. After several months of designing an architecture portfolio, visiting institutions in Denmark, speaking with students, and preparing an optimal profile, Gabriella will need to revise her choices. Keen to study a Professional Bachelor’s in Architecture Technology and Construction Management (ATCM), these schools offered a unique alternative. Gabriella was hoping to connect with her Danish roots and study an English-taught architecture programme while learning Danish.

Prior to the news being released, we met Alexander Myers, a creative and ambitious student studying ATCM at VIA University College in Aarhus. Born and raised in California, Alexander has dual US Danish citizenship, and like Gabriella, he was keen to emigrate to Denmark. Alexander is thriving in the programme and was kind enough to share his insights.

TEACHING AND LEARNING University Colleges like VIA offer a less traditional study option for internationals, and most degrees give graduating students a Professional Bachelor’s, hands-on education with internships built in over three and a half years. Alexander explains that the education and learning experience is partly taken in groups, allowing students

AUGUST 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

SKYLER BENTLEY HALL the freedom to structure their work and semester with minimal tests or exams. In addition, teachers encourage independence, allowing students to find their own knowledge while working collaboratively with peers.

LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION While ATCM is currently offered as an English-taught course, Alexander pointed out that some materials are strictly in Danish. In addition, most regulations and rules students need to know are according to Danish standards, which requires extensive research. Finally, Alexander was upfront that the language barrier can be a reality when securing an internship since many companies are hesitant to recruit students without Danish proficiency.

INTERNSHIPS One advantage of studying ATCM is the 20-week internship, a core part of the programme. Alexander secured an internship at CF Møller Architects in Aarhus, and while being involved in multiple tasks and projects, he has worked alongside ATCM majors, gaining experience in landscaping.

Specifically, Alexander models surrounding landscapes around buildings, ensuring correct slopes of the terrain. This experience has been invaluable for him, applying skills from class and potentially securing full-time employment in Denmark.

Fortunately for Alexander, his story is a successful one. However, the future looks

EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT ❝We have been working with international students on full degree Englishtaught programmes since 2004, and it has become an important part of the university’s DNA. It is, therefore, completely unbelievable for us. International students bring so much value to our community in many important aspects, during their studies, as well as when they graduate.❞

Skyler is originally from Canada, and after living in Switzerland for several years, she transitioned to Denmark with her husband and son all proud Canadians. Skyler has worked in the education sector for three decades and found her true passion for sup-

uncertain for internationals seeking a similar bachelor experience. Institutions such as VIA will discontinue these meaningful degrees or will offer the course in Danish only. One school I reached out to was devastated by the news, “We have been working with international students on full degree English-taught programmes since 2004, and it has become an important part of the university’s DNA. It is, therefore, completely unbelievable for us. International students bring so much value to our community in many important aspects, during their studies, as well as when they graduate.”

Limiting English-taught programmes is bound to impact on recruitment and retention of international talent in Denmark.

The Danish government has allocated approximately 650 places for English-taught degrees in 2022, and more cuts may be on the way. Stay tuned in the coming months as we follow this story. THE-INTL

porting students with their educational journey. As the Founder of Bentley Hall Educational Consulting, she advises on career and university options globally. Skyler enjoys spending time with family, exploring new cultures, and embracing the hygge lifestyle in beautiful Denmark. bentleyhall.ca instagram.com/skylerbent leyhall/ facebook.com/skyler.bent leyhall

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INCLUSION IS THE WAY FORWARD FITTING IN THROUGH JOINING ASSOCIATIONS PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

TEXT NARCIS GEORGE MATACHE

T

THERE IS NO exact definition of integration. At least, not a generally accepted one. There are just as many views over what integration is as there are people. In every person's imagination, a sea of clay is used to construct human-like figurines of all shapes and sizes, with different characteristics. Newcomers are asked to morph into those clay figurines on arrival, and if you can resemble those clay figurines – great! But, unfortunately, you will never live up to everyone's standards.

You could say that integration is a long process of hazing (the "good" ol' tradition of making a newcomer feel "welcome") that reduces in intensity once you start to fit the mould. However, we shouldn't forget that we aren't clay but people from a variety of cultures. Therefore, I think it's time to forget the narrative of integration and focus instead on inclusion.

The field of integration politics has been marred by the curse of the clay figurines. There is no coherent long-term strategy because a new person leads the field and tries to shape it after their own imagination every now and then. However, from all the strategies until now, three desired characteristics of an integrated person plays on repeat – speak Danish, secure a job and keep your "quirky" non-Danish values within the confines of your home.

The lure of integration? The much-sought-after Danish citizenship. By playing with the conditions you need to accomplish to what is quickly becoming more of a Holy Grail search, you force certain romanticised features upon the newcomers. The state restricts the freedom as much as possible for non-citizens to push them into seeking the sweet embrace of salvation that the citizenship lure promises.

Unfortunately, the path of integration is not easy. Learning Danish can take years (on average), and the Danish institutions will make sure that you understand how not knowing the language doesn’t earn you the same level of service and respect. In addition, finding a decent job (within your field) with a non-Danish name can prove quite challenging, and it can take years (on average) - to name a few obstacles.

The path of integration is outdated. The new path of inclusion fits better with the modern times we live in and is born from the beating heart of Danish society - the associations. When 90% of the Danish people are members in at least two associations, 70% are active members, and 40% have been or are in leadership positions within an association, it becomes crystal clear where newcomers should also be.

Newcomers should be encouraged to join associations by making them visible, accessible and affordable. Visible by providing a welcome package containing all the associations active in the municipal area. Accessible by encouraging the associations to find solutions that would allow non-Danish speakers to participate in the activities. Affordable, by negotiating free trial periods with the associations, allowing newcomers to find their network.

NARCIS GEORGE MATACHE POLITICIAN Born in 1990 in a village in the north-east of Romania, Narcis made Aalborg his new home since 2009. Smitten by the Danish model, he decided to get involved in the local community leading to him becoming a strong voice on the topic of usage of the local political rights by the internationals. In "A NATION IS NOT DEFINED BY ITS BORDERS OR THE BOUNDARIES OF ITS LAND MASS RATHER, A NATION IS DEFINED BY ADVERSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN UNIFIED BY A CAUSE AND A VALUE SYSTEM AND WHO ARE COMMITTED TO A VISION FOR THE TYPE OF SOCIETY THEY WISH TO LIVE IN AND GIVE TO THE FUTURE GENERATIONS TO COME." - FELA DUROTOYE

2017, he became the first nonDanish citizen to run for regional elections and to represent Denmark in the Council of Europe. He holds or held leadership positions in European Youth Denmark, Europabev-

The benefits for the inclusion of newcomers within the world of associations are unmeasurable. A newcomer will be able to make friends (by finding people with the same passions – which transcends ethnic markers) and create a network (which can reduce loneliness and increase chances for finding a job), learn Danish (by putting it into practice with other Danes – which can speed up the process quite significantly). In addition, it will get Danes more used to non-Danes (which can lead to positive changes within the issue of cultural misunderstandings).

The future of integration/inclusion lies within the boundaries of active participation in society. THE-INTL

ægelsen, Socialdemokratiet Nørresundby, DSU Aalborg, and Frit Forum International. www.facebook.com/Narcis George.Matache/ https://www.linkedin.com/ in/narcisgmatache/

LAST WEEK IN

DENMARK

AUGUST 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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DELICIOUS SUMMER FUN

EATING AL FRESCO SAMPLE THE FLAVOURS AT THE BEST DANISH STREET FOOD SPOTS PHOTOGRAPHS ERIN GUSTAFSON

TEXT ERIN GUSTAFSON

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AH, SUMMER IN Scandinavia.

It's pretty sweet when the sun is shining. And the long days of this season in Denmark are made for eating outside. With street food venues popping up across the country, it's the perfect time to sample some new flavours.

So grab your friends and meet up at one of these fun spots. Popular in Denmark's big cities, many are probably familiar with the street food collectives there.

In the capital, Reffen Copenhagen Street Food, Torvehallerne and Broens Gadekokken are all worthy stops. In Aarhus, check out the fun indoor-outdoor space with plenty of tasty options at Aarhus Street Food near the central bus station. But street food in Denmark isn't just for urban sites.

So this summer, why not plan a day out to find one of these unique settings to tempt your taste buds?

STREET FOOD SPOTS MAKING A SPLASH ALONG THE DANISH RIVIERA HALGODT | SKOVSHOVED HAVN 14, 2920 CHARLOTTENLUND

ERIN GUSTAFSON WRITER & BLOGGER

across the street from the strand boardwalk, offers cosy tables and even a boat to sit in and enjoy cold drinks and unique bites.

RØRVIG STREET FOOD | RØRVIGVEJ 225, 4500 NYKØBING SJÆLLAND

Just north of Copenhagen sits the pretty boat harbour of Skovshoved. This summer, you can sit outside and listen to live music while you enjoy drinks and eats at little Halgodt. Only two food trucks to choose from at this seasonal pop-up, but such a dreamy space to hang out.

"Perhaps Denmark's nicest food market," is the claim of Rørvig Street Food. Set in an idyllic little garden under colourful lights, it is surely one of the cutest. Sample local beers on tap, ice cream or fresh seafood platters, plus delicious veggie spring rolls too. It's a perfect stop before or after your ferry across the Isefjørd to and fro Hundested.

VÆRFTETS MADMARKED | NY KRONBORGVEJ 2, 3000 HELSINGØR

FIND ONE OF THE BEST ON FUNEN

With an indoor warehouse space plus tables on the harbour, the shipyard food market in Helsingør is the perfect place to please your crowd. Well situated for exploring near the Kronborg Castle or engaging Maritime Museum.

DEN FEDTEDE HJØRNE | ØRESUNDSVEJ 2A, 3100 HORNBÆK After a day at the gorgeous Blue Flag beach in Hornbaek, beeline your people to "the greasy corner." Den Fedtede Hjorne, right

AUGUST 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

STORMS PAKHUS | LERCHESGADE 4, 5000 ODENSE Saving the best for last, this is my personal fave. A creative and quirky huge indoor space with so many delicious options set inside an old warehouse in Odense. Here is it possible to book a table ahead. Or sit in an open container outside. I can highly recommend the bao with a cold glass of rosé. A perfect end after exploring the city's new museum for H.C. Andersen is open now.

DISHING DELICIOUS STREET FOOD AROUND JUTLAND KØKKENFABRIKKEN AALBORG STREET FOOD| SKUDEHAVNSVEJ 35-37, 9000 AALBORG Watch the fishing boats sail by from the outside tables at Køkkenfabrikken, Aalborg's own answer to the street food concept. Here you can enjoy good food and organized events – like salsa nights, bingo, shuffleboard and live music.

ESBJERG STREET FOOD | KONGENSGADE 34, BORGERGADE 33, 6700 ESBJERG Right off Esbjerg's main pedestrian shopping street, you'll find seven small kitchens offering up international fare. Sit inside when the weather isn't Danish summer wonderful, or enjoy the patio outside when it is nice.

STREETFOOD VEJLE | DÆMNINGEN 44B, 7100 VEJLE Don't judge a book by its cover, and don't underestimate Vejle's street food by their front door. Step through for an intimate but just as fun street food spot. Don't miss the sneaky garden and patio tucked out back and happy live DJ'd Friday bars. THE-INTL

Erin is a travel writer and culture hound exploring a life across borders in Copenhagen, Denmark. She is the creator-in-chief at Oregon Girl Around the World, a blog that focuses on sustainable travel for the whole family.

With a background in graphic design, photography and art history, Erin has a creative way of seeing a destination and believes that travel choices can have positive impacts for both the traveller and the communities visited. A local in Denmark since 2014, Erin has embraced the green city of Copenhagen and loves to share her insider tips. oregangirlaroundtheworld. com oregongirlaroundtheworld/ oregongirl_aroundtheworld

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NAVIGATING DANISH CITIZENSHIP - PART 2 TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE CITIZENSHIP PROCESS IN DENMARK CAN BE A CHALLENGE. IN PART 1 OF OUR JULY ISSUE, LEGAL EXPERT HAYEL CELIK-GRAVERSEN INTRODUCED THE FIRST CONDITIONS FOR DANISH CITIZENSHIP. IN THIS ARTICLE, HAYEL CONCLUDES PART 2.

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH / ISTOCK

TEXT HAYEL CELIK-GRAVERSEN

INTERRUPTION OF RESIDENCY STAY IN DENMARK If you travel a lot for work or as a private individual, it may affect whether you meet the residence requirements. Generally, stays abroad lasting more than four consecutive weeks are considered to be interruptions of residence. Therefore, without affecting your fulfilment of the residence requirement, you can have interruptions of residence for a total of 1 year.

HAYEL CELIKGRAVERSEN

CRIMINAL OFFENCES

CEO & LEGAL ADVISOR, CROSS-BORDER SPECIALIST

You must state if you have committed any criminal offences. It is a condition that you should not have committed certain types of criminal offences (or that any waiting period in connection with a criminal offence has expired). In your application, you must disclose both criminal offences committed in Denmark and criminal offences committed abroad, if any, as all places count.

Danish born and a true islander from Amager, Copenhagen, Hayel is a descendent from East Mediterranean, Caucasus-Asia and Native America backgrounds, so being an ex-

DEBT TO THE PUBLIC SECTOR AND SELF-SUPPORT

pert in international matters

It is a condition that you do not have overdue debts to the public sector and can support yourself. This means that you must not have received help under the Active Social Policy Act or the Integration Act in the past two years. This also means that you must not have received help for a total period of more than four months in the last five years. The benefits which may not have been received during the periods mentioned include cash assistance, training assistance, rehabilitation allowance, resource flow benefit, unemployment benefit and integration benefit.

After more than 10 years of

EMPLOYMENT You must be in regular full-time employment or engaged in self-employment for at least three years and six months within the last four years. It is also a condition that you are attached to the labour market at the time of the submission of a draft law on the notification of citizenship.

An example of what is included in calcu-

was an easy career choice. experience, she founded her own legal hub, which offers "DANISH CITIZENSHIP IS A GIFT TO BE EARNED. THAT IS WHY WE MUST MAKE AN EFFORT WHEN WE HAND OUT BEETROOT-COLOURED PASSPORTS. THOSE WE WELCOME IN THE DANISH FAMILY MUST HAVE EMBRACED DENMARK AND STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LAW." CITIZENSHIP SPOKESMAN FOR THE LIBERAL PARTY, MORTEN DAHLIN. lating the employment requirement may be ordinary employment with an average weekly working time of at least 30 hours in Denmark. Employment abroad is included during the period under special conditions, just as specific groups of people are

DID YOU KNOW? YOU CAN HAVE CITIZENSHIP IN TWO COUNTRIES, ALSO CALLED "DUAL CITIZENSHIP"? FOR EXAMPLE, IT IS LEGAL TO HAVE DUAL CITIZENSHIP IN DENMARK IF THE COUNTRY OF YOUR OTHER CITIZENSHIP ALLOWS IT. NOT ALL COUNTRIES DO, THOUGH.

exempt from the requirement of employment, including, for example, Danish married applicants who live abroad because of the spouse's posting abroad for Danish interests.

DANISH SKILLS It is a condition that you document your Danish skills, e.g. passed the Danish Language Education Test in Danish 3 or one of the tests listed in Annex 3.a to the Circular Letter on Naturalization.

CITIZENSHIP TEST 2021 AND CEREMONY You must have passed the citizenship tests that focus on Danish social conditions, culture, and history. Once passed, you must attend a ceremony, show respect for Danish values and act respectfully towards representatives of the authorities. You also will be asked to sign a document where you comply with the Danish Kingdom's Constitution and respect fundamental Danish values and legal principles, including Danish democracy. THE-INTL

support within cross-border legal issues for internationals working in Denmark and Danes moving abroad. Hayel is committed to supporting gender equality and making conscious life priorities such as being successful and breaking our time's challenges, keeping an active lifestyle, and basically living the so-called norm of a Nordic work-life balance.

LegalMasterAdvisor LegalMasterAdvisor LegalMasterAdvisor Hayel Celik-Graversen

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FOOD ART

NO-CHURN ICE CREAM

There is no need for an ice cream maker to cool off with a sweet treat this summer—you just need three ingredients (and fun mix-ins, if desired)! So grab your cones or spoons and dig into this delicious, creamy dessert!

PHOTOGRAPHS CLAIRE BOGUSZ

TEXT CLAIRE BOGUSZ

NO-CHURN ICE CREAM (SERVES 8)

INGREDIENTS: ½ of a 397 g can of condensed milk (approximately 200 g) 600 ml cream (piskefløde) 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla sugar (vanilje ekstrakt or vanilje sukker) METHOD: #1 Put the condensed milk, cream and vanilla into a large bowl. #2 Beat with an electric whisk until thick and quite stiff. It should be the

consistency of whipped cream. Monitor carefully—whisking for too long

can turn your cream mixture into butter! #3 Scrape into a freezer container or a large loaf tin, cover with plastic

wrap and freeze until solid.

CLAIRE BOGUSZ BAKER AND BLOGGER Claire grew up moving around frequently, never imagining

FUN MIX-IN HOMEMADE SPRINKLES: You can use royal icing to create your very own sprinkles—an entertaining activity with young ones! If you have leftover royal icing from a previous baking project in your freezer, this is the perfect use for it; otherwise, make a fresh batch and have fun!

she’d have the opportunity

INGREDIENTS: 1 pasteurised liquid egg white (æggehvider) – 30 ml Approximately 250 g icing sugar (flormelis) 1 tsp vanilla extract (vanilje ekstrakt) 1 tsp lemon juice Desired food colouring

to Copenhagen. Living in the

METHOD: #1 Combine egg whites, lemon juice and extract in the bowl of

your stand mixer. Add a little bit of the powdered sugar and start

your mixer. #2 Continue to add the powdered sugar gradually to the bowl of your

mixer. When the mixture looks like thick whipped cream and makes

soft peaks, it is ready for piping. #3 Colour frosting by mixing in a few drops of food colouring at a time. #4 Once you have mixed your desired colours, put the frosting into

piping bags. #5 Lay out the baking paper. #6 Snip off the tip of each bag to create a small hole in the end. #7 Applying pressure to the bag, pipe lines down the length of the

baking paper. #8 Allow one hour for icing to completely dry, gently break lines into small

pieces to form sprinkles using a small knife. #9 Collect sprinkles together on baking paper and pour them into a bowl.

Use sprinkles to top your ice cream!

AUGUST 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

to experience raising her own children as expats one day. In 2018, her husband’s job relocated the family from the USA capital city, they’ve loved biking, travelling, and the abiliICE CREAM FLAVOUR VARIATIONS: ■ Cookies & Cream (pictured): Crush one sleeve of Oreos and stir into the ice cream mixture before freezing.

■ S’mores:

Add crushed digestive biscuits, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chunks to the mixture before freezing.

■ Mint Choco Chip:

Add one teaspoon peppermint extract, green food colouring, and small chocolate chunks to the mixture before freezing.

■ Strawberry & White Chocolate:

Add frozen strawberries and white chocolate chunks to the mixture before freezing.

■ Blueberry Crumble:

Add frozen blueberries and crushed digestive biscuits to the mixture before freezing.

■ Choco Pretzel Peanut: Add chocolate syrup, crushed pretzel sticks, and salted peanuts to the mixture before freezing.

ty to immerse their three children in a foreign language.

Donuts to Danish was born out of Claire’s passion for creating art and her love of baking. She finds great joy in helping others celebrate special moments with custom-made cakes and cookies. For order inquiries, email claire@donutstodanish.com www.donutstodanish.com @donutstodanish

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TIPS FOR PARENTS

SENDING KIDS TO SCHOOL IN DENMARK

THERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER FOR PARENTS WHO ARE NEW TO THE DANISH SCHOOL SYSTEM TO GET THE YEAR STARTED OFF RIGHT! PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

TEXT KELLY KRISTENSEN

W

WHEN WE MOVED to Denmark, it was during the spring before our son started school, and we were confused about what to do. After five years and two sons now in school in Denmark, I have some tips for parents who may also be new to sending a child to school in Denmark that I hope will help eliminate the confusion.

SIGNING UP YOUR CHILD FOR SCHOOL IN DENMARK When signing your child up for school, you may have to do different things depending on the age and grade of your child as well as the municipality where you live.

A Danish language test may be required if the child lives in a home where a language other than Danish is spoken. To get more information on the steps for signing up your child in a school in Denmark, visit this website: Life in Denmark

MEETING WITH TEACHER AND PARENTS BEFORE THE FIRST DAY A few months before school starts, your child may go on a school visit with their daycare class. Ask your child’s daycare about this. Parents will also be invited to a meeting at the school to get information and meet the teacher and other parents. One thing that I would recommend would be to ask the school to have a translator available for you if you don’t understand Danish. This meeting is when parents can volunteer to be a member of the forældreråd, parent committee and learn about the amount you need to pay for the “klasse kasse”, classroom budget and the before and after-school care called SFO.

COMMUNICATION WITH TEACHERS AND PARENTS If you are wondering how to contact your child’s teacher, the parents of the other

KELLY KRISTENSEN WRITER AND BLOGGER Kelly is an American teacher turned marketer living in rural Jutland. She is the creator of students in the class, or a member of the SFO, you will need to make sure you are using the online tool called Aula. This is an email and calendar program that serves as a link between teachers and parents. You can report that your child is ill with this programme and sign up for conferences with the teacher. In addition, teachers post their lesson plans along with other important information. You can get the app for your phone and receive notifications whenever new information is posted.

SPECIAL EVENT ON THE FIRST DAY OF GRADE 0 If you have a child starting school for the first time in grade 0, you should know that many schools will also allow the parents to attend the first hour or so to watch from the back of the room. This tradition happens all across Denmark for grade 0, and it may also happen for other grades. You will need to contact the school to find out. After observing from the back of the room, the parents are often asked to attend a meet-

and-greet with just the parents in another part of the school. The entire event for parents can last for a couple of hours, and it is a great way to get to know the other parents.

PARENT COMMITTEE / FORÆLDRERÅDET If you have extra time to dedicate to planning events, you may want to volunteer to participate in the parent committee group called Forældrerådet. This is another great way to meet other parents and get involved in what your child does with the class during non-school hours. Forældrerådet is often in charge of creating the “legegruppe” or play group that allows children to play with different children throughout the year to get to know each other better. Having your child be active in this group is also a great way to get to know the other parents.

Don’t feel intimidated to join this group if you don’t speak Danish. I joined this group after only living in Denmark for five months, and it has helped me connect better with Danish parents. THE-INTL

the blog and YouTube channel My New Danish Life, where she reveals her experience and tips for exploring and integrating into Denmark as part of an international family. Absorbing her inspiration and happiness in Denmark’s natural places, she is often found in the nearby woods around Viborg, Denmark, where she lives with her husband and two sons, ages 11 and 8. mynewdanishlife.com facebook.com/Mynewdan ishlife/ instagram.com/my_new_ danish_life/ youtube.com/mynewdan ishlife

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FROM SIMPLE BICYCLES

TO E-BIKES BICYCLE CULTURE IN MODERN SOCIETY IS BOOMING. PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

TEXT MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES

T

TO UNDERSTAND THE role that the bicycle plays in modern society, you need to look at the development of society since the first bicycles were seen as a means of transport.

The bicycle was invented in the latter half of the 1800s and the first bicycles were relatively primitive and somewhat awkward to ride. Nonetheless, they soon became the big fashion craze – especially among young men in high society. They were first used for sport and recreation, but in the late 1800s, some more practical types of bicycles gradually came into the market, and the general public, who otherwise had poor access to transport, quickly adopted them as affordable transport.

Back in 1900, where in the world could you expect to find bicycles making up 20 percent of the transportation mix, with protected, and in some cases, elevated bicycle lanes? If you are thinking The Netherlands or Denmark, you would be wrong. It was in fact Los Angeles in 1897. The pleasant and temperate climate of southern California allowed "wheeling," as cycling was then known, to become a standard and respected means of getting around. It is hard to believe that Los Angeles was once a cycling iliary electricity-driven motor. This will help you reach your deshaven with dedicated infrastructure. Now, it is one of the most tination without using more energy than necessary. However, it car-dense places in America. should be no secret that you can easily turn off the assistant engine In the late 1800s and early 1900s, cities worldwide experimentif you want more exercise and do not want help from the engine. ed with different ways of segregating cyclists, like painted lines Furthermore, it is easy to adjust how much the engine should help. at the roadside or ditches between lanes. However, as the autoToday, two-wheeled transport offers many different options, mobile became a more prevalent means of transport, attitudes tofrom standard well-designed bikes to racing bikes, e-bikes and wards cyclists were not always favourable. electric scooters with appropriate city and countryside infrastrucThe bicycles' first heyday lasted for half a century until around ture to keep everyone safe.

1960. Then, the increasing standard of living slowly but surely The present boom in bikes, e-bikes and electric scooters is almade car ownership possible for more and so well-synchronised with the UN Climate more families. That development was welGoals and a global drive towards the need "IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT LOS ANcomed. Cars and single-family houses were for more exercise as a basis for better health GELES WAS ONCE A CYCLING HAVEN vigorous symbols that the depression of the for people of all ages. This is especially imWITH DEDICATED INFRASTRUCTURE. 1930s and the darkness of World War 2 had portant in the twenty-first century, where lifted and that a brighter future lay ahead. urbanisation has many climate and health NOW, IT IS ONE OF THE MOST CARHowever, gradually it became clear to challenges for individuals who choose city DENSE PLACES IN AMERICA." most people that the solution to congestion life, fast food and limited daily exercise. problems had to be revised city planning Modern bike technology has so many opthat gave space to cars, bicycles, pedestrians and public transtions that biking culture has solutions for almost any need at any port. Out of this realisation grew the Danish model with its exage - from standard well-designed bikes with two wheels and simtended network of cycle lanes along its roads. ple chain propulsion to light weight racing bikes, cross country As in other countries, Denmark has a desire to improve pubbikes, and folding bikes e-bikes. So it is no surprise that the marlic health and combat climate change. As a result, Copenhagen ket for bikes is booming. and several other Danish cities have led to an intensified effort to The global bicycle market size was estimated at USD 54.44 bilmaintain and strengthen cycling culture. lion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 57.49 billion in 2021 Today E-bikes (electric-assisted bicycles) are the craze. The and grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.0% from 2021 to characteristic of an electric bike is that it is equipped with an aux2028 to reach USD 92.49 billion by 2028. THE-INTL

AUGUST 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES PRESIDENT & CEO OXFORD BUSINESS SERVICES APS Mariano has over 35 years global experience as a business executive. He spent ten years with KPMG, thirty years with British Chambers of Commerce (while also running his own companies). He is a British citizen, who grew up in Kent, went to boarding school in Sussex and has a British university education. He has been married to a Dane for over 44 years and has held over 100 official anti-Brexit speeches since 2016. He both speaks and writes Danish without difficulty. oxford-business.com

29

WORLDPRIDE – WORLDLOVE

SUSAN JESSEN SPIELE LIBRARIAN Susan is a librarian at Roskil-

Since 1996 Copenhagen Pride has grown every year, and this year it is WorldPride. From 12-22 August, you will find the rainbow and events everywhere in Copenhagen and Malmø. You can start here with these titles. Enjoy!

de Library, and in charge of the English section. She does English events all year; everything from expat dinners and pub quizzes, to karaoke nights

A NUANCED, INTRIGUING DEBUT YOU EXIST TOO MUCH

BY ZENIA ARAFAT

A Palestinian American queer woman grapples with feelings of otherness, love addiction, a complex relationship with her mother and destructive relationships. Then, realising she needs help to fight her demons after she cheats on her latest girlfriend, she starts treatment.

WITTY, MESSY AND SHARP DETRANSITION, BABY

BY TORREY PETERS

Reese is a transwoman who used to be in a relationship with Amy, who transitioned back to Ames and has now impregnated his boss, Katrina. However, he is not comfortable with his role as a father and wishes to bring Reese into the parenting.

POWERFUL, IMAGINATIVE AND IMPORTANT

VARIED, DISTINCT AND MULTIFACETED

THE PROPHETS

QUEER: A COLLECTION

BY ROBERT JONES JR. Samuel and Isaiah are two young slaves grow-

and book talks.

OF LGBTQ WRITING FROM ANCIENT TIMES TO YESTERDAY

ing up at Empty, a plan-

LGBTQ writers have

tation in Mississippi.

always been around,

So close since birth,

and some of their work

their relationship turns

is collected here. From

to love, which slowly

Catullus and Sappho

becomes an issue for

to Wilde and Bechdel,

the people at the plan-

here is a well-curated

tation. Both black and

selection of queer writ-

DID YOU KNOW?

white.

ings from and for the

Public libraries are a place

ages.

where everybody is welcome regardless of nationality, sexuality and gender, but we are aware that we can always do better. If you feel that there are books or other materials you are missing at your local library, please ask! We do not have unlimited resources, but we do take pride in finding something for everybody.

AUGUST 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

30

LEPTOSPIROSIS PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK / UNSPLASH.COM

TEXT TAREK ABU SHAM

I

IF YOUR DOG

spends time outside, particularly swimming in ponds or rolling around in the mud, you will do well to really consider a leptospirosis vaccine.

WHAT IS LEPTOSPIROSIS? While found worldwide, leptospirosis is more common in some areas than others, and not all strains are associated with disease in every species.

While not all cases are severe, leptospirosis can be deadly, especially if it is not caught quickly. It tends to be relatively uncommon in cats, but dogs are prone to infection. It has also been detected in cows, goats, horses, and a variety of wildlife. Wildlife is a significant vector for infection, but cows may be a common host in agricultural regions. Unfortunately, humans may also develop an infection after exposure.

The bacteria are usually transmitted through urine, but they can accumulate in water run-off and ponds. While early symptoms may be flu-like signs in people, dogs can develop urinary issues, diarrhoea, depression, and lethargy. The bacteria generally causes damage to the kidneys and liver, so some people notice jaundice in their pet's sclera or gums. Some dogs may actually recover from their initial infection but retain low numbers of bacteria within their kidneys: these dogs may actually become carriers and spread the infection to other pets and people.

It can be tricky to diagnose your dog because leptospirosis infection because it doesn't show up on routine diagnostic tests.

More concrete diagnostic testing is available but is less widespread. For example, there are SNAP tests that your veterinarian may have in the hospital that can detect leptospirosis in many cases, but many veterinarians need to submit a sample for testing to a diagnostic laboratory. DNA PCR testing is one method, but it is ineffective if your dog has already started on antibiotics.

TREATMENT FOR LEPTOSPIROSIS While Leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics, pets with a severe infection may already have organ damage that cannot be reversed. Therefore, hospitalisation with IV fluid therapy and care is needed in many acute cases.

Dogs may need to be treated for both acute infections and carrier states. Typically penicillin antibiotics are used for initial treatment. Complete the entire course of therapy that is prescribed.

If your dog has been diagnosed with leptospirosis, you need to keep them away from other animals and ensure no one gets infected while they are treated. You should handle your pet with disposable gloves and a mask, as this bacteria can sometimes be transmitted when it is aerosolised. In addition, anywhere they urinate or defecate should be carefully disinfected with specific chemicals labelled for destroying the bacteria.

AUGUST 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

TAREK ABU SHAM CEO & FOUNDER OF MYPETERINARIAN

VACCINATING FOR LEPTOSPIROSIS AND PREVENTING INFECTION If Leptospirosis is prevalent in your area, your veterinarian will likely recommend vaccination as a means of helping prevent disease in your dog. They typically need to be boostered annually.

However, it is essential to keep in mind that the vaccines do not protect against every strain, and they may not prevent disease completely, instead of limiting its severity.

A practical method of prevention is rodent control. Because your dog may be exposed to rats or mice urine, keeping populations of these animals down is essential. If you detect evidence of a rodent problem around your home, work with an exterminator on safe and effective ways to protect your pets.

You may also consider limiting your pet from playing in areas with water accumulation, such as rivers, ponds, and even puddles. Going swimming in a pool is generally a safer proposition.

Leptospirosis can be a scary diagnosis, but you can do your part to help protect your pet. First, discuss your pet's lifestyle with your veterinarian to determine if vac"IT IS ESSENTIAL TO KEEP IN MIND cinating is a good idea, THAT THE VACCINES DO NOT PROparticularly in young dogs or immunocomTECT AGAINST EVERY STRAIN, promised ones. It can AND THEY MAY NOT PREVENT quickly become part of DISEASE COMPLETELY, INSTEAD your pet's routine preOF LIMITING ITS SEVERITY." ventative care. THE-INTL

Tarek was born in Amman, Jordan and from an early age has had a love for animals.

He met his spouse in Amman and then soon embarked on an expat lifestyle that took him to Dubai, Prague, and now Copenhagen. Originally a veterinarian, Tarek reinvented himself professionally and decided to launch his own company.

W it h M Y P E T E R I NA R I A N , Tarek has combined his veterinary experience with his entrepreneurial spirit. MyPeterinarian cares for pets in the Copenhagen area, offering pet sitting, walking, veterinary services and more to come soon. www.mypeterinarian.com

31

BOXES SAVE LIVES COPENHAGEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, CIS, TAKES GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP VERY SERIOUSLY AND LEADS THE WAY WITH SEVERAL OUTREACH PARTNERSHIPS WITH DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.

PHOTOGRAPHS COPENHAGEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

TEXT MONIKA PEDERSEN

T

TEAM PERU IS one such long standing volunteer project evolving in 2006 with the assistance of Charlotte Zeeberg, a teacher and veteran team member, and Michael Ferrari, teacher and logistics coordinator. Together with a dedicated team of students ranging from grade 9 to 12, they support unprivileged children in northern Peru.

LIFE BOXES ARE A LIFELINE

NGO KIYA SURVIVORS

Their current focus is Life Boxes. These boxes are life savers, for they contain cleaning products, medical kits, hand gel, face masks, fans, and dry or fresh foods. They make a massive difference to a struggling family, and the Mama Cocha team work diligently to distribute the much-needed supplies.

The plight of the Mama Cocha Centre hangs in the balance as the battle to combat Covid 19 continues. However, Team Peru remain steadfast in their efforts to make a difference to the lives of others. This mindset and determination bring about change and creates a better society, Congratulations Team Peru. THE-INTL

Team Peru has not been thwarted and has maintained its fundraising activities through online ventures. In addition, they are very fortunate to have the support of the Parents Teacher Association, PTA, who also spread the word and encourage donation-making. Through these initiatives, funds have continued to come in, but there is always more that can be done.

Team Peru works in partnership with a UK-based charity organisation, Kiya Survivors. Kiya Survivors was founded by Suzy Butler in 2001 and endeavours to provide opportunities for children who have special needs or have been abused in Northern Peru.

MAMA COCHA CENTRE Together, they have supported the build and later the transfer of the Mama Cocha Children’s Centre, now located in Mancora. In addition, through CIS’s industrious efforts to raise funds through a variety of enterprising activities, such as sponsored walks, bake sales, and babysitting services, the Mama Cocha Centre has been able to provide physical therapy sessions, teach life skills, and offer a safe environment for young people when their parents are at work.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Zacharias Adam Zeidler and Camila Fernandez are two international students at CIS who travelled to the Mama Cocha Centre a few years previously. They and other students saw its amazing work and experienced the realisation of their fundraising efforts first-hand. Camila shared that she originally joined Team Peru to ‘actively make change’ and ‘make life better for others.’ Zacharias’ motivations were similar. He was keen ‘to be mindful and learn about other cultures, and he wanted to ‘raise money and support a good cause.’

Whilst at the centre, they helped with bathroom reconstruction, nailed nets to the windows to keep out bugs, spilt bamboo bare handed, and made connections with the children through games, laughter, and participation in daily routines. Zacharias and Camilia both can

"CAMILA SHARED THAT SHE ORIGINALLY JOINED TEAM PERU TO ‘ACTIVELY MAKE CHANGE’ AND ‘MAKE LIFE BETTER FOR OTHERS."

Sources: https://kiyasurvivors.org/our-projects/mama-cocha/ https://www.copenhageninternational.school/thriving/ volunteering/

vouch for the fact that it was a life-impacting trip and one that moulds their thinking and actions. They have also learnt some life skills, including effective communication, advertising and promotion, project organisation, people management, and deadline delivery.

COVID-19 Covid 19 has disrupted lives, and northern Peru has not escaped the turmoil. Since March 2020 and lockdown regulations, the operations at the Mama Cocha Centre have stopped, and it had been closed. Fortunately, the small but dedicated team has been biking out to check in with families who have experienced additional economic and emotional trauma. This point of contact is greatly appreciated and a lifeline.

AUGUST 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

32

Guide to vaccination against COVID-19

If you are offered vaccination at a vaccination centre, you will usually be notified via e-Boks or by regular mail

If you are offered vaccination at your workplace, you will be notified via your employer

You book an appointment at www.vacciner.dk

You agree the specific time for your vaccination with your workplace

1st VACCINATION

2nd VACCINATION 3-4 weeks, possibly up to 6 weeks, after the 1st vaccination

You wait at least 15 minutes at the vaccination site

The vaccine becomes effective The full effect of the vaccine is expected 7 days after the 2nd dose if you are vaccinated with Comirnaty® and 14 days after the 2nd dose if you are vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna®.

AUGUST 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

Contact your doctor if you experience side effects

You wait at least 15 minutes at the vaccination site