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MAKING AARHUS A HOME FOR INTERNATIONALS
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THE NEGATIVES AND POSITIVES OF CHANGE CHANGE IS INEVITABLE. WHEN WE THINK OF CHANGE HAVING AN IMPACT ON OUR MENTAL HEALTH, WE TYPICALLY THINK ABOUT LOSS, THE END OF A RELATIONSHIP, AND OTHER SIMILAR ENDINGS - THESE CAN BE DIFFICULT TO ACCEPT. BUT SOMETIMES, EVEN POSITIVE CHANGE CAN CREATE STRESS, EVEN WHEN IT'S SOMETHING WE'VE LOOKED FORWARD TO. SO, REGARDLESS OF WHAT TYPE OF CHANGE IS TAKING PLACE IN YOUR LIFE, THERE ARE COPING TIPS YOU CAN UTILISE TO COPE AND COME OUT THE OTHER END A STRONGER VERSION OF YOURSELF.
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IT'S BEEN A journey to get us through to 2021 summer, hasn't it? There is so much happening, not only in our small international bubble in Denmark, but our thoughts drift to our families and friends in our home countries. I, for one, am proud to see how the international community, along with our fellow Danes, have weathered the storms of (dare I mention its name) Covid-19. After a bumpy start with the vaccines, I'm happy to see that more people are getting their jabs in Denmark, soon we will see if we are stronger together going into winter. But, back to the present time - and let's talk about changes affecting internationals, and dealing with those positive and negative changes. How does one cope and navigate the ups and downs of international life in Denmark?
DEALING WITH THE POSITIVES When most people hear the term "positive change", they automatically think happiness is associated with that term. However, that is not always true, and even significant positive changes in a person's life can cause self-doubt and anxiety.
STARTING A NEW JOB A common belief is getting a new job causes happiness and joy. While that is the case, it can also cause anxiety. Anxiety can stem from all kinds of different thoughts. Thoughts of "Is this the right job for me?" or "Am I doing everything correctly?" HOW TO COPE: Adopt a new schedule to develop habits that will help you be successful in your new job. Having something stable to rely on -- even if it just means waking up and going for a walk before work at the same time each day or spending a few minutes reading before bed -- can make a world of difference when everything feels like it's up in the air.
STARTING A NEW RELATIONSHIP OR FRIENDSHIP Starting a new relationship or friendship is exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking – especially as you get older and stuck in your ways. You may find yourself with less time to hobbies, have more responsibilities, moving in together, cultural differences, etc. Yes, all of these things are exciting! But like any change, they can be stressful as well. HOW TO COPE: Maintain some time me time. A little bit of space to maintain the interests that made up a more significant part of your life before you met your partner can give you much-needed stability and take a bit of the pressure off.
find ourselves struggling to accept our lives or our path forward. It might be a small change, maybe you've been expecting it, but it can still have a dramatic impact on our mental health.
MOVING TO A NEW COUNTRY OR CITY? Moving can be fun and exciting in some ways, but it also can be scary and intimidating, especially if you don't know anyone. Making friends after college is difficult, but an entirely new place, culture and language even more challenging. HOW TO COPE: There are ways to make friends in a new place, reach out to your local international clubs to start with, use them as a base to navigate your way. Once you're comfortable, reach out to local community organisations (read our feature on page 10); it's a great way to jump into friendships where you already share some common ground.
CAN YOU CONTROL CHANGE? In short, no. This can be frustrating, but rather than looking at the big picture, focus on what YOU can control. Regardless of what kind of change you're going through, there are a few things that can help you get through situations. If life changes are causing you stress, keep these points in mind: Try to change the smaller things within the situation and figure out if they could affect the bigger picture. If they do not, just focus on more minor everyday actions. Changing perspective on a situation can do wonders. Take a step back and really think about the situation, for both positive and negative changes. Through all the bad that happens, celebrate the positives even if they are small. If you're already on holiday, or about to leave for your summer houses, please take care of one enough. Remember to rest, recharge, find time not just for family and friends but for you! Love,
DEALING WITH THE NEGATIVES For all the good that it can bring, change can also be incredibly painful. We all experience moments that dramatically alter our lives or our futures, and later on, we might
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The International is published 12 times a year. This issue was published on 1 July, 2021
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THE FEEL-GOOD STORIES OF DENMARK NIKOLAOS PAPADOPOULOS
A SUCCESS STORY FOR INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES
This is where Maria Anglada, Settlement Coordinator in Esbjerg Kommune, and Esbjerg's partner job programme come in. Started in 2013 by Pia Enemark, in collaboration with the local job centre, it was established to help partners of international workers secure a job once they arrive in the country. Although this is one of many programmes on offer in Denmark, it is the country's most successful. In 2020, out of 73 international partners that participated in the programme, 35 (47,9%) managed to find a job, with the percentage being even higher for Danish partners (78.6%); the numbers were even higher for 2019 when the COVID crisis was still new.
Esbjerg's partner job programme is at the forefront of helping international families successfully settle in Denmark.
The increasing demand for skilled workers is one of Denmark's foremost present issues. It offers many opportunities for businesses to thrive, but with a limited workforce, it must attract internationals to fill open positions. However, international workers find it daunting to migrate to Denmark, especially for families. The issue here is that often, just one spouse has a standing job offer in Denmark, with the second needing to seek a job once the decision to move is made. Thus, if one partner cannot secure a permanent job, the entire family will eventually leave Denmark.
“I really enjoy the flexibility the job offers me and how understanding Danish workplaces are.” The programme is meant to educate partners and spouses on the workings of the Danish labour market, providing assistance, know-how, and networks to facilitate their job-seeking process. For example, Monique Beyer, an environmental engineer for
Esbjerg Kommune, secured her current position using the programme. Monique had previously graduated from her Master programme at DTU in 2012, moved to New Zealand where she acquired her PhD and moved back to Denmark in 2019 when her partner got a job here. Neither Monique nor her partner is Danish, and additionally, Monique was pregnant with their second child; this naturally made looking for a job more difficult in many ways. However, that did not stop Monique from networking, and she connected with Pia, who introduced her to the programme. With guidance from Pia and Maria, Monique is now working for the municipality. Having started as an intern, although overqualified, after 3 months, she was offered a regular post in the municipality's environmental department. "I really enjoy the flexibility the job offers me and how understanding Danish workplaces are," she says, referring to Denmark's famed work-life balance ethics. Monique's story reminds us that with persistence and dedication, success could be just around the corner. THE-INTL
MICHAELA MEDVEĎOVÁ
GIVING HAIR, GIVING HOPE A simple act of getting a haircut can turn into something meaningful in a salon that donates hair for wig-making purposes. When corona restrictions loosened and hair salons were allowed to open, people could not get rid of their overgrown hair fast enough. But when you pay a visit to Næsby Salonen in Odense, your hair will not just end up on the floor. Instead, you will contribute towards making a wig for people who need it. And when you start talking to the woman cutting your hair, you realise she used to be one of them. Hanne Aarup Larsen has always dreamt of being a stylist, and she opened her hairdressing salon in 2016. She got diagnosed with breast cancer a month later. Shortly after starting chemotherapy, her hair began to fall out. Instead of prolonging the suffering,
Crossing borders and making connections
she asked her husband to cut it all off. It came with a sense of relief. Luckily, Hanne got through her treatment. After that, she started making wigs – but she had to stop because it hit too close to home. She was in contact with so many sick people who, knowing she had also been ill, felt like they could tell her their inner thoughts. “I was reminded too much of my sickness. I also took many of their problems home with me,” she remembers. But at the same time, she also worked with hair donations, which she kept up. “It is healthy people who donate their hair, but it is still for a good cause.” She has five to ten clients a month who wish to donate. When cutting the hair, Hanne ties it in a specific way and collects it. She then sends it to a company that processes hair collected from all over Denmark. The only requirement
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.
MONIKA PEDERSEN Are you an educator or a young person passionate about the world we live in? If you are, then Crossing Borders is a fantastic organisation you need to investigate. Crossing Borders (CB) focuses on providing young people with opportunities and platforms to be active global citizens. It is a non-profit organisation set up in 1999. Initially, it was involved in supporting dialogue through a project in the Middle East. This then blossomed into a partnership with UNESCO, and the rest is history. Though located in the heart of Copenhagen, CB tentacles stretch far and wide.
Meaningful projects CB heads up several international projects that allow young people to be involved with Human Rights issues whilst working in collaboration with partners in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. They a ls o br ing p eop le t og et her through their ‘Food for Thought’ sessions. Passionate speakers, active listeners, and food lovers gather to enjoy delicious food and serious debate.
Opportunities
for the hair is length – it needs to be at least 25 centimetres. “I had a man who donated sixty. He went out with short hair,” laughs Hanne.
“She believes that many people donate their hair for a good cause - and know someone who has been sick.” She believes that many people donate their hair for a good cause – and know someone who has been sick. Hanne has no plans of putting a halt to these lovely displays of humanity. “It makes me feel like I am making a difference for a lot of people. When you are going to get rid of your hair anyway, this is a beautiful thing to do.” 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!
In addition, Crossing B oarders also stretches their scope through workshops in schools. Their aim is to bring world issues into the classroom to brainstorm ideas, share perspectives, and consider possible resolutions to build a better future. And the drive does not stop there, as there is also an Action Hub for young adults who want to make a meaningful impact locally and globally. This proposition is open to 30 people willing and able to dedicate four months to attend training sessions and lectures and make their ideas an actuality. And for those who want to take their interest to another level, host a modular Global Studies programme. THE-INTL If this has sparked your interest, then check out their website on https://crossingborders.dk/
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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ROSKILDE FESTIVAL PRESENTS GEOPARK FESTIVAL SUMMER DAYS That's right, we're launching a new event series this summer. We call it Summer Days! A different festival for different times. Spread over two long weekends (Thursday 24 June—Sunday 27 June & Thursday 1 July—Sunday 4 July), you'll get over 40 artists within music, street art, activism and performance. There will be delicious food and cold drinks in the grass. And you can move freely about once you've stepped through the entrance. It takes place in Roskilde, and it is organised by Roskilde Festival. The size is different from what we are used to because the current circumstances restrict us from gathering that many people. But we will gather the ones we are permitted to – because we all need to be together again. And we hope that you will join us! We need to feel the energy from Roskilde Festival.
VISIT DENMARK - NICLAS JESSEN
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW According to the current restrictions, the festival site is divided into sections (let's just pretend that it is like being in the pit, in front of the Orange Stage). And you decide for yourself through your ticket purchase whether you want to be at the very front or in the back section. Please note, you must present a 'corona passport' at the entrance to Summer Days. You can purchase separate tickets for all days. However, it is not possible to buy a full festival ticket that includes all days. Tickets cost DKK 425-495 (approx. EUR 57/66) and are on sale right now.
JUTLAND
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FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://WWW.ROSKILDE-FESTIVAL.DK/EN/ Hundreds of volunteers create a unique experience performing scenes that include romance, battles, and excitement at the Jels Viking pageant every summer. The trees and the lake form a unique stage for the pageant, which has taken place since 1977. The pageants are based on Nordic mythology presented with modern effects.
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From 2-4 July, the whole of Odsherred is transformed into a growing folk festival focusing on art in the area, and the geopark's unique landscape.
All actors and stage technicians are amateurs spending their spare time practising for the upcoming pageant. Among others, the professionals include Louise Schouw as Director and actor David Owe as a fencing teacher. Before the pageant, you can enjoy a special Viking buffet in the great longhouse, Valhal. You can reserve tickets to the buffet online, along with tickets for the pageant. You can pre-order your buffet up until 13:00 on the day of your visit by calling the secretary at Jels Viking pageant on +45 74 55 21 10.
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Enjoy a night with the Danish band Suspekt and the football game between Denmark and the Czech Republic on the big screen! A year ago, they released perhaps their best and most wellproduced album to date. But, unfortunately, the pandemic happened and changed the world. But, now Suspekt is ready to party with an audience and again! It's going to be a crazy night for Suspekt to play. However, this concert will simply be a standing concert, so you can jump, dance, and party!
Canadian treats, music, and hospitality! Everyone is welcome. 11:00-12:30 - Kids Art Play all ages (200 DKK all materials and organic snacks inc.) 13:00 - Face painting and lunch specials 15:00 - Canada Day cake and meet and greet 16:00 - Open MIC with Mack Trenka 20:00-22:00 - Comedy Night Open Mic (50 DKK per person) All-day beer specials, wine and cocktails This is an open event, show up and enjoy!
ART MOVIE NIGHTFRIDA KAHLO!
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Join us for an Art Movie Night! For the second AES Movie Night, we choose the great artist Frida Kahlo. Bring a blanket or borrow one of ours. Grab your popcorn and soda, pull up a chair or curl up in a bean bag chair (old school) and get cosy! Price includes a drink, popcorn and the movie.
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AKKC and Aalborg Karneval have joined forces again and are working together to create new experiences! Summer in Kilden will be a designated area of Kildeparken, where there is a bar and lots of fun experiences: - Football on the big screen - Comedy - EgPlay in the Source for the little ones - Movies - Saturday Lounge - Beer tasting - And much more The programme is published and can be viewed online, and you can book your tickets there too.
Every day throughout summer, both families with children and curious souls can frolic in festival fun at RAGNAROCK. Join child-friendly family tours in our special exhibition about Roskilde Festival. We get to hear the story of the yellow bathing duck hanging above the big Orange Scene, look at old rubber boots and a lump of mud sitting in a small glass bottle. What's it doing there? We get to dance to cool festival concerts and crawl together into a shelter from the rain under the pavilion. Here we can talk about why the adults think it is fun to be at the festival and how children can enjoy it. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please remember your Coronapas.
Denmark's nationally and internationally award-winning author H.C. Andersen is beloved all over the world. The H.C. Andersen Parade contains art, culture and folklore at the same time. It reflects the professional profile, unique charm, and immediate and cordial joy of H.C. Andersen. A musical show with adventurous entertainment for young and old alike.
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Perhaps Denmark's friendliest Jazz Festival is staged in the old historic town of Maribo on scenic Lolland-Falster, where they present classic jazz, New Orleans, swing and big band. Musicians gather at different venues and attract many visitors each year! Don't forget to take the time to visit other parts of Lolland-Falster and the small islands. It's a summer holiday paradise for the whole family, in particular the beautiful nature.
The Silkeborg Museum, Hovedgården is housed in Silkeborg's oldest building, Silkeborg Hovedgård, from 1767. Here you can meet, among other things, one of the world's best-preserved mosses, the Tollund man. At Hovedgården, you can immerse yourself in the area's history from the ice age to the present day. E.g. Silkeborg Castle and the city's rise in the mid-1800s. Also, visit the Worker Museum, which houses a workers' residence and exhibition on working life in Silkeborg. The museum also has many exciting special exhibitions.
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!
FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://MARIBOJAZZ.DK/
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KLITMØLLER COLD HAWAII SURF CAMP FB PAGE - LOUIE ANGENENDT
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At Det Grønne Museum (the Green Museum), you can experience the hunt, woods, agriculture and food – for the first time, all in one museum.
With 102 metres from bowsprit to stern, 44 cannons, and 57 metres to the top of the masthead, Fregatten Jylland (the Frigate Jutland) is an experience with both room and entertainment for the whole family.
In North Jutland, you will find plenty of opportunities to try surfing, whether you are experienced or a rookie.
The beautiful and active museum is situated in beautiful surroundings in Djursland. There are traditional Danish livestock races on the fields adjacent to the museum, such as cows, pigs, goats, sheep, and chickens. Children can get close to the animals, and there are always special activities during the school holidays. Furthermore, as part of the museum, there is also an agricultural botanical garden with a hop garden and apple plantations with 281 original Danish apple sorts. There are large indoor and outdoor playgrounds at the museum, and the workshop in the old smithy is active.
Grab your surfboard, jump into the waves, and take a journey into the open sea of North Jutland. Around the coast, you will find several surfing schools, with both private and team classes. By Cold Hawaii in Thy National Park, you can learn to surf, and rent all the equipment needed for a fun day in the waves at Westwind Klitmøller and Cold Hawaii Surfcamp. Løkken has North Shore Surf, who also offers surf gear rental and surf classes throughout the summer season, for kids and grown-ups. You will also find some of North Shore Surfs courses at Skallerup Seaside Resort.
There are lots of opportunities for fun activities at Fregatten Jylland - you can even try and experience life on the seas more than 100 years ago: Help load a 30-pound muzzle-loading cannon, and remember to hold your ears during the cannon show. Go on a sailing tour with the Frigate's old auxiliary boat "Barkassen" on Ebeltoft Bay. Go with the climbing instructor 23 metres up in the rigging, and see the ship, town and bay from above.
FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://WWW.COLDHAWAIISURFCAMP. COM/
Maritime cultural heritage for the whole family Help cabin boy Karl search for his lost pocket knife, frolic in the maritime playground or focus all your efforts on trying to live like a sailor.
The nature workshop receives school classes on weekdays and guests during selected weekends and holidays. You can participate in Det Grønne Museum's activity days throughout the year or follow the many volunteer associations' work outdoors and indoors.
FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://WWW.FREGATTEN-JYLLAND.DK/ ENGLISH/
In the food house, MADENS HUS, you can participate in historical cooking in four authentic kitchens: A fireplace kitchen from the 1600s, a wood-burning stove from the 1880s, a kitchen from the Second World War, and one from the 1960s. In MADENS HUS, there are activities for families, groups and companies, all year round.
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THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF INTERNATIONAL AARHUS
IF THE SLOGAN WAS NOT ALREADY TAKEN, THEIR MOTTO COULD BE "CONNECTING PEOPLE." BUT THE STORY OF THREE WOMEN CONNECTED IN THEIR DRIVE FOR THE INTERNATIONALISATION OF AARHUS RUNS DEEPER - IT IS ALSO A TALE OF A CITY OF COOPERATION.
PHOTOGRAPHS LARS KRUSE - AU FOTO
"WHO WILL START?" "The oldest one… Well… in experience, of course!"
TEXT MICHAELA MEDVEĎOVÁ
Fits of laughter, dynamic banter, and well-meaning jabs traded so quickly they are at times hard to keep track of. When chatting with them in the conference room at Dokk1 - the cultural centre at the Aarhus harbour - watching them exchange ideas and build on each other's thoughts, it was not difficult to see the lively energy between these three women and how easily it can transform into a solid professional cooperation. However, one would not expect the professional paths of Daniela Trifiletti, Kirsten Vestergaard Lauridsen, and Tiny Maerschalk to overlap, even if all three work at major institutions in Aarhus: university, municipality, and International Community, respectively. But they do share a common goal: the internalisation of Aarhus.
do not have too many issues with recruiting, welcoming, and retaining internationals. Their focus on internationalisation is known as the International Community, which has various social and professional events and matches internationals with clubs and associations. "We also work together with companies - where do they find difficulties? We cannot solve or organise everything; our aim is to point them in the right direction or address the comments to the city of Aarhus and see how we can, in close cooperation, improve the issue." The International Community can point to small things; if you alter those, you can change internationals' lives for the better – and motivate them to stay. "There is a company that used to have a retention rate of nine months. Five years later, it was up to 3,5 years," concludes Tiny.
LIFE AS A WHOLE
CHOOSE AARHUS
In 2008, when Tiny started to work with internalisation at Erhverv Aarhus - an independent organisation representing approximately 600 member companies - it was not as present in the city as it is now. "There were several large companies which attracted international employees but had difficulties retaining them. Work-life was good, but something was missing in life as a whole," says Tiny, a Belgian who originally planned to stay in Denmark for two semesters after her studies – and remained for almost twenty years during which she married a Dane and had two kids. When she compares 2008 to today, it feels as if light years have passed to make Aarhus a more receptive city for internationals. At Erhverv Aarhus, their aim is to ensure that Aarhus is the best possible career destination for internationals and that companies
With internationalisation and globalisation, attraction came as well. At Aarhus University, where Daniela is part of the internationalisation efforts, the city is competing with the likes of Singapore. "Workplaces, including Aarhus University, want the best highly skilled employees in the world. We have an extraordinary campus and research environment, but we need to make sure that things work out the same outside the university. We all need to cooperate to attract," explains Daniela, a journalist from Colombia who came to Denmark in 2013 for a year to do her MA degree. Now, she is married to a Dane and a mom to two kids. "I did not have any resources at hand to learn how to build my new life as an international mother here. It was challenging and lonely," remembers Daniela. The drive to work with internationalisation
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stemmed from her own experience, which she combined with her credentials and started a blog. She started reaching out to people, trying to get organisations to address the issues of internationals and building bridges to create a sense of community in Aarhus. Then, she accepted a job as Coordinator of Aarhus University International Club, allowing her to assist international staff and their families settle in Denmark. "That's where these collaborations really come as a joint effort to tackle the need everyone shares. Everyone needs international talent. It moves from retention to attraction: Choose Aarhus over any other place," says Daniela, while in the same breath appreciating the municipality for taking action and creating initiatives to tackle the challenges.
A WARM WELCOME Kirsten, the self-proclaimed Dane in this relationship, has a short and simple answer to the question of what brought her to Denmark: "My mom and dad," laughs Kirsten. - Always interested in the world and other cultures, she chose international studies and her path to being a project manager in the Innovation Department at the municipality led through studying abroad in France, volunteering as a teacher in Tanzania and Kenya, and working in Belgium to have a different outlook on the world. Now, she works with internationalisation, where the focus has been shifting to reflect not only the needs of international companies. "We should make sure that Aarhus is a good city for everyone that lives here." For the past months, Kirsten has been working on the website for internationals in Aarhus called international.aarhus.dk, so everyone gets a wide range of practical information or insights into the cultural and social life when moving to Aarhus. "Over the years, there has been an understanding of how we need to focus on the attraction part. But you also need good reception – coming to Denmark should be smooth, and you should feel welcome. For instance, the annual Aarhus
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City Welcome - a day dedicated and tailored to internationals living in Aarhus - is part of this vision," explains Kirsten. The focus of internationalisation needs to be three-legged: attraction, reception, and retention.
CO-DESIGNING INTERNATIONALISATION Just as the three aspects of internationalisation are interconnected, so are the three women working with it, yet each bringing something new. "We come from different worlds – business, municipality, and education. We have different perspectives on what can be done and who to reach out to," Kirsten chimes in, after which Tiny, very cryptically, claims: "We have the black book of Aarhus!" But this is meant as a joke. Their cooperation is simply a reflection of the strong collaboration between all players in Aarhus who are united in working on a shared goal of making Aarhus more international-friendly. "Our organisations are entangled from lower to higher levels. The three of us are just a small piece in a huge puzzle," reflects Daniela on the collaborative network in the city, reaching even beyond their organisations. In their personal cooperation, Daniela highlights the importance of bringing a Danish perspective into the conversation as Kirsten could challenge some of her and Tiny's views. "It is great to have the Danish view always on the table. It confronts, in a very healthy way, our international mindset," she
"IT IS GREAT TO HAVE THE DANISH VIEW ALWAYS ON THE TABLE. IT CONFRONTS, IN A VERY HEALTHY WAY, OUR INTERNATIONAL MINDSET"
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"YOU NEED TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN THE COUNTRY YOU MOVE TO. BUT IT DOES NOT MEAN YOU NEED TO DO EVERYTHING THE DANISH WAY AND EAT RUGBRØD MED LEVERPOSTEJ."
concludes. But the open discussion also helps Kirsten understand the perspective of internationals on a deeper level.
HOME IS WHERE THE EFFORT IS Home is a simple word, but for an international, it is not an easy concept to define or a feeling to recreate - and the process of building a home in a new territory can be vastly different. In Tiny's case, one of the most significant barriers cited by internationals that stop them from feeling at home in Denmark – the strangeness of the language suddenly surrounding them – was gone before she arrived. Tiny studied Danish in Belgium before coming to Denmark to perfect it – so she requested to only live with Danes, which, naturally, included speed learning through watching Matador. She also realised that the way to the heart of Danes was participation in clubs and associations - and making an effort. "It can be hard to get to them, but once you have a Danish friend, you have a friend for life." Daniela, on the other hand, personifies the duality of international life. It has taken her a lot of time to fully realise she now has a life in the Nordics, too. "I have not pursued the feeling of home in Denmark for a long time because I thought I was going back home," explains the Colombian. She found a sense of belonging in the international community – and it has made Aarhus her home. Daniela no longer sees herself as an expat. "Being a part of the growth of the city makes me feel like I am creating a home." An attempt to leave Kirsten out of the conversation about (re)creating a home in Aarhus is met with a quick protest from Tiny. "It is a misconception to think that it is only difficult for internationals. Even for Danes moving to another city – it is a struggle." Kirsten can easily empathise with the experience of the internationals – she felt the same way while studying abroad. "But it is quite true for Danes as well. If you move to another city, you do not get friends right away. It takes years. Why? Well, because they are Danish," laughs Kirsten. "But how do you grasp culture?"
A focus on learning
A SAFETY NET Cultural assimilation and integration are much-debated subjects in all multicultural countries. The three women agree, however, that the concept of assimilation is not necessary. "You need to have an interest in the country you move to. But it does not mean you need to do everything the Danish way and eat rugbrød med leverpostej. There are very different understandings of what Danish-ness is," explains Tiny. But Danes can be interested in what internationals bring along with them too. "It is not humanly possible to adapt fully and forget where you come from – we come with so much cultural baggage. But it's also our responsibility to show this luggage to your new country," Daniela elaborates. The trio hosts a recurring event called Newcomers' Info Evening, which gives internationals the pointers they need when they first arrive in the country - or even before. Kirsten covers the practicalities of language learning, job search, or the healthcare system; Tiny speaks about volunteering and gaining a network, and Daniela walks them through Danish society's cultural and social topics. They also organise theme nights where they talk about everything from banking through birthdays to giving birth. "It encourages people to have a conversation and ask: Why do you do this in that way?" reflects Kirsten. The event should provide an understanding of how Danish society works. "It is never a claim from us that this is how they should act," says Tiny. It also gives the internationals an opening to enter an international community in Aarhus, which Daniela considers valuable. "When you move to a new country, you need to find something that resembles you." Daniela explains that it is the first eight weeks that decide the impression of a new country. It is key to seeing the strong community and good accessibility – that there is a net that will catch them when they inevitably fall. Having someone who understands both challenges and joys is fundamental. But so is having someone tell them that the key to leaving the international bubble is joining clubs or associations. "It is a mix. You find people who are in a similar situation – but you also meet Danish people. You step a little bit into this and that direction until you feel that this is home. It is not a straight line," concludes Kirsten. Many initiatives are a part of making this safety net possible - careful planning, good communication and coordination are crucial to ensuring that there is a space for each of them and that the events do not overlap. But in a system of organisations resembling a breathing organism, this is not a big worry. They understand they do not compete for the attention of internationals. They work together to make Aarhus feel like home. THE-INTL
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)
www.nis-ngg.dk Cirkelhuset, Christianshusvej 16 DK, 2970 Hørsholm
Small classes · Support and guidance from dedicated teachers · Sports College · Music Academy · An international learning environment
Cambridge International School
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FAMILY FUN FOR THE LONG, HOT SUMMER AHEAD TEXT SHANI BISHOP, NORTH ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
W
to normal, we can all look forward to a relaxing summer. Summer is the time many families look for a place at an international school. North Zealand International School is a popular choice for families just arriving in Denmark and those looking for an international school. Our school is growing so there are more opportunities at the moment to find a space for your child. If you are staying in Denmark this summer, read about our tips for fun activities.
Indoor play centres
NIS SUMMER CAMPS
Danish libraries are fantastic and offer a range of books for English speakers and learners. Hørsholm library has a lovely play area inside and out. Gentofte has a wide selection of books and many nice seating areas. Copenhagen library in Krystalgade has had a complete refit of the children's area and now looks very enticing. There are child-friendly cubby holes and a soft play area for younger children.
WITH DENMARK RETURNING
Every year NIS offer learners the chance to join the highly rated summer camps. Teachers from NIS run them, so learners feel comfortable right from the start. Sports, drama, arts, crafts, language and STEM workshops are all on offer. Mariska's daughter joined last year and said, "I loved the plays, science experiments and playing outside with all my friends. I'm definitely going again this year."
FUN ON SUNNY DAYS
Frederiksborg Castle
dnm.dk/en/frederiksborg-castle Visit the beautiful Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød. They have a great museum and offer tours too. Beautiful parks surround the castle where you can walk and cycle. Make sure you try the ferry at the lake. It's inexpensive and really a great way to experience the lovely surroundings.
We all scream for ice cream Sørup Ice is the best cafe in Hillerød, with the most beautiful view of the Frederiksborg Castle. Try their homemade ice cream and cakes.
Road tripping Take a trip to Tisvilde. A really cosy town with a fantastic beach, play area and lovely restaurants to eat in.
Canoeing At Lyngby lake, you can rent canoes and boats. Make sure to bring bread as the ducks are very curious! There is also a great beach site at Lyngby Lake where you can get homemade barbeque food.
Swimming xn--badesen-u1a.albertslund.dk/ Enjoy an outdoor swimming pool with slides. Try Friluftsbadet Badesøen.
RAINY DAYS
Indoor swimming xn--gribskovsvm-pgb.dk/ Gribskov has a lovely swimming pool with a great slide.
BADESØEN ALBERTSLUND
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DET NATIONALHISTORISKE MUSEUM PÅ FREDERIKSBORG
eventyrfabrikkenmegacenter.dk Softplay centres are open now. But, if the kids want a change, try the mega one in Ballerup.
Reading over the summer
For more ideas over the summer, download the free Newcomers Guide on the NIS website: ngg.dk/international/settling-in/newcomers-guide
USING PERSONAL GOALS TO INSPIRE YOUR KIDS EVERY DAY Primary learners at NIS are encouraged daily to keep going and achieve inside and outside the classroom using the 8 IPC (International Primary Curriculum) Personal Goals. For example, in class, teachers say, "I know some of you might find this challenging but use your resilience to keep going". In addition, parents can use these goals to support their children at home by encouraging participation or praising thinking when their children find a solution to a problem. In this way, our parents and teachers work together to encourage these essential lifelong skills in our learners.
JOSH, A SPORTS TEACHER AT NIS, EXPLAINS HOW HE USES THE IPC PERSONAL GOALS "Each week, we focus on one Personal Goal. Students are asked to nominate a peer who has demonstrated that goal and explain what associated skill or quality impressed them. Thus, students inspire each other, and enthusiasm is channelled for the benefit of all. Before a tournament with other schools, we ask the students to recall the 8 Personal Goals and suggest how each could be demonstrated during and after performance that day. This allows us to enter with a positive, balanced attitude." THE-INTL
WANT TO JOIN NIS? APPLY NOW FOR A PLACE IN AUGUST 2021. To apply for a place at NIS, please see ngg.openapply.com for more details.
EVENTYRFABRIKKEN MEGA CENTER
ROSENFELDT
PHOTOGRAPHS VARIOUS
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NAVIGATING DANISH CITIZENSHIP – PART 1 TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE CITIZENSHIP PROCESS IN DENMARK CAN BE A CHALLENGE. OUR LEGAL EXPERT HAYEL CELIK-GRAVERSEN TACKLES THE CRITICAL QUESTIONS OVER THIS TWO-PART SERIES.
PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH / ISTOCK
TEXT HAYEL CELIK-GRAVERSEN
T
THE MEDIA CURRENTLY covers headlines about Danes or foreigners who have lived here for many years and established an everyday life as someone who contributes to Danish society as a taxpayer, worker, and deeply emersed themselves in Danish culture. Sadly, some still find themselves struggling for years with the authorities to obtain Danish citizenship. We go into more detail this issue about what it takes to become a Danish citizen. The quote "Med lov skal man land bygge" (With law, you shall build a country) as it stands on the pillars of the city courthouse of Copenhagen is very expressive that the Danish state is based on the rule of law. What does this mean for both residents and people coming from abroad? It is fundamental in Denmark that government bodies and authorities must always comply with the law in accordance with democratic values and fundamental rights. Like all courts, they always must be free and independent. However, Denmark has acceded to several international conventions relevant to the handling of citizenship cases. The government and The Danish Parliament indicate that the international obligations are assumed to be met in this area. Meaning, both the general rules and the specific decisions on granting citizenship must take place within the legal framework required by the European Convention on Nationality. Denmark has recognised that the interests of States and individuals must be considered in matters relating to citizenship. It emphasises, among other things, the principle of non-discrimination and the obligation to avoid statelessness as far as possible.
WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS FOR APPLYING? To obtain Danish citizenship, you must meet several conditions, e.g., regarding self-support, employment, residence in Denmark, and learn Denmark's language and cultural knowledge.
DECLARATION OF ALLEGIANCE AND LOYALTY You must pledge allegiance and loyalty to Denmark and Danish society and declare (electronically via 'NemID') that you will comply with Danish law, including 'Grundloven' (the Constitution), and respect fundamental Danish values, legal principles, including Danish democracy.
PERMANENT/INDEFINITE RESIDENCE PERMIT AND RESIDENCE IN DENMARK An indefinite residence permit is issued at the request of the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI). A previously issued EU registration certificate under the EU Residence Order does not constitute proof that you have acquired the right to permanent residence in Denmark. Modification: Certain groups of applicants do not have to meet one or both conditions, including other Nordic citizens, former Danish citizens, persons of Danish descent, Danish-minded South Schleswigers, or, e.g. applicants who are resident abroad because of their Danish spouse's work promoting Danish interests. You must be a resident in Denmark. This means that you live permanently in Denmark and registered at a Danish address in the Central Person Register ('CPR register').
HAYEL CELIKGRAVERSEN CEO & LEGAL ADVISOR, CROSS-BORDER SPECIALIST Danish born and a true islander from Amager, Copenhagen,
RESIDENCE It is usually a condition for obtaining Danish citizenship that you have had 9 years of continuous residence in Denmark. However, special conditions for the length of the period of residence apply to specific groups of applicants:
Hayel is a descendent from East Mediterranean, Caucasus-Asia and Native America backgrounds, so being an expert in international matters was an easy career choice.
Refugees and stateless persons, etc.: After 8 years of uninterrupted residence. Nordic citizens: After 2 years of uninterrupted residence.
After more than 10 years of experience, she founded her own legal hub, which offers support within cross-border
Spouses of Danish citizens: Persons who are married to a Danish citizen can obtain Danish citizenship after 6-8 years of continuous residence depending on the duration of the marriage: 1. If the marriage has lasted > 3 years and the Danish spouse has been a Danish citizen for at least 3 years, you can obtain Danish citizenship after 6 years of continuous residence. 2. If the marriage has lasted for > 2 years and the Danish spouse has been a Danish citizen for at least 3 years, you can obtain Danish citizenship after 7 years of continuous residence. 3. If the marriage has lasted for > 1 year and the Danish spouse has been a Danish citizen for at least 3 years, you can obtain Danish citizenship after 8 years of continuous residence.
legal issues for internation-
Please note: People who have entered Denmark before the age of 15 can obtain Danish citizenship when they reach 18. It is a condition that any education during your stay in Denmark has been of a Danish nature (e.g. Danish primary school, upper secondary education and alike). Likewise, if you are educated in Denmark or have taken a significant part of your education in Denmark, you can obtain Danish citizenship after 5 years of continuous residence in Denmark if the programme is of a Danish nature and has lasted for at least 3 years, including examinations.
LegalMasterAdvisor
als 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 Hayel Celik-Graversen
For Part 2 of Navigating Danish citizenship, remember to read our August issue. THE-INTL
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ROYALTY IN THE LAND OF EQUALITY
PHOTOGRAPHS VISITDENMARK / ISTOCK
PETER SØLLNER
ISTOCK
TEXT SARAH REDOHL
MARTIN HEIBERG
ISTOCK
How does the Danish royal family retain its relevance - and popularity - in a country known for equality? Columnist Sarah Redohl investigates.
I
I HESITATE TO admit how long I lived in Denmark without any
open,” Steffan said. The Queen does her own leisure shopping,
knowledge of the Danish monarchy. I never carry cash, send snail
and the Crown Prince strolls to Joe & the Juice a few blocks from
mail, or eat butter cookies from tins bedazzled with Queen Mar-
Amalienborg for coffee.
grethe II’s face. All those palaces scattered about? I assumed they were as empty as those I’d found in France or Germany.
Not only does the royal family appear authentic, but they are also authentically Danish. “They wouldn’t be so popular if they
When I learned they housed royalty, I was already familiar with
didn’t fit that quintessential Danish ideal,” Steffen said. Histori-
Denmark’s trademark equality. What could be more antithetical
cally, this makes sense. For generations, royalty was the symbol
to egalitarian sensibilities than hereditary privilege, I thought.
of a nation. The Queen’s own lineage dates back to Gorm the Old;
And not only does Denmark have royalty - the Danes love them.
Gorm’s son, Harald Bluetooth, unified Denmark in the late 900s. Now a constitutional monarchy, Denmark’s royal family retains
ROYAL, BUT NORMAL
its symbolic relevance. “If you look at the royal family politically
Support for the Danish monarchy hovers around 80 percent - dou-
or academically, it doesn’t make sense today,” Steffen said. “But it
ble what it was when Queen Margrethe ascended the throne in
links us to our past, our roots. The royal family is proud of their
1972. I’ve been told that part of their appeal is the appearance of
country and expresses this pride beautifully.”
FILMMAKER
their children and dons Wellies in the garden. They marry for love
COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION
Sarah is a journalist, writ-
(neither Prince Frederik nor Prince Joachim married royalty),
If ever the royal family falls short of expectations, they are subject
er, and filmmaker from the
and sometimes, love doesn’t work out (as with Prince Joachim’s
to the court of public opinion. For example, when Prince Fred-
American Midwest. Although
first wife, Alexandra. The couple divorced in
erik crossed a closed bridge, the backlash against this special privilege was swift - as
she holds a journalism de-
2004). Even among royalty, life isn’t always a fairytale.
was his explanation and apology. When con-
SARAH REDOHL JOURNALIST, WRITER,
normalcy: a modern Danish family who bicycles to school with
That impression of normalcy has been cul-
cerns grew about their annual state contribu-
tivated for generations. When on summer
tion, the royal family announced that Prince
holidays in rural France at the château de
Christian would be the only child of the next
Cayx, the Queen invites the press and greets
generation to receive such funds.
gree from the University of Missouri, she’s been a natural-born storyteller since she could talk. Her work has taken her all over the world, from Amsterdam to Zambia
them wearing open-toed sandals and over-
Steffen summarised it well: “They behave.”
sized plastic daisy earrings (in reference to
They lead delegations, promote Danish in-
and many places in between.
her nickname, Daisy). Her father, Frederik
terests, and appear at public engagements.
She's travelled to more than
IX, had tattoos! “What other royals have tat-
“They operate within the constitution, and
40 countries, living in sever-
toos?” one Dane asked me. And her grandfa-
they do the job that we pay them to do.” They
al before settling down in Co-
ther, Christian X, was known as “A bloke who
may not be elected, but they must be respon-
penhagen with her partner
liked horses,” said another Dane - so much so
sive as if they were to maintain their popu-
and their two (well-travelled)
that he rode the streets of Copenhagen unguarded during the Nazi occupation of Denmark in World War II.
larity. Support for the Danish monarchy is conditional, not categor-
“They are allowed to be themselves and follow their own inter-
ical. “It only works,” Steffen said, “because both parties know
ests,” said royal expert Steffen Løvkjær. He teaches a graduate
how to behave in this strange paradox.” The concept of a monar-
course about the royals at the DIS Institute in Copenhagen and
chy may not fit Denmark’s egalitarian sensibilities, but as long as
founded the tour company Historic Talks. “If [the royals] didn’t
the members of the Danish royal family appear to, long live the
express their own identities, others would create identities for
Queen! THE-INTL
them,” he said, whether by the royal court or the media. Furthermore, the Danish royals’ identities are generally perceived as genuine. As one long-time supporter told me, “I trust that they are who they say they are.” Part of this trust is simply because people see the royals out and about. “They live out in the
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cats. Prior to moving to Europe, Sarah worked in a variety of newsrooms, from print to radio, and taught multimedia journalism at her alma mater. @sarahredohl
“THEY LIVE OUT IN THE OPEN,” STEFFAN SAID. THE QUEEN DOES HER OWN LEISURE SHOPPING, AND THE CROWN PRINCE STROLLS TO JOE & THE JUICE A FEW BLOCKS FROM AMALIENBORG FOR COFFEE.
@sarahredohl @sarahredohl
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STAYCATION REJUVENATION A MENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVE
SUMMER ENERGY BRINGS JOY BUT CAN ALSO BE DRAINING, MAKING YOU FEEL LIKE YOU NEED ANOTHER VACATION TO RECOVER FROM A VACATION. WHAT IF I TOLD YOU THAT IT IS POSSIBLE TO DO SO?
PHOTOGRAPHS VISITDENMARK
TEXT AINA MASOOD
S
“STAYCATION” REFERS TO a vacation you
AINA MASOOD PSYCHOLOGIST
DANIEL OVERBECK
take at home or near your home instead of travelling to another place. Surroundings that are familiar to you serve as a sanctuary where you recharge and emerge anew, and what better way to enjoy a staycation than to indulge in Danish summer. Denmark comes to life in summer. It is the season that represents growth, energy, expansion, creativity and most of all, activity. In contrast to winter in Denmark, you will experience increased energy levels and hence, the urge to stay active. Summer arrives with longer days, shorter nights and a warmth that melts your heart. If I were to talk about my first summer experience as an international in Denmark, I could say that I had abundant energy and experienced an urge to be outside all the time. It is time to enjoy the summer sun, eat Danish strawberries, and take long bike rides. However, sitting at home made me feel uneasy and being on the go stole the opportunity to do house chores and focus on work. While summer is dominated by the emotion of joy, I also felt guilt, sadness and worry. I was stuck in a cycle of increased energy, urge to be active and guilt of not doing enough. You might be wondering, how does a staycation help? Well, the answer is, it helps because it frees you from the stress of DOING and serves as a psychologically luxurious experience. It can be a day, a week or however long feels right to you. The secret is to create a space for yourself where the demands are low, and you have the freedom to do what you want. It helps you reflect on your environment, re-prioritise, revisit your goals and be more centred. It can be at your home or in a summer house, a spa resort or a hotel room. Research shows that short staycations decrease stress levels and had a significant positive impact on health. Simply planning a vacation or a staycation has known to decrease stress and increase joy. It helps you
honour your right to pause and allow you to slow down and bring stillness to your life amidst the anxiety and stress of every day. From this place of stillness, you can examine your feelings and emotions. Examining and recognising your emotions would help you be more aware of what you need from life, leading to acknowledging your emotions. This helps you in boosting your self-esteem and self-improvement. Moments of stillness provide you with clarity that helps you in moving forward with confidence. To begin your staycation, remember there are no rules. It is advisable to disconnect from work and, if you want, disconnect from social media. Plan activities that help you be more physically engaged, bring you joy, and help you connect with your inner child. It could be spending time in na-
ture, reading, doing a movie marathon, going for a hike, camping, reconnecting with friends and family, board games, cooking, painting, swimming, or anything that helps you enjoy your time. You can add a spa day or a dance lesson. You can become a tourist in your home city. If you are doing it with your partner or anyone else, remember that the person with you is more important than anyone else and try to engage in activities where you both have fun and get a chance to re-energise. In conclusion, when you plan your staycation, remember that it does not have to be an expensive and luxurious journey. Instead, it focuses on bringing relaxation, happiness, and relief to your life. It also helps you to slow down, deal with burnout and build a relationship with yourself. THE-INTL
" T O B EG I N YO U R S TAYC ATION, REMEMBER THERE ARE NO RULES. IT IS ADVISABLE TO DISCONNECT FROM WORK AND, IF YOU WANT, DISCONNECT FROM SOCIAL MEDIA." KAM & CO
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/
NICLAS JESSEN
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INCLUSION DURING SUMMER ACCESSIBLE-FRIENDLY SPOTS TO VISIT IN DENMARK DURING SUMMER.
NORDSKYSTENS LIVREDNINGSTJENESTE
PHOTOGRAPHS PRIVATE /
TEXT MARTINA POPADAKOVA / SARA R. NEWELL
B
BOTH ADULTS AND children love summer and want to make the best out of it. Indeed, this also applies to children with special needs. Denmark offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, so even unpredictable Danish weather is no excuse for not finding something fun to do. We have listed our favourite and most fabulous ideas for activities you can do with your child.
If you are visiting Aarhus, we can recommend visiting ARoS or Moesgaard Museum. ARoS has a junior workshop, where the whole family can try different creative techniques, and where workshop employees can help in providing creative supplies and providing creative tasks for your child to explore. Most Danish museums also have a café or restaurant where it is possible to buy snacks, sandwiches, and hot meals. Find more information about museums by visiting: https://www.visitdenmark.com/denmark/things-do/history-and-culture/denmarks-best-museums
ENJOYING NATURE Are you stuck at home on a rainy day? Creative activities are always fun and can be educational at the same time. On days when the weather is good, it can be a good idea to take a walk in the woods and collect different materials such as stones, twigs and leaves, so you can be prepared for your next creative rainy day. You and your child can create beautiful works of art that also evoke good holiday memories. Enjoying nature can be a good activity for sensory sensitive children, and many outdoor facilities and natural areas are also accessible for children with walking difficulties or/and who use a wheelchair. On the website udinaturen.dk you can find information about facilities and nature areas around Denmark suitable for people with walking difficulties and wheelchair users.
BEAUTIFUL COPENHAGEN Visiting Copenhagen during the summer is an excellent opportunity to create family memories. It is easy to get around Denmark's capital with accessible sidewalks and streets, wheelchair ramps for public transport, toilets and much more. Most major attractions are up-to-date with regard to accessibility. From world-renowned historical museums, castles and palaces to parks, Copenhagen offers many kid-friendly adventures. Copenhagen has sights and attractions that suit every interest and taste. If your child is sensory sensitive, it may be advisable to plan your visit at a time of the day when there is less crowding, which would typically be early in the morning or late in the afternoon or early evening. Visitcopenhagen.com has prepared a complete guide to accessible travel in Copenhagen, where you can find inspi-
LET'S GO TO THE BEACH
ration, practical information and valuable links to rentals and other services: https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/ copenhagen/planning/accessible-copenhagen-guide-disabled-travelers
VISITING MUSEUMS Denmark has a rich history and many museums. A trip to a museum can be a pleasant activity for the whole family, particularly for sensory sensitive children, and most museums are wheelchair accessible. If your child has walking difficulties, we suggest that you contact the museum of choice ahead of time to inquire about accessibility and which times of day are the best to visit if you prefer to avoid crowding. The National Museum in Copenhagen has a section specially dedicated to children, called The Children's Museum. During the summer months, the museum provides guided tours in English. If you prefer a selfguided tour, it takes roughly an hour to see the majority of the museum.
MARTINA POPADAKOVA is Slovak by blood and a Global Citizen by heart. She has completed an MSc in International Security & Law at the University of Southern Denmark in 2018. Over the last 2 years, she has worked as a facilitator and project coordinator in various NGOs. She is multifaceted and committed with an unwavering passion for human rights. Martina is a creator of Empowerment Journey. www.empowerment-journey.com / www.linkedin.com/in/martina-popadakova / www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1107008696 / @martinapopadakova
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Sadly, after we investigated, we didn't find too many wheelchair accessible beaches. A solid path and a lift to get into the sea are needed for the whole beach experience. We did, however, find three great gems that are making life a little more fun for wheelchair users: In 2019 disability carriages were launched in North Zealand cities after lifeguard John Mogensen was inspired after seeing the concept in Spain. Specially designed disability carriages can roll on the beach and float in the water, thereby making it possible for people with disabilities to enjoy the beach and the ocean. Disability carriages are parked at Liseleje, Tisvildeleje, Drønningmølle and Hørnbæk beach. If you want to visit one of the beaches and try one, there is always a lifeguard to help. Find more about the North Zealand Coastal Rescue Services on their website: https://dnl.dk/ In Nationalpark Mols Bjerge, Bogens Strand in Ebeltoft Vig (about a 40-minute drive by car from Aarhus), is a beach suitable for the whole family. A new 30-meter-long wheelchair-friendly jetty and a ramp reinforced with solid gravel so you can access the water without getting stuck. Our last discovery is Vejers and Børsmose Strand (about a 34-minute drive from Esbjerg). On these rugged beaches, it is possible to roll all the way to the water's edge! So remember to get out there and enjoy whatever the Danish summer brings you. THE-INTL
SARA R. NEWELL is from Canada, went to high-school in Costa Rica, and has worked and studied in Iceland and Denmark. She is a disability rights activist and has a master's degree in Technological Business Development and Biomedical Engineering from Aarhus University. Sara has lived in Denmark since 2003, and lives with her husband and daughter. She hopes to contribute and share insights with others who have children with disabilities. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sararose-newell-b1904726 / https://m.facebook.com/groups/bakopomdepaarorende
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CIS: STILL 'SOMETHING SPECIAL' FIFTY-FIVE YEARS AFTER CIS GRADUATED ITS FIRST CLASS, STUDENTS FROM THE SCHOOL'S EARLY DAYS MAINTAIN ITS SPECIAL ROLE IN THEIR LIVES, CAREERS, AND RELATIONSHIPS.
PHOTOGRAPHS COPENHAGEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
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COPENHAGEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (CIS) had only been around for six years when Peter Host-Madsen moved to Denmark in 1969. Born to Danish parents, Peter grew up in the suburbs outside Washington, D.C. Although he spoke Danish at home, visited Denmark for summer holidays, and his family had many Danish friends, moving to Denmark at age 17 was still a bit of a culture shock. Thankfully, he was familiar with at least one of his CIS classmates - a girl named Susse, whose father had been a D.C.-based correspondent for Berlingske. Her parents recommended CIS, and Susse herself introduced Peter to other students and guided him around the new school. Although Peter intended to return to the U.S. for his senior year, he enjoyed CIS so much he decided to stay. He grew close to several teachers, including Mr. Levine, who taught history and politics (Peter's favourite subjects). He developed a social circle, attended parties, and visited Tuborg Brewery for free beers after the tour. Peter also established the educational foundation for future success when he was among the first CIS students to participate in the International Baccalaureate (IB) exam, scoring high enough to earn acceptance into the University of Canterbury in Kent. "Going to an English university seemed the perfect solution," he said. "I wanted to stay in Denmark, but my Danish wasn't that good. Why not go to an English university and return to Denmark on my holidays?" A f t e r u n i ve r s i -
TEXT SARAH REDOHL
ty, Peter became a school teacher in northern England. "There became less time for old friends," he said, citing work, marriage, and children. Over the years, he lost touch with everyone he'd known from his time in Denmark. When he retired after 35 years of teaching, he hoped to reconnect with his former classmates. "I'd always wondered what happened to this or that person." Peter reached out to CIS to see if they had contact details for several of his old schoolmates, and the school invited him to its 50th anniversary reunion. However, when Peter walked into the 500-person event, the only person he recognised was his former principal, Mr. Gellar - who just so happened to remember Peter from a youthful prank he'd pulled during his time at CIS. "He mentioned it in his speech later that evening," Peter recalled, embarrassed. But it was this recognition that put Peter on the map for schoolmates he hadn't recognised. Former classmate Helen Gallagher brought Peter over to a table of several other students from their time at CIS. From there, he and Helen
worked to track down other former classmates - including Susse. In the end, they found nearly every classmate. Peter discovered not only that his classmates had scattered across the globe - from San Francisco to Switzerland - but that they'd worked for world leaders and alongside famous actors. "In those 50 years, they've collected this big life story to tell you," he said. In addition, Peter managed to reconnect with one of his best mates from CIS, who had become a Hollywood producer. "We hadn't seen each other in 50 years, and we were talking like old times within 15 minutes." Peter also visited his favourite teacher, whom he continues to call 'Mr. Levine', several times in Florida. And, he returns to Denmark regularly, where he always manages to meet up with Susse for dinner. "We all agree that it was a special school and a special time," he said, adding that there's something special about the people with whom you grow up. "I think there's something to your oldest friends being your best friends." THE-INTL
PETER MANAGED TO RECONNECT WITH ONE OF HIS BEST MATES FROM CIS, WHO HAD BECOME A HOLLYWOOD PRODUCER. "WE HADN'T SEEN EACH OTHER IN 50 YEARS, AND WE WERE TALKING LIKE OLD TIMES WITHIN 15 MINUTES."
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SUMMER BEAUTY ESSENTIALS YOU NEED! AS SUMMER FAST APPROACHES, I HAVE SELECTED ALL YOU NEED TO SURVIVE THIS SEASON. 1
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JUTL AND
PATIENCE AND NETWORKING ARE KEY TO SETTLING IN 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 NOELLE BOUCHER, CURRENTLY LIVING IN AARHUS AND WORKING AS OFFICE AND TEAM ASSISTANT AT PEAK WIND.
PHOTOGRAPHS NOELLE BOUCHER / VISITDENMARK
TEXT INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
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"BE PATIENT IN YOUR JOB SEARCH. I TRULY BELIEVE THINGS WILL HAPPEN IF YOU PUT IN THE EFFORT. IT JUST TAKES TIME!"
AFTER MEETING MY “Danish connection” while studying at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, located in a beautiful beach town in California, I decided to move to Aarhus in August of 2019. Since then, I have had the experience of getting settled as an International in Denmark, building up a social and professional network all over again and finally being fortunate enough to land a job at PEAK Wind, a renewable energy consultancy firm located in Aarhus.
- NOELLE BOUCHER
PRIOR INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE Moving to Aarhus in 2019 was not my first rodeo as an international. Shortly after graduating from my undergraduate programme, I moved to Madrid, Spain, where I taught English for three years. During my time in Spain, I realised I had a passion for working across cultures and wanted to find a career supporting others in their international pursuits. This experience is what led me to pursue a master’s degree in International Education Management. Apart from the three years of experience living in Spain, I also lived six months in Malaysia.
GETTING SETTLED IN DENMARK Before moving to Denmark, I worked in administrative roles supporting international students in the US, most recently at the University of California Berkeley. During my first six months in Denmark, my immigration status did not allow me to work. It was a challenge to move from a fast-paced lifestyle to a new environment where I had a lot of time on my hands. Over time, however, I established a routine and found different activities to keep myself busy, like learning Danish. While Danish is a challenging language to learn, it is certainly not impossible. I knew that learning Danish was essential to my integration (i.e., for my immigration status, finding a job, participating in family events etc.), so I put in a considerable effort learning it. I enrolled in Danish classes, watched Danish TV, found a Danish mentor, and practised speaking with my Danish mother-in-law. While speaking is not my strong suit, I can now understand a lot which has helped me in my current position. Even knowing some Danish goes a long way! In addition to my Danish network, I have also built quite a solid international network here in Aarhus. Shortly after moving to Denmark, I got involved with the international communities
Aarhus offers, such as The Spouse Community and The International Dual Career Network (IDCN). These communities have served as a great outlet to meet new people and learn about Danish society. My advice to anyone moving to Denmark, or any country for that matter, is to put yourself out there!
ADVICE FOR OTHER JOB-SEEKING INTERNATIONALS Like many other internationals in Denmark, the job search was not a walk in the park! It took 40-50 applications and around a year for me to land a job. Beyond just sending applications, I did a wide range of activities to heighten my chances of finding a job, such as: Attending international job seekers workshops through Aarhus Kommune, making a short 1-minute CV, and setting up daily job alerts on LinkedIn and Job Index. I also took up a 3-month unpaid internship, which helped me expand my network and expose me to the Danish working environment. Apart from these things, networking was one of the most valuable things I did to finally land a job. In the end, it was also through my network I became aware of my current position. So my biggest tip for international job seekers is to be patient in their job search. I truly believe things will happen if you put in the effort. It just takes time! THE-INTL
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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SOCIOLOGICAL TRENDS IN DENMARK INSIGHTS FROM A COPENHAGEN UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR
MARTIN HEIBERG
COPENHAGEN UNIVERSITY
PHOTOGRAPHS VISITDENMARK / UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN
ROBIN SKJOLDBORG
TEXT SKYLER BENTLEY HALL
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ELITE EDUCATION, COSMOPOLITAN nationalism, and global middle-class research - meet Claire Maxwell, a sociology professor who impacts Denmark and beyond. Raised in Luxembourg with Australian and German heritage, Claire studied and worked in the UK before moving to Copenhagen. Through a recent interview, I was enlightened by Claire's personal and professional journey.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO DENMARK? In early 2018 I was tapped for a Chair in Sociology at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH). The University has been making efforts for some years to 'internationalise', and recruiting non-Danes to senior faculty positions remains a core part of that strategy. In my case, they were pushing at an open door. I have an extended family association with Copenhagen and already had extended family here. We holidayed here as a family several times in the 2010s, and it seemed like a nice place to live. So we decided it would be good for the family to move from Oxford and have an adventure.
ELABORATE ON YOUR ROLE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN.
SKYLER BENTLEY HALL EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT Skyler is originally from Canada, and after living in Switzerland for several years, she transitioned to Denmark with her husband and son -
I teach undergraduate and Masters courses, supervise PhDs, am on the Department's senior leadership team, and win grants to conduct research. I also consult outside the University. When I was based at University College London in the UK, my research was mostly about education – its internationalisation, how elite forms of education operate, and how inequality can be entrenched – or offset – through education. I have recently focused on families who move internationally for work – the education choices they make and how they anchor themselves in a new country.
HOW HAVE STUDENTS CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR RESEARCH?
all proud Canadians. Skyler
I have just published a book – 'Nurturing Mobilities. Family Travel in the 21stC'. It explores how and why families travel and examines how COVID-19 and climate change concerns are shaping cross-border leisure mobility. I had four students collecting data and contributing findings. They each get a thesis, and I get help writing a book!
sector for three decades and
WHAT WORK ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AS A PROFESSOR AT UCPH?
I was invited to sit on a kommune working group in Gentofte to make the kommune more welcoming for international residents. I have also been on the board of my children's school. In addition, I work out hard at my local CrossFit gym and have many friends there. And of course, our children's friends all have interesting and accomplished parents! So I really feel happy and at home here. Learn more about Claire Maxwell's innovative research and collaborative efforts in Denmark - http://www.cmaxwell.uk/
I think one thing I have brought to UCPH is a sense of how worldleading Universities operate, teach and conduct research in a global market for talent and funding. I have focused on what a 21stcentury sociology degree programme should look like, started discussions about the need to de-colonialise the curriculum, expanded how we understand mentoring early career researchers to develop global careers. It is fair to say that Danish society is now beginning to realise that it needs to integrate international perspectives, experiences, and knowledge. A case in point: I've just won a six million DKK grant to help Danish SMEs recruit and retain international staff. We have a broad set of Danish actors signed up. The very fact we can get research funding to try and bolster recruitment and retention of non-Danes is an acknowledgement of a changing mindset. It's like getting a Mærsk container ship to change course, but it's exciting to be using research to innovate in a critical area.
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WHAT LOCAL INITIATIVES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN?
has worked in the education found her true passion for supporting 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
❝ It is fair to say that Danish society is now beginning to realise that it needs to integrate international perspectives, experiences, and knowledge.❞
leyhall
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VOICE OF THE MINORITIES THE INTEGRATION COUNCIL
PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK
TEXT NARCIS GEORGE MATACHE
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IN A MODERN democracy, society creates mechanisms to protect the minorities against the abuse of the majority. One such mechanism is the Integration Council, an advisory body established by the Local Council to ensure that the voice of the minorities is included in the local legislative process. Of course, an even stronger voice would be someone from the minorities elected in the Local Council. However, as you can count on your fingers the number of elected officials from among the minorities, the Integration Council is the next best thing. Unfortunately, only 45 municipalities out of 98 have established Integration Councils. You might say that there aren’t minorities in every municipality - I will say that isn’t possible. More than 10% of the population in Denmark is made up of minorities. A look at the demographic map will convince you that we are evenly spread across Denmark. The current times for minorities are not the best. The majority made it more difficult to officially join Denmark through citizenship; they started imposing rules and conditions borderline to social control; then there is deportation, and the list continues. Why is this happening? The checks and balances between the majority and minorities have weakened, allowing the majority to become bolder in their decisions. It’s time to rebalance the scales of power. It’s time to help the existing institutions function at optimum parameters to level the playing field. It’s time to get involved and ensure that we have functional Integration Councils in all 98 municipalities.
REPRESENTATION WITHIN THE INTEGRATION FIELD Three institutions influence and follow developments in the area of integration.
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 "IF THERE IS NO INTEGRATION COUNCIL IN YOUR MUNICIPALITY, VOLUNTEER AS AN INTEGRATION REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MUNICIPALITY." to elect the five members of the Council of Ethnic Minorities and set the general guidelines of the integration agenda.
3. Integration Council (Integrationsrådet): Advisory body for the local 1. Council for Ethnic Minorities (Rådet for Etniske Minoriteter – REM): Advisory body for the Ministry of Integration on refugees, immigrants, and integration issues. The council has 14 members (5 appointed by the Minister of Integration; 5 elected at the General Assembly of Integration Representatives and 4 appointed by local councils in Copenhagen, Aalborg, Aarhus and Odense) and meets four times a year. They are included within the consultation rounds (høringsrunder) on new laws, to give the minority perspective. They are also tasked with presenting a nuanced image of ethnic minorities in the Danish media and promotion of an inclusive society. They focus currently on democratic participation, employment of ethnic women, poverty, negative social control and ghetto areas.
2. General Assembly of Integration Representatives (Repræsentantskabet): Once a year, integration representatives appointed by integration councils or local councils (where there is no integration council) from all the municipalities in Denmark gather together
council on local integration efforts and voice of the ethnic minorities within the local legislative process. According to the Integration law, local councils can establish integration councils by appointing a minimum of seven representatives of ethnic minorities. The election method is decided by the local council. The council meets four times a year.
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 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-
HOW CAN YOU INFLUENCE INTEGRATION POLITICS?
ægelsen, Socialdemokrati-
#1 Contact your local integration council and let them know about the issues you are facing as a non-Dane. To find out if your municipality has one, visit: https://rem.dk/netvaerk/ integrationsrad #2 Become part of the local integration council – From January 2022 a new 4-year mandate begins. Write to the secretariat of the integration council to ask about election procedures. #3 If there is no integration council in your municipality, write to a local council member to establish one. In the meantime, volun teer as an integration representative of the municipality. THE-INTL
et Nørresundby, DSU Aalborg, and Frit Forum International. www.facebook.com/Narcis George.Matache/ https://www.linkedin.com/ in/narcisgmatache/
LAST WEEK IN
DENMARK
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STEP BACK IN TIME EXPERIENCE LIFE DURING THE VIKING AGE WITH ERIN'S TOP PICKS AROUND DENMARK.
PHOTOGRAPHS ERIN GUSTAFSON
TEXT ERIN GUSTAFSON
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WHEN YOU HEAR the word “Vikings”, what instantly jumps to mind? Maybe long-bearded axe-wielding warriors. Or seafaring explorers in longboats wearing horned helmets? Or maybe you conjure Ragnar Lothbrok? From the HBO series The Vikings? Or Thor. And Odin. Or just Chris Hemsworth? Nah. He’s Australian. And just plays a Viking in the movies. But how about Harald Bluetooth? Who? Harald Bluetooth. If you live in Denmark you might. King Harald Bluetooth was the son of the original Danish King, Gorm the Old. Bluetooth claimed all of Denmark and Norway for its kingdom in the second half of the 10th century. Jump forward 1000 years, and the current reigning Danish monarch, Queen Margrethe II, can trace her family line back to old Gorm - making Denmark the longest running monarchy in Europe. Gorm and Harald were Vikings, Like all the Scandinavian countries, Denmark is proud of its heritage and happy to share everything they know about its Viking history. All over the Danish country and throughout the landscape, evidence of the mighty Viking society can still be found. And you won’t need to know how to read the runestones to get a feel for how the Vikings lived 1000 years ago here in Denmark. This summer, seek out some of these immersive experiences around the country to get a real hands-on feel for this heritage yourself.
JUTLAND
BORK VIKING HARBOR | VIKINGEVEJ 7, 6893 HEMMET Near the southern end of the Rinkøbing Fjord, visitors to the Bork Vikinghavn will find a recreated village from Viking times. Part of the Rinkøbing-Skjern Museum, all the structures here are based on actual archaeological finds from this part of Jutland. Step inside workshops to see how they made bread or use tools like the old blacksmith would do. Also, don’t miss the fun, food and atmosphere of their annual Viking Market, set for 13-15 of August this year.
FYN
VIKING MUSEUM LADBY | VIKINGEVEJ 123, 5300 KERTEMINDE Just outside the adorable village of Kerteminde, you can step inside a real Viking burial mound. Walk through the small museum on-site to learn the ritual and tradition behind burying Viking kings with their ship. See examples of their artistry and craftsmanship and the building of ships out in the yard. Then make your way out to the mound and step down inside to see the ship excavation in person.
ZEALAND
SAGNLANDET THE LAND OF LEGENDS | SLANGEALLEEN 2, 4320 LEJRE
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ERIN GUSTAFSON WRITER & BLOGGER
Home to the largest Viking longhouse in Denmark, The Land of Legends offers interactive and fun learning about life in the Stone Age, Iron Age and Viking times. Row a wooden boat. Try your hand at archery. See demonstrations of baking and sewing, and smithing. Pack a picnic for this fun day out.
TRELLEBORG RING FORTRESS AND MUSEUM | TRELLEBORG ALLE 4, 4200 SLAGELSE At the National Museum Trelleborg, you can walk the ramparts of a real Viking fortress and learn about village life in the idyllic Danish countryside. All July and through August 15, visitors can meet “the Vikings” and try their hand at activities and crafts.
VIKING SHIPS MUSEUM | VINDEBODER 12, 4000 ROSKILDE In Roskilde, you can learn about the Vikings’ seafaring ways and nautical nature at the Vikingeskibs Museet or Ship Museum. Inside, see the remains of excavated vessels from the fjord beyond. Try on some typical Viking garments and learn to write your name in runes. In the shipyard, kids can build F U N FACT: THE M OD ERN “BLUEtheir own small TOOTH” TECHNOLOGY MANY OF US boats. Then, in JuKNOW AND LOVE IS INDEED NAMED ly and early August, AFTER KING HARALD BLUETOOTH book ahead to learn HIMSELF, AND THE ICONIC SYMBOL IS to row a real Viking A COMBINATION OF THE TWO RUNES ship in the sea near THAT MAKE UP HIS INITIALS. the museum. 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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THOMAS ROUSING
ROBIN SKJOLDBORG
THOMAS ROUSING
DANIEL OVERBECK - VISITNORDSJÆLLAND
SUMMER FREEDOM BEFORE THE WORK BEGINS!
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PHOTOGRAPHS VISITDENMARK / ISTOCK
TEXT JOSEPHINE WAN
IN DENMARK, SUMMER holiday’s seem to focus around graduating students, heralding the end of high school or higher education. Once you have finished and entered the job market, you don’t quite capture that “summer holiday vibe” as you did when you were young. Of course, as an employee, you still have your annual leave, which you usually take together with some bank holidays. But nothing comes close to summer as a graduating student!
JOSEPHINE WAN B2B SALES COORDINATOR
WHEN IS THE SUMMER HOLIDAY’S CELEBRATED IN DENMARK? Most people with full-time employment have 25 days of annual leave (feriedage) each year - and some also have additional five days (feriefridage) or 37 hours (feriefritimer) off during the so-called holiday year (ferieår). For more official information, you should check with your employer or your union. In many cases, three out of the five weeks will be held during summertime. This is because people who have children at school usually plan three weeks of their annual leave during the summer holiday to have quality time with them. There used to be a pretty common term describing these three weeks where most companies closed for summer, and everyone held their holiday called industrial holiday (industriferie). However, this concept of closing entirely for three weeks is probably being phased out or becoming less common. Nowadays, many Danish companies are trading with overseas partners, and it is not practical to have no employees available to handle production or communicate with overseas partners for such a long period. So instead, most employees take turns to have their summer holiday during late June and mid-August and usually, they plan that far ahead with each other to ensure there are no gaps.
WHAT’S ON THE ITINERARY? Such an extended holiday period is handy for overseas travel, and most parents like to explore the world with their chil-
Born and raised in international Hong Kong, Josephine developed her interests in languages and culture from an early age. She speaks Cantonese, Mandarin, English, German and Danish, and she has travelled to over 20 countries. Living in Denmark since 1999, she’s been a Danish citizen for 10 years and speaks fluent dren. They may travel far away to another continent or travel to other European countries either by plane, car or caravan. Those who stay in Denmark may visit their families in other parts of Denmark, take a staycation at hotels or inns, or travel around Denmark with their caravans – there are so many options!
SUMMER FESTIVALS One specific way to spend holidays in Denmark is very traditional - attend festivals! There are tons of festivals during the summer (except this year – thank you, Covid!), and some have a long history and have become part of many people´s yearly pilgrimage. I’m sure you’ve heard of the famous: Roskilde Festival, Smukfest, Samsø Festival, to name a few. Most people always relate festivals and concerts to alcohol and drinking, and if you’ve experienced a festival before, you will know it is not only about drinking. It’s the ex-
perience (oplevelse). The common thread of these festivals is the enjoyment of the music and being together with friends or families. The celebration of spending free time together, camping, being away from everyday life, and of course hygge! Tickets are usually sold out shortly after sales starts, as people plan that as part of their summer holiday activities.
WORK AND MOVING For many young people and students, the summer holiday is also a time to earn extra money for the new school year ahead. Others move away from mom and dad to their own apartments, so they are ready and prepped for starting their career or further education on the other side of their summer holiday. So, what are your plans this summer? If you travel overseas or stay home in Denmark, let us know, or share your pictures on our social media channels – we’d love to see them! THE-INTL
Danish, and considers herself fully integrated. However, she still remembers the challenges when she first moved here: the language barrier, who to ask for help and advice, etc. She hopes to contribute and share useful insights and positive experiences with other internationals through her articles. https://www.facebook. com/trainofthoughtBYjose phinewan @my_train_of_thought_ by_jj https://dk.linkedin.com/in jjyanyanwan
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FOOD ART
WATERMELON SUGAR COOKIES
Cute as can be and picnic-ready! These sugar cookies are super easy and make for a great baking activity with kids. The fun colours and shape are sure to be a delicious summertime hit!
PHOTOGRAPHS CLAIRE BOGUSZ
WATERMELON SUGAR COOKIES (MAKES APPROXIMATELY 36 COOKIES WITH A HALF-BATCH; OR 72 FOR AN ENTIRE BATCH)
INGREDIENTS: 225 g butter, softened 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla sugar (vanilje ekstrakt or vaniljesukker) 480 g flour (hvedemel) 1 tsp baking soda (natron) 1 tsp salt Red and green food colouring Chocolate sauce (can be store-bought) METHOD: #1 Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside. #2 Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar together for approximately 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. #3 Add eggs one at a time, incorporating well. Add vanilla and mix. Scrape down sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. #4 With the mixer on a low speed, add flour mixture in small increments until fully incorporated. #5 Gather dough into a smooth, round ball and place on a lightly floured surface. #6 Using a knife or bench scraper, divide the dough into thirds. #7 Using red food colouring, colour two-thirds of the dough. Add a couple of drops at a time and gently knead the dough until the desired colour is reached. #8 Repeat steps with the remaining one-third of the dough, using green food colouring. #9 After the dough is coloured, roll the green section of the dough into a rectangular shape. #10 Roll the red section of the dough into a log like shape and place lengthwise in the middle of the green rectangle. #11 Wrap the green rectangle around the red log, so it encircles the red dough. You should have a log shape with an outer green ring and an inner red circle when you are finished. #12 Gently roll the log shape, so it is as rounded as possible. #13 Roll the log up in a piece of parchment, then cover with a piece of tin foil and twist or fold the ends closed.
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#14 Place the log of dough in the refrigerator to chill for a least one hour or overnight. You want the dough to be nice and firm, so it will be easy to slice. #15 Before removing the dough log from the refrigerator, preheat the oven to 160 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. #16 After properly chilled, remove the dough log and unwrap it from the foil and parchment. #17 Using a large, sturdy knife, cut the log into slices approximately 1,3 cm thick. You may need to slice off the first piece of the dough log to give the rest of the log a clean demarcation of red and green. TIP: if you only want to make a half-batch, roll the remaining dough log half back up in the parchment and foil. Store log in the freezer until future use (up to 3 months) and thaw slightly before slicing. #18 Cut each circle slice of dough in half, revealing a watermelon “slice” shape. #19 Place semicircle slices of cookies on prepared baking sheet. The cookies retain their shape when baked and should not spread, so they can be placed close together on the sheet. #20 Bake for 10-12 minutes. #21 Remove from oven and allow to fully cool on a cooling rack. #22 Pour a small amount of chocolate sauce into a pastry bag. Cut a small hole at the point. #23 Pipe four small teardrop shapes along the bottom of the red portion of each cookie to form watermelon seeds. #24 Place cookies in the refrigerator for approximately 10 minutes to allow chocolate to set before serving. #25 Store remaining cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
TEXT CLAIRE BOGUSZ
CLAIRE BOGUSZ BAKER AND BLOGGER Claire grew up moving around frequently, never imagining she’d have the opportunity to experience raising her own children as expats one day. In 2018, her husband’s job relocated the family from the USA to Copenhagen. Living in the capital city, they’ve loved biking, travelling, and the ability 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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HISTORICAL VIBORG
EXPLORING MID JUTLAND THIS SUMMER
VIBORG, DENMARK IS ONE OF THE HIDDEN GEMS OF DENMARK THAT OFFERS HISTORY BUFFS AND NATURE LOVERS A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA DURING THEIR TRIP TO MID JUTLAND. PHOTOGRAPHS KELLY KRISTENSEN
TEXT KELLY KRISTENSEN
L
LET’S FACE IT. Denmark is a small country, but that doesn’t mean that it lacks great destinations for those wanting to learn more about this great country. In fact, areas on Denmark’s peninsula have much more to offer the curious weekend traveller or newcomer than one might expect. For instance, the town of Viborg in Mid Jutland is a great place to spend the day to see a side of Denmark that isn’t common in other areas of the country. As well as the town’s unique examples of historical places, Viborg also has many neighbouring, natural places that you are not likely to find anywhere else! VIBORG CATHEDRAL AND LATIN QUARTER
KELLY KRISTENSEN
Dating back to the 1100s, the Viborg Cathedral may have seen its fair share of rebuilds after multiple fires throughout the years, but the structure and décor of this magnificent building will be reason enough for a visit. Unlike the plain, white walls of a typical church in Denmark, the Viborg Cathedral adorns many spectacular paintings on its walls and ceiling by famous Danish painter Joakim Skovgaard. You can see more of his work in the Joakim Skovgaard museum, located just next to the cathedral. Next to the church, you’ll find two gardens. One is the Latinerhave which has many different sections for plants and herbs and is directly in front of the church. The other is a peaceful spot just off to the side of the church and has a statue of Queen Margrethe I with successor child Erik VII.
WRITER AND BLOGGER Kelly is an American teacher turned marketer living in rural Jutland. She is the creator of 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. Ab-
SCT. MOGENS GADE After visiting the church, take a walk along Sct. Mogens Gade, the same street where you’ll find the cathedral. This cobblestoned lane is filled with some of the most unique and oldest homes in Viborg. You’ll see architecture from many different styles that take you on a trip to the 1600s and 1700s when this area was home to farms and shops from various trades.
VIBORG’S LAKES Down the hill from the cathedral, you will find the beautiful park called Borgvold, which is a great place to hear live music on Saturday afternoons, as well as one of the best places in Viborg to relax as a family with the wooden playground, paddle boats and ice cream stand. If you are hoping to spend some time on the water, you are in luck, since this is also where Viborg’s two lakes: Nørresø and Søndersø connect. You can get a unique view of the town and cathedral from the middle of the lake on your hour-long boat tour aboard the Margrethe I.
HALD SØ AND CASTLE RUINS If you are looking for another one-of-a-kind experience near Viborg, check out the area of Hald Sø for a day spent in nature. Here, you will find not only some beautiful walking paths around the majestic Lake Hald, but you will also find the Hald Ruins, castle ruins from the 1500s. If you are travelling with children, they will particularly love the forest playground that looks like a giant warthog.
MORE TIPS TO EXPERIENCING VIBORG AS A LOCAL For a yummy treat for breakfast or lunch, head over to Søster Lagkage café for a delicious pastry, coffee or light sandwich. Then, have some fun shopping at any of the fine shops on Sct. Mathias Gade or enjoy live music in the city centre all summer long on a Saturday afternoon. If local beers are something you search for on your weekend adventures, try out the Viborg Bryghus or the microbar Ølluminati for one of their speciality beers. THE-INTL
sorbing 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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DANISH EXPORT TOP TEN EXPORT COUNTRIES.
PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK
TEXT MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES
T
THE STATISTICS AND figures behind this article are the latest and official figures for 2020, showing that Denmark has managed to adjust and maintain a reasonably satisfactory export level despite the global pandemic. GERMANY
For many years now, Germany has been the country to which Denmark exports most with 16% or USD 13.54B in 2020. Although these are the lowest figures over the last ten years, the highest result reached in 2014 at approx. USD 18.5B, this is nevertheless an impressive result in the circumstances. The top five export areas are listed below: Machinery, nuclear reactors and boilers. Electrical and electronic equipment. Vehicles other than railway and tramway. Articles of apparel – not knit or crocheted. Live animals.
SWEDEN Similarly, Sweden has also for many years been the second most important export market for Denmark with 11% of Danish export or USD 9.34B in 2020. Over the last ten years, the best year was 2011 when export almost reached USD 14B, but there was a massive fall in export to Sweden last year. The top five export areas are listed below: Machinery, nuclear reactors and boilers. Electrical and electronic equipment. Mineral fuels, oils and distillation products. Plastics. Furniture, lighting signs and prefabricated buildings.
THE NETHERLANDS In 2020, The Netherlands was the thirdlargest export market with approximately 7.3% of Danish export or USD 6.19B, which like Sweden, was a massive decrease over ten years and Denmark normally exports much more to the United Kingdom and the United States than Norway and The Netherlands. The top five export areas are listed below: Electrical and electronic equipment. Machinery, nuclear reactors and boilers. Mineral fuels, oils and distillation products. Furniture, lighting signs and
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MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES PRESIDENT & CEO OXFORD BUSINESS SERVICES APS prefabricated buildings. Vehicles other than railway and tramway.
NORWAY Not far behind The Netherlands was Norway, with approximately USD 6.16B. In this case, that was a vast increase seen over ten years. The top five export areas are listed below: Machinery, nuclear reactors and boilers. Electrical and electronic equipment. Furniture, lighting signs and prefabricated buildings. Animal, vegetable fats & oils and cleavage products. Articles of iron or steel.
THE UNITED KINGDOM Export to the UK fell drastically from over USD 10B in 2010 to USD 4.98B in 2020 – perhaps a combination of BREXIT and the pandemic in this case (with just slightly less exported to the United States in 2020). The top five UK export areas are listed below: Machinery, nuclear reactors and boilers. Electrical and electronic equipment. Meat and edible meat offal. Meat, fish and seafood preparations. Furniture, lighting signs and prefabricated buildings. The following five in the top ten export countries in 2020 were the United States (USD 4.93B), China (USD 4.33B), Poland (USD 3.71B), France (USD 3.09B) and Italy (USD 2.06B). Denmark supports a high standard of living—it's per capita gross national product
"DENMARK SUPPORTS A HIGH STANDARD OF LIVING—IT'S PER CAPITA GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT IS AMONG THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD—WITH WELL-DEVELOPED SOCIAL SERVICES."
Mariano has over 35 years
is among the highest in the world—with well-developed social services. However, the economy is based primarily on service industries, trade, and manufacturing; only a tiny percentage of the population is engaged in agriculture and fishing. It is not easy to deduce from the statistics in this article that more than 60% of Denmark is actually used for agricultural purposes and is among the biggest industries in the Danish economy alongside tourism, energy and transportation. The service sector dominates the Danish economy with 80% of all jobs, whereas about 11% of all employees work in manufacturing and only 2% in agriculture. Robotics and electronic equipment, in general, are very well-established and highly effective in Danish industry. In terms of nominal gross national income per capita, Denmark is within the global top ten, only surpassed by Lichtenstein, Bermuda, Switzerland, Norway, Macau, the Isle of Man, Luxembourg, Iceland and the United States. Although BREXIT and the pandemic have hugely impacted the Danish economy, it has not been a disaster. On the contrary, Danish Industry has been very adaptable to these challenges and although working from home has slowed down the economy, the vast majority of companies have found ways of coping with these challenges. THE-INTL
with British Chambers of Com-
global experience as a business executive. He spent ten years with KPMG, thirty years merce (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
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VISITDENMARK - NICLAS JESSEN
SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVING IS EASY
At no other time do people read crime fiction like the holiday season. Inspiration for the time spent with your spouse or extended family, perhaps? These titles are great at any time, so enjoy!
SUSAN JESSEN SPIELE LIBRARIAN Susan is a librarian at Roskilde Library, and in charge of the English section. She does English events all year; everything from expat dinners and pub quizzes, to karaoke nights
TENSE, NUANCED AND AUTHENTIC
BEAUTIFUL, LAYERED AND ATMOSPHERIC
FUNNY, ORIGINAL AND ENGAGING
INSIGHTFUL, QUIET AND POIGNANT
SURVIVORS
THE SEARCHER
EXIT
THE LONG CALL
Kieran left his small
Former cop Cal moved
7 5 -y e a r - o l d w i d o w-
D etective Matthew
hometown on the coast
from Chicago to rural
er Felix Pink has led
Venn is back in North
of Tasmania 12 years
Ireland after becom-
a boring and predict-
Devon, where he left as
ago, after the death
ing disaffected with the
able life until he be-
a young man when he
of his brother and a
job. Renovating an old
comes an Exiteer, a per-
broke with a fundamen-
friend. Now he is back
house, he slowly gets
son who assists with
tal community. Now a
with his wife and new-
to know the locals, in-
suicide. Then his new
murder case with ties
b o r n d a u g h t e r, b u t
cluding a feral youth.
young partner helps
to both his husband’s
some people still hold
But Trey has an ulteri-
the wrong person die,
work and his old com-
him responsible and
or motive, making Cal
and he is suddenly ac-
munity puts his new life
then somebody else
search for a missing
tively involved in a mur-
at risk.
dies.
brother.
der investigation.
BY JANE HARPER
BY TANA FRENCH
BY BELINDA BAUER
and book talks.
BY ANN CLEEVES
DID YOU KNOW? Books are the most brilliant invention, but paper books and suitcases are not a perfect match. If you are travelling this summer, you might want to give ereolenGlobal.dk a go. If you are registered as a user at your local library (show up with your yellow health card or passport), you have free access to English e- and audiobooks online!
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SUMMER TIPS FOR PET OWNERS
PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK / UNSPLASH.COM
TEXT TAREK ABU SHAM
S
SUMMER. IT'S THE time of year that so many look forward to. But warm weather is not without its downsides. Being informed and taking the proper precautions could be the difference between you and your pet having fun outside and a trip to the emergency vet.
OVERHEATING AND HEAT STROKE Pets can quickly overheat, and this can cause complications such as cardiovascular compromise, stroke, seizures and death. Unfortunately, pets don't have to be outside to overheat: some pets may overheat in the house or a building. And it's incredibly easy for pets of any sort to overheat in a vehicle, so don't leave your pet in a car. Brachycephalic breeds or short or snubnosed breeds, such as Persian cats and pugs, are more likely to overheat. These pets may not be able to respire readily to control their body temperatures, with often ineffective panting and longer soft palates that can block the trachea. Providing plenty of shade can help keep your pet's temperature from becoming elevated. Cold, fresh water should also always be available. "Pupsicles" are a great way to get the family involved in keeping your pet safe: blend pet-safe fruits and freeze or even freeze chicken broth. You can purchase a cooling vest or towels, as well. Some pets may develop heatstroke, which needs to be treated immediately by a veterinarian. Heatstroke may lead to blood clotting disorders or neurologic conditions, such as seizures.
BURNED PAWS With warmer temperatures, your pet's paws are more likely to become injured. Concrete, such as sidewalks and similar surfaces, retain heat even after sunset. When your pet goes outside for a break and walks along these surfaces, they can burn their paws. If your pet needs to go outside, try to stick to the grass and shaded areas. In ad-
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TAREK ABU SHAM CEO & FOUNDER OF MYPETERINARIAN
dition to potential burns, the hotter sidewalks may also increase the likelihood of abrasions or paw sores. If you know you'll be walking on hotter surfaces, consider getting your pet booties to protect their paws.
SUN EXPOSURE AND INJURY Did you know that animals can get sunburned? Light-skinned areas, such as pink noses tend to burn more easily. Areas with less hair, such as ears, are also at a higher risk of getting sunburns. Sunburns can increase the odds of your pet developing skin cancers.
ECTOPARASITES Summertime may bring a higher risk of exposure to external skin parasites, including fleas and ticks. Warmer weather is also usually associated with an increase in mosquitoes, which can irritate skin or transmit heartworms to your dog or other pets. Each of these external parasites can lead to significant health complications or even be contagious to you. Fleas may cause your pet to become very itchy and could lead
to skin infections. Ticks transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and may cause localized skin infections.
TIME FOR SWIMMING? Some pets absolutely adore swimming. Drowning can be a risk, however, so make sure to watch them closely and consider getting a life vest designed for their shape and size. Exposure to water can lead to a higher risk of developing ear infections. Discuss ear cleaning plans with your veterinarian to help find the most effective treatment. Chemicals in pools may irritate the skin, so consider bathing your pet afterwards. Pets playing at the beach may drink salt water, which can cause diarrhoea or vomiting. Certain ponds or lakes may have chemical runoff, toxic, or bacteria or algae that can cause disease, including leptospirosis. If you're planning to enjoy the summer with your pet, have a game plan to keep them safe. Discuss your plans for the summer with your vet to get recommendations on the best preventative 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
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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®.
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Contact your doctor if you experience side effects
You wait at least 15 minutes at the vaccination site