The International - March 2021 by The International Denmark

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ISSN 2596-5220

EASY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

CONNECTING WITH NATURE

VEGETABLE GARDENS IN DENMARK

EASTER TRADITIONS

MARCH 2021 - THE-INTL.COM

CREATE THE CITY YOU LIVE IN!

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PAPER

MUSICIAN RONNY MORRIS SHARES LESSONS LEARNED ABROAD MARCH 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

GIVE YOUR HEAD A GOOD SPRING CLEAN CLEANING AND DECLUTTERING ARE SO INGRAINED IN US AT THIS TIME OF YEAR. THE CLOUDS PART, THE SUNS OUT, AND IT'S TIME TO WASH THE WINDOWS AND CLEAN THE RUGS. BUT THE CONCEPT ISN'T LIMITED TO YOUR HOME. NOW IS A REALLY GREAT TIME TO RID YOUR MIND OF ALL THAT WEIGHS IT DOWN.

AFTER LIVING IN Denmark for 13 years,

I've had time to pick my favourite season. For me personally, Spring wins hands down. After a long dark winter (with periodic flurries of snow), it starts to take its toll. Growing up in South Africa, I miss my sunshine, and nothing makes me smile like sunny days and the myriad of greens in the foliage, and Spring sure puts on a show!

WALK IT OUT Even a leisurely 10-minute walk is good for the brain. Walking helps different parts of the brain to communicate better with each other. It also helps with focus and memory and even increases blood flow to the brain.

SO HERE ARE MY TOP 8 TIPS FOR SPRINGING (YES, A MOM JOKE) INTO MARCH!

FOOD FOR THE BRAIN Exercise and food go hand in hand. Brain food that is high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants are a sure-fire winner. Foods like salmon, eggs, blueberries, nuts, and treats like coffee, green tea, and dark chocolate.

SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX Social media can be a distraction. They take away precious bandwidth in your brain. The average person spends a quarter of their day browsing social networks that have nothing to do with work. It's time to get that time and your mental focus back. Sometimes it's good to shut off.

AVOID CHECKING YOUR EMAIL FIRST THING IN THE MORNING If the first thing you do when you open your eyes in the morning is to grab your phone. Resist. Plug in the phone somewhere else other than your bedroom. Give yourself a breather, even if it's just the 15 minutes, it might take to go to the bathroom, wash your face, and brush your teeth.

SHUT OFF FROM THE NEWS IT'S NOT GOING ANYWHERE Listen to uplifting podcasts and singing along to energising music. Stop yourself switching on the TV. Can you change the

A DANE

phrases like: "No, it isn't" and "It doesn't matter."

latest infection levels in Denmark? No. So, stick with things that are more in your control, including music or personalities you like best.

STEP UP YOUR ZZZZZZZ'S If you want to literally spring-clean your brain, get your z's. Deep sleep helps clear toxins from the brain. Sleep is critical to the function of the brain's waste removal system, and experts agree that deep sleep is better.

STOP LISTENING TO THE VOICE IN YOUR HEAD Irrational negative thoughts keep us fearful, stagnant, anxious and depressed. But a little cognitive behavioural therapy can help. The best ways to do this is by challenging negative thoughts with powerful

IN SPAIN MEET THE COPENHAGEN MUSICIAN LIVING THE INTERNATIONAL LIFE

GROWING UP IN COPENHAGEN, RONNY MORRIS DREAMED OF BECOMING A MUSICIAN. TODAY, HIS MUSIC TRANSCENDS THE BORDERS OF HIS HOMELAND - AS DOES HIS LIFESTYLE.

PHOTOGRAPHS VARIOUS

TEXT SARAH REDOHL

since 2005 - currently, in Spain. Ronny has managed to turn a vibrant childhood dream into vivid reality.

DREAMS MADE REAL At 13, Ronny attended a music boarding school in the rural countryside of Denmark,

tends to play along. Tapping on his magical keyboard, he stares out the window of his family's fourth-floor apartment as if serenading all of Østerbro, utterly unaware that

where he took drum lessons and learned to play the saxophone. When he left the school to return to Copenhagen, a former classmate invited him to join the rock band, Chro-

one day he would be a musician for real. "I've always been a dreamer and a seeker," Ronny said. His imagination was an es-

mium Fender. Although Ronny considered himself first and foremost a drummer, the only available spot in the band was as its singer. He'd been interested in singing since

cape from the depression and addiction he faced within his family. "Because I couldn't have the life I wanted on the outside, I created my own inner world."

childhood, but he was shy about his voice. Ronny used to enjoy recording himself on a tape recorder belonging to his mother

In his inner world, he was a rockstar. "To be creative, to work with people and be part of a scene, all whilst travelling the world," Ronny said, "I thought if I could have all those things - Wow, what a life!" Nearly four decades later, that's exactly the life Ronny has created for himself. A singer and songwriter whose voice has been compared to that of Bryan Adams, Ronny's origi-

and stepfather during childhood. However, he wasn't allowed to use the tape recorder on his own, and he was too shy to sing in front of his stepfather. "He'd stay in the room to record me," Ronny recalled, "but I made him promise to close his ears so he couldn't hear me sing." Years later, when singing was his only shot at getting in the band, Ronny stepped up

nal compositions have appeared on several hit American TV shows, from One Tree Hill to Ghost Whisperer. In 2018, he released his first album, Sweet Silence.

to the mic. During his time in Chromium Fender, Ronny bought himself a cheap guitar and learned to play. The band's other guitarist taught him a few chords, and from those

He's worked alongside music industry professionals tied to Guns N' Roses and Fleetwood Mac, among others. He's had the opportunity to travel widely and live abroad

three chords, Ronny wrote his first song. "When I brought (my song) back to the band, the other guitarist was like, 'Those are

MARCH 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

My top picks for March Pages 10-13 A Dane in Spain. Meet the Copenhagen musician living the international life.

Page 18

CLEANING – YES, I'M SERIOUS! I know this is all supposed to be about your brain. But hear me out here: Studies show that filth and clutter are associated with negative thoughts, depression, anxiety, and lack of sleep. Cleaning, decluttering and reorganising your space actually helps clear your mind. So, get dusting! The vaccine rollout is finally picking up speed in Denmark. Things are slowly opening up again after a very long lockdown, and Spring is finally here! Enjoy, spend time with your family, and take care of yourself.

The importance of connecting with nature.

Page 20 Planting a vegetable garden anywhere in Denmark.

Page 22 Easter traditions in Viking Land

Pages 25

Love,

Claire cooks up a batch of

LYNDSAY JENSEN - EDITOR & FOUNDER

chocolate chip cookies.

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MEET THE TEAM

EDITOR & FOUNDER LYNDSAY JENSEN has over twenty years' experience in the advertising and publishing industry, and holds degrees in Business and Desktop Publishing (print and repro). Born in the UK, and brought up in South Africa, she has the ability to understand different cultures, and is passionate about networking. She is a wife of twenty three years and mother to two boys aged 22 and 16. She loves travel, photography, music and art. lyndsay@the-intl.com

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

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SALES For advertising sales,

CONSULTING EDITOR

SALES MANAGER

CONRAD EGBERT is a journalist and editor with over 20 years of experience across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Apart from writing for The International, he also heads up the newly established Magazines and Supplements division for the company. If you wish to participate in any of our future magazines and supplements, make sure to drop him a line at conrad@theintl.com

CONNOR JENSENis taking a gap year before continuing his studies in education. Born in South Africa and moving to Denmark at a young age, he realtes to internationl life. He enjoys meeting new cultures, music and hanging out with his family and friends.

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM AROUND DENMARK HEAD OF SOCIAL MEDIA CATHERINE HEFFERAN is originally from DC, and loves living in Copenhagen. A pass i o n f o r t r av e ling, meeting new people, and dabbling in other artistic endeavors outside of social media, like illustration, graphic design and podcasting keeps her busy.

please contact: sales@the-intl.com

CONTACT The International ApS; +45 42407624

COVER PICTURE Ronny Morris

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

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SUBSCRIPTIONS For home or corporate delivery of the printed edition please contact: distribution@the-intl.com

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Could you be our next SoMe ambassador? Apply today by emailing: lyndsay@the-intl.com

NOTICE The publishers regret that they cannot accept any liability for error or omissions contained in this publication. The opinions and views presented need not necessarily reflect those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek special counsel before acting on any information contained herein. All rights reserved. No part of this publication or contents thereof may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without written permission from the publishers. Published by and © 2020 The International ApS. Registered in Denmark / CVR Number: 39118181

The International is published 12 times a year. This issue was published on 3 March, 2021

THE FEEL-GOOD STORIES OF DENMARK

Locals in Faxe rally together to offer aid to the homeless during winter

TOGETHER FOR BABY AYAH 1,000,000 reasons to donate 100kr each to a very worthy cause. JUDY WANJIKU JØRGENSEN

Meet Ayah Lundt, a bright-eyed, cheerful oneyear-old baby who lives in Bornholm with her family. Ayah Lundt was born in January 2020, by many accounts a healthy child, until a diagnosis in November 2020 detected that she has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 (SMA type 2). SMA is a rare genetic condition that affects one in 10,000 people worldwide. The condition is characterised by progressive muscle loss, to the point where a child cannot control her head or sit unassisted, and if left untreated, this disease can be fatal. Since diagnosis here in Denmark, Ayah is on Spiranza, a drug that slows down SMA progression.

age from your product sales or even connect the family with people that could help. THE-INTL

JAKOB WEIZMAN

Winters can be challenging for everyone, especially amid a global pandemic forcing us to stay inside our homes whenever possible. For some, it reminds them of others affected more than just by the season, especially Martin Kaiser, a local who resides in Faxe, a town in Southern Zealand. "A lot of misery in my teens made me care for those who were less fortunate than myself. I had a grown-up friend who was homeless. I remember him every morning, crawling out of the garbage dumpster behind the vegetable shop when I was on my way to school," said Kaiser, who is married with a 13-year-old son. "For half of my life, I've been surrounded by people who had a rough life," added Kaiser, who works in renovation. Looking for ways to socialise during the lockdown as many began to struggle with mental issues, Kaiser joined the Bearded Gentleman's Club, where he quickly made friends and began staying active through charity work. "One day, I started talking in the group about how we could help the less unfortunate under a lockdown. Later that day, I talked with a local homeless guy and heard that many homeless shelters were closed or had a waiting list because of the lockdown. So when winter came, I knew there was going to be a serious problem finding shelter," revealed Kaiser.

“The good news is, a recent medical breakthrough offers a one-time treatment in the form of Zolgensma, a Gene Replacement Therapy." The good news is, a recent medical breakthrough offers a one-time treatment in the form of Zolgensma, a Gene Replacement Therapy. As with all treatments, the clock is ticking. Ayah needs to get Zolgensma treatment before she is two years old. The challenge is that Zolgensma is the world’s most expensive drug, going at approximately 10,000,000 Danish kroner. Undaunted by the mountain of this price tag, Ayah’s parents have launched a bold fundraising campaign to help raise funds and secure treatment for baby Ayah before it is too late.

“If it takes a village to raise a child, baby Ayah needs the global community to rally behind her."

“I talked with a local homeless guy and heard that many homeless shelters were closed or had a waiting list because of the lockdown. So when winter came, I knew there was going to be a serious problem finding shelter.”

If it takes a village to raise a child, baby Ayah needs the global community to rally behind her. If 1,000,000 people give 100 kroner, Ayah stands a chance at surviving into adulthood and live a healthy, fulfilling life. Treatment for SMA with Zolegsma isn’t approved in Denmark yet due to the prohibiting cost. Fortunately, Ayah will be able to get the treatment in the USA, where it is currently available. To donate, please visit @little.ayah Facebook page and follow if you want to know the latest updates on her condition. If you can’t donate and have a business, you can contribute a service or a percent-

JAKOB WEIZMAN is Danish-Colombian. As an international journalist he's covered political and cultural topics in Kosovo, Colombia and Austria. He currently resides in Aalborg, and is achieving his Master's degree. Jakob likes to read, exercise, listen to classic rock, and is a linguist.

JUDY WANJIKU JØRGENSEN is a journalist and photographer based in Aarhus. When she's not doing all things photography, she's probably writing or cooking. Her work allows her to connect with people, stories, and social issues that inspire her. Follow her on www.judywanderi.net

That same night, Kaiser wrote a letter to a local Facebook group to see if anyone wanted to donate old clothing to the homeless, organised by his club. Soon enough, not only the local community but people all over the country pledged to donate. "We collected and sorted over 500 kg of clothing in one week. There were so many people writing to me, from all over the country, that every time I had responded to one person's donation, 3 new people had written to me," said Kaiser. "So personally, for me, it was a massive success. A handful of members came by my workshop also with donations they've been gathering, and we started packing the donations in boxes, getting it ready for the homeless," concluded Kaiser. THE-INTL For those looking to donate to the less fortunate, check out Kaiser's group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Beardedgentlemensclub

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ONLINE EVENTS

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IN MARCH

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GION BALTHASAR VON ALBERTINI

As the lockdown continues, The International will keep you updated as much as possible through our social media and website about online and live safe events. We always encourage you to follow the government's guidelines and stay safe. For up to date information on these guidelines and latest news follow: www.coronasmitte.dk

4 MARCH

5 MARCH

THE BERLAGE KEYNOTES: “TAKE FIVE TALES” BY FRANCESCA TORZO

LIVE CHAKRA CLEANSING WITH DEEP CELLO Prepare to relax and join The Wong Janice on this weekly 45-minute journey of deep cello pieces aligned with the 7 major chakras that will leave you feeling more open and calm. The performance is a live interpretation of pieces from her 10-day Insight Timer course: Chakra Cleansing with Deep Cello. This event is hosted in collaboration with the meditation app Insight Timer.

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Francesca Torzo established her eponymous studio in Genova in 2008, after working for Peter Zumthor in Haldenstein and Bosshard Vaquer in Zurich, Switzerland. She studied architecture at the TU Delft, ETSAB Barcelona, AAM in Mendrisio, and the IUAV in Venice. She holds visiting professorships at the Bergen School of Architecture in Norway and Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio. In 2019, her office completed the Z33 house for contemporary art in Hasselt, Belgium. The Berlage Keynotes is an ongoing lecture series featuring internationally prominent architects, designers, and thinkers at the forefront of design discourse and innovation. A selection of speakers working from different disciplinary perspectives and different geographic, cultural, and political contexts presents how their work engages with contemporary issues and debates. This spring semester, speakers include Christ & Gantenbein, OOZE, Francesca Torzo, Manthey Kula, PRODUCTORA, Anna Puigjaner, Vector Architects, Kieran Long, and Diener & Diener.

For more events around Denmark, check out the KultuNaut website: https://www.kultunaut.dk/perl/arrlist/type-nynaut/UK?DefaultGenre=-Gudstjeneste|-Undervisning|-Film

Note: You can either join via the desktop or browser on a mobile device or if you prefer, you can download the Insight Timer App for easy access on a mobile device. WEEKLY on Fridays at 1:30pm PST / 4:30pm EST / 9:30pm GMT / 10:30pm CET / 8:30am+1 AEDT It is free to join. If you wish to make a donation, you can do that by PayPal here: https://www.thewongjanice.com/ support MORE INFO: 10-day Chakra Cleansing Course: https://insighttimer. com/meditatio.../course_the-wong-janice

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WANT TO JOIN A VIBRANT PROFESSIONAL INTERNATIONAL NETWORK ? Flexible membership options A fantastic community of like-minded entrepreneurs

Establishing friendships and network Connect with a larger client base!

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FRANCESCA TORZO

Exposure to media and relevant groups of clients

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Inspiration and motivation

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DESIGN MUSEUM BRUSSELS

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SKÅNES KONSTFÖRENING FB PAGE

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7 MARCH

8 MARCH

RESURRECTION LANDS: DIGITAL WEEKEND - ARTIST TALK & PERFORMANCES

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY THE WOMEN OF THE BAUHAUS CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT (BAUHAUSFRAUEN)

DIGITAL WEEKEND: Alongside our current online exhibition, RESURRECTION LANDS by Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley, Skånes konstförening will host a digital weekend! We've packed our 2-day program with a live-streamed artist talk and performances by Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley, JJ McDonald & Mandhla Ndubiwa! The exhibition and program are curated by C. Grace Chang.

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Celebrating female creativity, Cellist Michelle So and pianist Eva Doroszkowska return with mezzo-soprano Miranda Westcott to explore a hedonistic mix of music. Mesmerising melodies and voluptuous harmonies chart the creative thread of composers who were free thinkers and trailblazers of their time.

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11 MARCH Bauhaus is the home of the avant-garde and the foundation of modern architecture. Today, almost 100 years after being founded, the Bauhaus-masters continue to be the architecture and design history stars. However, the (his) story of the Bauhaus remains male-dominated. Only experts know the art school's female contributors' names, even though a significant part of its innovative potential goes to its women. The documentary "Bauhausfrauen" (The Women of the Bauhaus) is a homage to the forgotten Bauhaus women and shows: The Bauhaus idea is alive and is also HERstory.

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13 MARCH

17 MARCH

DANCE MEDICINE: GROOVE VIA ZOOM

ANNE FRANK’S EUROPE: BEFORE, DURING & AFTER HER DIARY

HOW TO NAVIGATE A QUARTER LIFE CRISIS

In weird times of stress and uncertainty, it is essential to take care of our bodies and minds, seeking safety within our bodies, and cultivating the present moment. This online Groove class is designed to help you reconnect with your soul through liberating body movement and self-acceptance. The class consists of approximately 30 minutes of Groove dancing. What is GROOVE? It is a simple, creative, and fun interactive group dance experience. No previous dance background needed, no choreography to follow, no striving for perfection! You come as you are, dance your unique way, and unite in one rhythm with others. When you practice Groove, you are not joining a standard dance class. There is no need to be cool, dress up in fancy clothes, or try to fit in. The Groove community consists of people who welcome you with all your authenticity and encourage each other to inspire in creative self-expression. All we care about is MUSIC's power and how it can help establish a human connection through liberating body movement. We carefully select the most exciting tracks from all kinds of genres, styles, and cultures so you can get inspired to leave your comfort zone and get lost in the music. The GROOVE Philosophy is based on 5 GROOVE truths: 1. No one cares how you look when you dance 2. Your way is the right way - find your unique expression 3. No one can do it for you - you are the only one responsible for your wellbeing and health 4. You should look different - practice being yourself and embrace it 5. You don't understand something until you apply it - so don't be afraid and try it! For more information about The Groove Method and the Founder Misty Tripoli, visit: https://theworldgroovemovement.com

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Learn how to navigate yourself out of a QLC and navigate yourself out of any future crisis.

Join us for an online/virtual tour of the places throughout Europe associated with Anne Frank. While the basics of Anne's life as depicted in her diary are known to many, some of the most noteworthy aspects of this time are not well known.

About this event A Quarter Life Crisis (QLC) can sneak up on you anytime between ages 24 - 35. You've done everything' right' - studied, moved out, got a job, got a relationship - but you don't feel 'right'. You thought you were going to be successful, happy and fulfilled by this point. Instead, you feel lost, stuck, insecure, disappointed about your career, and confused. You want to run away but don't know where. You want to change but don't know where to even start. Worst of all, you feel like you're the only one going through this.

Also, the period of her life before and after the 26 months covered in her diary is not nearly as familiar as it should be. We'll review Anne's tragic and inspiring life (before, during and after the diary) through the places in Germany, the Netherlands and Poland connected to her. You are welcome to read (or re-read) The Diary of Anne Frank beforehand - although this is definitely not required, of course. Our programme will include reading, analysis and discussion of several passages. Annelies Marie "Anne" Frank (12 June 1929 – February or March 1945) was a German-Dutch diarist of Jewish origin. One of the most discussed Jewish victims of the Holocaust, she gained fame posthumously with the publication of The Diary of a Young Girl, in which she documents her life in hiding from 1942 to 1944, during the German occupation of the Netherlands in World War II. It is one of the world's best-known books and has been the basis for several plays and films.

Don't worry. You're not alone, and nothing has gone wrong. By the end, you will feel like a weight has been lifted. Not only will you know how to navigate yourself out of a QLC, but you'll be equipped with an internal compass that will navigate you out of any future crisis. Takeaways Why your QLC is the best thing that could have happened to you What causes a QLC How to overcome fear of failure How to get unstuck How to redefine your success criteria The 3 keys tools to get you out of the QLC and into a more aligned, purpose-driven life How to make big life decisions with ease

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, she lived most of her life in or near Amsterdam, Netherlands, having moved there with her family at four and a half when the Nazis gained control over Germany. Born a German national, she lost her citizenship in 1941 and thus became stateless. By May 1940, the Franks were trapped in Amsterdam by the German occupation of the Netherlands. As persecutions of the Jewish population increased in July 1942, the Franks went into hiding in some concealed rooms behind a bookcase in the building where Anne's father, Otto Frank, worked. Until the family's arrest by the Gestapo in August 1944, she kept a diary she had received as a birthday present and wrote in it regularly. Following their arrest, the Franks were transported to concentration camps. In October or November 1944, Anne and her sister, Margot, were transferred from Auschwitz to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where they died (probably of typhus) a few months later.

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Lockdown and cold weather can affect our mental state, but HEY, here comes the natural medicine called GROOVE!

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18 MARCH

19 MARCH

20 MARCH

URBAN FOXES BY DAWN SCOTT

FREE TRIALS IN YOGA AND MEDITATION

WOMEN'S CODING WEBINAR LEARN TO CODE FOR FREE!

Proffesor Dawn Scott will discuss why foxes have successfully adapted to urban living and described her team's fascinating research.

Join our class wherever you are in the world, even if you have never tried yoga before and experience something new. Relieve stress, gain energy and find inspiration through classical yoga and meditation. Amid the chaos, we can find peace within ourselves. Our classes include physical poses, breathing exercises, deep relaxation and meditation. Structured in a harmonious way to allow your body and mind to relax deeply, without effort. Give it a try and find out the benefits of yoga and meditation in your daily life! Teachers at Scandinavian Yoga and Meditation School go through a minimum of 4 years of yoga-education and will guide you through the experience, regardless of your level.

Join the next Women's Coding Webinars and take your first steps in coding for free! Learn to create your first landing page from scratch with HTML and CSS for free during this workshop. You'll also get the chance to: - Get a taste of web development and find out if it is for you - Meet other women interested in learning to code online - Receive a 500€ scholarship for our web development boot camp Each woman who completes the workshop will GET A PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIP OF €500!

About this event In this talk, Prof Dawn Scott will be providing an overview of why foxes have been so successful in adapting to urban living. She will describe the research she and her team has undertaken to date on urban foxes and what insights this has provided on how foxes have adapted to live alongside us in cities. She will be discussing how adapting to urban living has affected their ecology and behaviour and how human behaviour can affect fox behaviour.

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A value-driven community that welcomes students ages 4-16. Rygaards has a strong reputation of a rich educational experience with a nurturing atmosphere where students learn to think for themselves, find their own voice, and engage with the world with confidence and curiosity. • High academic standards • Christian ethos • Beautiful campus, located in Hellerup • Global community • NEASC accreditation • Cambridge Assessment International Education Bernstorffsvej 54, 2900 Hellerup +45 39 62 10 53

Learn more at rygaards.com

MARCH 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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LONDON DRAWING GROUP

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20 MARCH

24 MARCH

VEGAN FOR BEGINNERS ONLINE WORKSHOP

DRAWING PLANTS AND MINDFULNESS WORKSHOP

More and more people are interested in the vegan/plantbased lifestyle. Some are just curious, some want to get their feet wet, and some are ready to come to the V-side! I am here for you all! I offer information to introduce you to what eating vegan is like. This workshop occurs on Zoom, and it would be awesome if you turned your camera on! That part isn't necessary, so no worries if you're not able to.

Following WOMEN WHO SPEAK TO PLANTS, join Anna Souter for a DRAWING workshop about plants and mindfulness...

GETTING OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE: BRANDING AND STORYTELLING STRATEGIES Scared to show up on social? I've been there too! Let's talk about natural confidence, what impact value has and increasing your profits.

About this Event Join LDG, and Anna Souter for a practical follow up to Anna's lecture! Plants and Mindfulness follow WOMEN WHO SPEAK TO PLANTS a talk which takes a feminist approach to learn from plants, exploring the relationship between trees and language, the brain-body divide, and collaboration. MATERIALS: Use any drawing materials you like for this beautiful mindful class.

What you and I will do together: Intro/Mixer Vegan/Plant-based presentation (Does not involve cooking) Q & A session

About this Event Getting in your own head of what caption to write, to the perfect curated photo to share on your feed, to worrying about what others will think about when you show up on video, the list goes on... but there's something powerful that happens when you step into your power and story. Register today for this online webinar!

Anna Souter is a writer, researcher, and curator interested in the intersections between contemporary art and ecology. She writes essays, criticism and fiction, and her work has been featured by publications including The Architectural Review, The Brooklyn Rail, Burlington Contemporary, The Guardian, and Hyperallergic. Her fiction has been commissioned by GRAIN Projects, Open Space Contemporary and Furtherfield Gallery. In 2020, she was appointed writer-in-residence by Corridor8 for the project Thinking Through Extinction, created in partnership with the University of Leeds and Manchester Museum.

STEPS TO JOIN WORKSHOP Grab tickets today Mark your calendar right away Invite a friend or two Download the ZOOM app to your cell phone, tablet, desktop, or laptop Show up at the workshop with a beverage, a pen, and a pad

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Christine Lieu will help you exude that natural confidence, impact your audience with value, and increase your profits. Hear about Christine Lieu's journey as the founder of CL Designs and the Brand Party Podcast. It all started with this 1 thing and has evolved over her 2 years in business to create her bold legacy. With her actionable tips will get you excited and ready to implement change in your business today.

MARCH 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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LONDON DRAWING GROUP

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26 MARCH

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DIGITAL BALL

LOUVRE MUSEUM LIVE INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL TOUR

BROOKLYN INTERACTIVE STREET ART TOUR

Join your expert Parisian guide on a virtual exploration of the Louvre Museum with a live chat and Q&A.

Let’s take a virtual tour through Brooklyn, the mecca of street art!

About this event What is a Virtual Guided Tour? It is not virtual reality. It is a licensed guide led webinar packed with photos, videos, polls, and a fully interactive chat function which makes this anything but a lecture video. There is also a live Q&A at the end, satisfying all your questions about the Louvre and Paris. Whether you’ve never been abroad or spent every summer in France, enjoy this exciting, interactive experience from the comfort of your home.

Our experience will be broken up into five parts:

The online folk ball with Trio Dhoore & dancers of Frisse Folk. Do you miss folk balls as much as we do? Would you like to dance and enjoy good music together with people all over Europe? Then join our digital ball streaming live through Facebook or Youtube! Frisse Folk & Studio present this digital folk ball with a super band and dance teachers from our team in a cosy dance venue! You can support Frisse Folk with a free contribution. https://frissefolk.be/en/donate

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This 60-minute online virtual tour of the Louvre includes: Licensed Expert in Louvre Art and History Tour the Louvre on this virtual experience Ask any questions you want in live Q&A The Mona Lisa The most famous painting of the world, there is more to this painting than meets the eye. With your guide, you’ll understand why this deceptively simple painting is surrounded by armed guards and bulletproof glass at all hours of the day. It’s a secret that only an expert can unravel. UNSPLASH.COM

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1. Transport to a coffee shop in Brooklyn filled with stunning artwork. There, we'll chat about what street art means to each of us. We'll also begin a fun 'Lego art' scavenger hunt featuring pieces from local sticker artist R.A.D. 2. Take a guided tour through East Williamsburg and view dozens of commissioned murals, some over 40 feet in size! I'll share unique stories from a mix of local and international artists. 3. Travel back in time to the 1970s to learn about N.Y.C.'s early graffiti and hip-hop scene. We'll explore this art form's origins– from tags and 'Wildstyle' pieces to different crews and techniques. 4. Visit the Bushwick Collective, the most extensive outdoor street art gallery in the U.S.A. See a wide range of iconic pieces from some of our legendary artists. 5. Hop on a virtual subway ride to the Wall of Justice– a new space devoted to an influential art movement. Bonus: Get to see some 'creatures' on the train with unique artwork by Subway Doodle.

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copenhagen photo experience The best way to get to know your city while capturing some unique moments.

For bookings or inquiries: @copenhagenphotoexperience

@copenhagenphotoexperience

cph.photo.experience@gmail.com

A city experience involving photoshoots or photo tours in Copenhagen MARCH 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

A DANE

IN SPAIN MEET THE COPENHAGEN MUSICIAN LIVING THE INTERNATIONAL LIFE

GROWING UP IN COPENHAGEN, RONNY MORRIS DREAMED OF BECOMING A MUSICIAN. TODAY, HIS MUSIC TRANSCENDS THE BORDERS OF HIS HOMELAND - AS DOES HIS LIFESTYLE.

PHOTOGRAPHS VARIOUS

IT'S THE EARLY 1980s; synth-pop is relatively new and growing more popular year by year, as is Norwegian synth-pop band A-ha. In Copenhagen, a young Ronny Morris is so fascinated by the band that a schoolmate makes him a 'keyboard' of his own by drawing piano keys onto a cheap plank of plywood. Ronny places the plank on a stand in his bedroom, puts on an A-ha album and pretends to play along. Tapping on his magical keyboard, he stares out the window of his family's fourth-floor apartment as if serenading all of Østerbro, utterly unaware that one day he would be a musician for real. "I've always been a dreamer and a seeker," Ronny said. His imagination was an escape from the depression and addiction he faced within his family. "Because I couldn't have the life I wanted on the outside, I created my own inner world." In his inner world, he was a rockstar. "To be creative, to work with people and be part of a scene, all whilst travelling the world," Ronny said, "I thought if I could have all those things - Wow, what a life!" Nearly four decades later, that's exactly the life Ronny has created for himself. A singer and songwriter whose voice has been compared to that of Bryan Adams, Ronny's original compositions have appeared on several hit American TV shows, from One Tree Hill to Ghost Whisperer. In 2018, he released his first album, Sweet Silence. He's worked alongside music industry professionals tied to Guns N' Roses and Fleetwood Mac, among others. He's had the opportunity to travel widely and live abroad

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TEXT SARAH REDOHL

since 2005 - currently, in Spain. Ronny has managed to turn a vibrant childhood dream into vivid reality.

DREAMS MADE REAL At 13, Ronny attended a music boarding school in the rural countryside of Denmark, where he took drum lessons and learned to play the saxophone. When he left the school to return to Copenhagen, a former classmate invited him to join the rock band, Chromium Fender. Although Ronny considered himself first and foremost a drummer, the only available spot in the band was as its singer. He'd been interested in singing since childhood, but he was shy about his voice. Ronny used to enjoy recording himself on a tape recorder belonging to his mother and stepfather during childhood. However, he wasn't allowed to use the tape recorder on his own, and he was too shy to sing in front of his stepfather. "He'd stay in the room to record me," Ronny recalled, "but I made him promise to close his ears so he couldn't hear me sing." Years later, when singing was his only shot at getting in the band, Ronny stepped up to the mic. During his time in Chromium Fender, Ronny bought himself a cheap guitar and learned to play. The band's other guitarist taught him a few chords, and from those three chords, Ronny wrote his first song. "When I brought (my song) back to the band, the other guitarist was like, 'Those are

MARCH 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

the lamest chords in the book!'" Ronny laughed. Heavily influenced by musicians known for their experimentation, from The Beatles to Depeche Mode, Ronny has never shied away from trying out new things to see what works. "We'd argue for hours. If The Beatles wrote a song in that chord, how could it be lame?" When he left Chromium Fender, Ronny took his songs with him, grateful for his time in the band. If it hadn't been for his time in Chromium Fender, "there would be no Ronny Morris, songwriter."

CALIFORNIA DREAMING When Ronny left Copenhagen for Los Angeles, the imagination that had served him well during childhood became its own challenge. Ronny's vision was clouded by his own imagination. "I'd compare the stories, pictures, and ideas in my head like a blueprint against reality," he said. Usually, reality can't quite measure up to the fantasy. Minor faults, like traffic along LA's 405 Freeway, made Ronny question living in LA. His time in LA also forced Ronny to grapple with what he wanted from life itself. "The American Dream that someday I might make it appealed to me," he said, "but it also scared me because I thought about all those who don't make it. What happens to them?" Twice a week, he'd drive through downtown LA, passing Skid Row - infamous for its large homeless population. "They have dreams, but somewhere, somehow, life went sideways," he said. Although becoming a rock star and finding oneself homeless are two extremes, Ronny felt immense pressure to strive for success in LA. On a visit to Laguna Beach, a seaside resort city south of LA, Ronny met an Italian man sitting along the beach playing chess. The man, who appeared to be homeless, told Ronny to look at all the multi-million-dollar seafront homes lining the coast that sat empty whilst their owners spent all day, every day, working to pay for them. The Italian man continued, "I'm the only one here, enjoying the ocean." It reminded Ronny that simple pleasures of life, like watching the waves crash on a beach, are free. He weighed the cost of staying in LA, both financially and emotionally, and realised that moving to Spain was a better decision for himself and his family. "My inner rockstar/ego/idiot/maniac told me to stay in LA chasing shows, but that didn't seem compatible with raising a family," he said. Spain appealed to Ronny because of its similarities with California, both in nature and climate. Furthermore, he said, "Spain offered a better balance, at a lower price."

all, he adds, "I grew up on a bicycle in Copenhagen." Ronny discovered the region he now calls home on a trip to Valencia. "There was something about it," he said. "I just kept coming back to this area." However, Ronny worried his career would suffer if he lived in such a remote place. "It's easy to tell yourself you're not in the right place to make this or that happen," he said, "and so you stop looking because you tell yourself it isn't there." After his move, Ronny took action to find the music hiding among the mountains. He connected with a local university, requested coffee meetings with people who shared his interests and stopped to chat with street musicians about the local music scene. Soon, he discovered the local music scene's vibrancy, including an industrial complex where many bands practised that felt straight out of West Hollywood. "I felt stupid for ever thinking I wouldn't find music here." It was, however, the first time Ronny had ever lived outside of urban environments; he didn't know what to expect. All he knew was that he'd always enjoyed spending time in nature, and he thought it would inspire his work. "When you spend time in a place where it takes millions of years for a mountain to change, it offers you a chance to completely stop and enjoy the silence," he said. The city is so full of distractions, interruptions, noise. "When all of that subsides, you can focus on what needs your attention for a longer period." The title track of his first album, Sweet Silence, epitomises this feeling. It combines a subtle piano melody and understated guitar with the ambient sound of children playing and doves' cooing (his father used to keep doves). "When you start with a naked arrangement, every time you add something to the mix, you're pulling focus from something else," he said. Sweet Silence manages to be both perfect and naked. After the release of Sweet Silence, Ronny's producer, Steve Thompson, who also works with Guns N' Roses, said the album had such wonderful music that they decided to make instrumental mixes of some of the songs. Ronny plans to release those in 2021.

"BY TALKING TO PEOPLE, CREATING THINGS, HAVING ADVENTURES. YOU BEGIN CREATING THE CITY YOU LIVE IN FOR YOURSELF. YOU CREATE YOUR LIFE RATHER THAN WAITING FOR LIFE TO HAPPEN." - RONNY MORRIS -

A DANE IN SPAIN Recently, Ronny moved to a traditional Spanish village on the outskirts of a coastal Mediterranean town. Nestled among woods of orange, almond, and olive trees, the village's narrow streets are lined with two-story townhouses in shades of peach, pink, and pastel blue, with the occasional pop of purple and turquoise. Lush flowers spill off small balconies, paper decorations zig and zag between houses across the streets below, and Montgó Massif looms overhead. The 753-meter-high mountain is the final spur on the Cordillera Prebética Mountain Range. Every day, Ronny takes a break from his work to go on long walks in the woods or ride his racing bike around the nearby mountains, discovering secluded villages hiding among the mountains. After

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LESSONS LEARNED FROM LIFE ABROAD Since his move to Spain, Ronny has had to contend with the same feelings that plagued him in LA and every other place he'd lived: that perhaps there's a better place out there for him. "When I began feeling the same emotions again, I reminded myself to get out of my head, to explore what it is, not what I thought it would be," he said. Surprisingly, it's Ronny's imagination that helps him overcome these feelings. He imagines himself standing next to a conveyor belt, waiting for packages to arrive. "When nothing comes, you feel empty," he said. "Meanwhile, on the other belt is someone assembling his own packages and sending them out. Who do you think is having more fun in life?" As evidenced by his daily bike rides and exploration of the local music scene, Ronny aims to be the latter. "When that becomes your metaphor, you start thinking about what you can do from where you are," he said. By talking to people, creating things, having adventures, he added, "You begin creating the city you live in for yourself. You create your life rather than waiting for life to happen." Recently, Ronny was talking to a British expat living in Spain who told Ronny his family rarely went to the beach or the moun-

tains, that it had been three years since he swam in the Mediterranean. "I told him that made me sad," Ronny said, "because I'm sure that wasn't the vision of Spain he'd had back in the U.K. You have to remember why you came here. What was it that you promised yourself?" Ronny, who makes a point to stay in touch with his friends worldwide, shared a similar conversation with a friend in LA. Despite living in LA for 10 years, his friend had put off launching his own studio because he thought he'd only live in LA temporarily. "I told him to start the studio," Ronny said. "It doesn't matter how long you stay somewhere, life is life. Even if he leaves LA, maybe he was meant to create the studio, not to run it forever."

FOREVER DANISH After nearly two decades abroad, Ronny keeps alive his favourite Danish traditions, such as celebrating Christmas Eve rather than Christmas morning. "In some ways, I felt more Danish after I moved away," he said. "The most Danish I ever felt was standing in line outside Olson's Delicatessen on Pico Boulevard to pick up Danish sweets and a Danish roast with every other Dane in LA." Sometimes, he would even travel a few hours northwest of LA to the town of Solvang for Æbleskiver. Settled by Danes in the early 1900s, the town is known for its Danish-style architecture and Danish bakeries, restaurants, and stores. The town even has a copy of the Little Mermaid statue and a replica of Rundetårn. He's already found ways to maintain his inner Dane in Spain. A driver comes to Spain from Denmark once a month and delivers Danish products to Ronny and other expats. Ronny's most recent order was for liquorice. "Liquorice is a very Danish thing," he said, recalling his attempts to introduce the treat to American friends who often compared it to chewing tobacco. And, of course, there's the matter of Danish pastries. One of his dreams for 2021 is to set up a Danish pastry shop in Spain. He also plans to record many of the songs he's written since his last album - a project for which he's teamed up with several musicians back in Denmark. Nearly four decades after he played his heart out on an imaginary keyboard in Østerbro, Ronny remains both a Dane and a dreamer. Wherever he finds himself in the world, he listens to the music life has taught him: "It isn't about where you live, it's about what you make of life." THE-INTL

THOSE COOL DANES Despite living abroad for nearly two decades, Ronny maintains his Danish mindset. For example, when a neighbour in LA invited Ronny to his daughter's baby shower, Ronny chose not to go. "Why not? Because I'm Danish," he said. "In my Danish brain, I felt I was intruding. That's a very Danish way to look at it." He believes this is rooted in Danes' fear of doing something wrong. "There's a lot of concern [in Denmark] about what other people think," he said. To people from other cultures, this may come off as 'cold', but Ronny said it's a way of maintaining "togetherness." "Danes have a history of growing and excelling as a group," he said, citing the country's well-established middle class and equal opportunity. "When we move, we move as a group." That sense of teamwork is one Ronny carries with him wherever he goes. When a car was stalled on the 101 Freeway in LA, most drivers drove around the car. Ronny, however, pulled up behind them, turned on his hazards, and carefully got out of his car to see what the problem was. What he found was an elderly couple scared to death and unable to start their car. He gave them a push-start with his own car and got them off the freeway safely. "I think Danes are good at teamwork. We're good at being proactive."

A focus on learning 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

MARCH 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

WHEN NATURE AND CULTURE COLLIDE 5 PLACES TO PERUSE A SCULPTURE PARK SAFELY OUTDOORS

PHOTOGRAPHS ERIN GUSTAFSON / VISITLANGELAND / VISITHERNING

TEXT ERIN GUSTAFSON

FROM FORESTS TO seascapes, Denmark has plenty of places to commune with nature. For me, when those serene settings offer some culture included, I'm a happy camper. And while we all wait for the myriad of amazing Danish museums to throw open their doors once more, we can still take in some art. With March days getting longer, make time to find and experience some impressive large scale sculpture outdoors.

NORTH ZEALAND RUDOLPH TEGNER MUSEUM & STATUEPARK Museumsvej 19, 3120 Dronningmølle www.rudolphtegner.dk Nestled in the heather laden hillocks of North Zealand, the Rudolph Tegner Museum and Statuepark is a gorgeous setting to experience art in nature. Pick up a coffee or hot chocolate to go as you stroll around the grounds to find the fifteen pieces by Danish artist Rudolph Tegner that are set around the landscape. Juniper trees rise above the rolling landscape like works of art themselves. Stroll through the adjacent Rusland forest for a superb day out in Denmark. NORDMANDSDALEN | FREDENSBORG PALACE Slottet 1B, 3480 Fredensborg www.kongeligeslotte.dk The Valley of the Norsemen (or Nordmandsdalen in Danish) is placed in the part of the Fredensborg palace gardens open to the public year-round. A beautiful amphitheatre of terraced paths is lined with 70 sandstone sculptures in three concentric rings. The figures were commissioned by King Frederik V in 1764 and feature 60 Norwegian and 10 Faroese fishermen, bakers, teachers, sailors, shopkeepers, farmers, and more. Representing everyday people doing everyday jobs was a first for a royal garden. To find the sculptures, take Skipper Alle to the left of the Palace and then the first right into the park's open part.

ERIN GUSTAFSON WRITER & BLOGGER

LANGELAND TICKON | TRANEKÆR SLOTSPARK Botofte Strandvej 4, 5953 Tranekær www.visitdenmark.com/denmark/explore/tickon-landart-tranekaer-gdk612302 Tranekær International Centre of Art and Nature, or TICKON, is a wonderful example of "land art." Here all of the compositions are made from natural organic materials within the landscape. As such, they evolve or degrade - depending on how you look at it as they weather each year. The pieces are not restored as they rejoin the land, but instead, new sculptures built. A genuinely artful nature hunt on the beautiful island of Langeland.

LOLLAND

JUTLAND

DODEKALITTEN Kragenæsvej 62, 4943 Lolland www.dodekalit.dk A modern monolithic circle of sculptured stones by the sea, Dodekalitten is mesmerizing and unique. A work still in progress from artist Thomas Kadziola, each carved face stands 7-9 meters high, with plans for twelve in total. Take a seat on the sitting rocks around the forty-meter circle and absorb the accompanying electronic music as it plays daily. The artist hopes when the piece is complete "… is that the finished dodecahedron will stand as a kind of zodiac of life. The twelve insights into life."

DEEP FOREST ART LAND | SKOVSNOGEN Sdr Ommevej, 6933 Kibæk www.deepforestartland.dk Located in a forest between Herning and Billund, Skovsnogen or Deep Forest Art Land takes you on a 3.5-kilometre journey through an art-filled forest. The project began in 2010 by visual artists René Schmit and Søren Taaning to encourage more engagement with nature. For a recommended donation of 20 DKK per person, you can meander the paths to find large scale public art, like the skovsnogen or forest snake. Open daily in March between 08.00 and 17.00, beginning in April open until 21.00. THE-INTL

LEFT TO RIGHT: ERIN GUSTAFSON; ERIN GUSTAFSON; TICKON; VISITHERNING

MARCH 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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

GRADUATE STUDIES A PERSPECTIVE FROM AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH.COM

TEXT SKYLER BENTLEY HALL

DANISH UNIVERSITIES ATTRACT ambitious and talented internationals keen to learn in a modern environment with globally recognised industries. So, what is it like to study in Denmark, and what opportunities are available for graduates? Marta Baryczka, a highly motivated Polish international, transitioned from Northern Ireland to Denmark in 2019 after graduating from Belfast University with a BSc in International Business and Spanish. Marta commenced an MSc in Business Development at Roskilde University (RUC) last year and is currently thriving in the programme. I connected with Marta last month, and she offers some valuable insights about her experience.

SKYLER BENTLEY HALL

Q: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY AT ROSKILDE

EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT

I was attracted to the problem-oriented projects that RUC is proud of. I enjoy challenging myself, and this was a different teaching approach compared to my experience in Northern Ireland. Thanks to our international community, group work has allowed me to look at problems from different perspectives.

Skyler is originally from Can-

Q: HOW DIVERSE IS YOUR GROUP AT RUC?

all proud Canadians. Skyler

We have a very international group of people, including students from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, The Netherlands, United States, Mexico, Spain, Lithuania, Hungary, and Poland.

has worked in the education

UNIVERSITY?

Q: WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT IS OFFERED FOR

STUDENTS INTEGRATING IN DENMARK?

I participated in a two-week Foundation Course that provides information about studying at RUC; the university's history, philosophy, and learning principles; Danish culture, language, and practical matters when moving to Denmark.

Q: WHAT OTHER EXPERIENCES HAVE YOU ENJOYED WHILE STUDYING IN DENMARK?

I am thoroughly enjoying my experience with Young Professionals in Denmark. YPD is a free one-year career development and networking programme for full-degree international Master's, MBA, or Ph. D students enrolled at a Danish University. Students network with Danish companies that actively recruit, learn about the Danish job market, and participate in various events that improve their chances of securing their first job in Denmark.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR INTERNATIONALS APPLYING TO A DANISH UNIVERSITY? TIP #1 - MOTIVATIONAL LETTER Research how to write a great motivational letter. Universities must get to know your motivations behind studying for a specific degree. Each university has a guide, and there is plenty of advice on YouTube.

ada, and after living in Switzerland for several years, she transitioned to Denmark with her husband and son -

MARTA BARYCZKA COMMENCED AN MSC IN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AT ROSKILDE UNIVERSITY (RUC) LAST YEAR AND IS CURRENTLY THRIVING IN THE PROGRAMME.

sector for three decades and found her true passion for supporting students with their educational journey. As the Founder of Bentley Hall Educational Consulting, she ad-

TIP #2 - ACCOMMODATIONS Think about accommodations early. If you live outside of Denmark, get to know the area for your chosen university. Choose a reliable housing agency or temporary apartment while searching for accommodations. If you want a dorm, get in touch with the university as soon as possible since spaces are limited.

vises on career and university options globally. Skyler enjoys spending time with family, exploring new cultures, and embracing the hygge lifestyle in beautiful Denmark.

TIP #3 - NETWORK Connect with students that are studying for the same degree via LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram. These networks can answer questions and share first-hand experiences. I joined a Facebook group, Polish Students in Denmark, where students offered advice throughout the process.

bentleyhall.ca instagram.com/skylerbent leyhall/ facebook.com/skyler.bent leyhall

TIP #4 - ASK QUESTIONS Contact the universities about any concerns you may have. They are always happy to help, so take advantage of this resource. If you are ready to pursue an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate degree in Denmark, take that first step and start your search with www.studyindenmark.dk THE-INTL

MARCH 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

LEFT TO RIGHT: THOMAS HØYRUP CHRISTENSEN; MARTIN HEIBERG; RUNI PHOTOPOP

THE PRACTICALITIES OF SETTLING IN YOU CAN GET STARTED WITH SOME OF THESE THINGS BEFORE YOU LEAVE, BUT THE LIKELIHOOD IS THAT YOU WILL BE INCREDIBLY BUSY JUGGLING A HUNDRED AND ONE OTHER THINGS, SO CUT YOURSELF A BIT OF SLACK.

PHOTOGRAPHS VISITDENMARK / VISITAARHUS

ONE PIECE OF advice that will make your life ten times less stressful, but might be more down to luck than anything, is to move to a place where you already have someone you know. This can provide you with emergency accommodation, advice on paperwork, language assistance and even just reassurance for when the first bout of homesickness kicks in.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The most common form of transport in Denmark is, of course, biking, especially in the large cities. Second to that is using the public transport system. There are several convenient ways to purchase a ticket:  The DOT Tickets app  Rejsekort (travel card) can be bought at the main train stations  Ticket machines located in all stations  Directly from the bus driver (cash only)  Kiosks at many of the stations Rejsekort (travel card) is an electronic ticketing system for travelling by bus, train, and metro. Rejsekort unites the different transport operators, travel zones, ticketing systems, and discount schemes into a common system, making it easier for passengers to use public transport services in Denmark. Rejseplanen is an excellent journey planner that combines the different public transport network to organise your journey. You can download their app or visit their website: www.rejseplanen.dk

DRIVER'S LICENSE EU/EEA/Swiss: Valid driver's licenses issued within the EU are valid in Denmark. Non-EU: Depending on the country you are coming from, you can drive on your valid foreign driving license for 90 days from the day you establish residence in Denmark. After 90 days, you must exchange your foreign driving license for a Danish driving license. To exchange your foreign driving license for a Danish one, you are requested to complete a driving test (consisting of a theoretical and a practical part). Contact the Citizen Service Center, where you live, for further information and exchange your foreign license. It will cost you DKK 280 to exchange your old license for a Danish one. Documents needed:  A passport photo  Residence documents  Your current driving licence  Your passport/national ID card  A medical certificate issued by your doctor  A written declaration that your driving licence has not been revoked within the last five years and that your right to drive has not been restricted or made conditional in any way

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TEXT LAURA WINTEMUTE

PARKING There are different ways to pay for parking: Mobile payment: Download an app from one of the providers (EasyPark is the most common) Residential or commercial parking licence: Different parking licenses are available to permanent residents within the pay zone or in an area with time-restricted parking. For more information and prices, visit www.parkering.kk.dk/en

IMPORTING YOUR CAR If you take up residence in Denmark and bring a vehicle, you must register it within 30 days of arrival and pay a registration tax. This tax is based on the tax authorities valuation of the vehicle. More information can be found online at www.skat.dk

MEDIA LICENSES In Denmark, anyone owning a radio, a television, a smartphone or a computer capable of receiving and displaying pictures must pay a media fee (medielicens). The fee applies to the entire household. You must pay even if you do not watch or listen to the radio or TV channels. You pay for owning the equipment. The fee is a statutory equipment tax, and it is payable in advance every six months. The fee is DKK 1,353 per year.

INSURANCES Some of the essential insurances in Denmark are: Personal liability insurance (Ansvarsforsikring) Household insurance (Indboforsikring) Accident insurance (Ulykkesforsikring) Unemployment insurance (Arbejdsløshedsforsikring) Life insurance (Livsforsikring) Legal protection insurance (Retshjælpsforsikring) Car insurance (Bilforsikring) – if you have a car Dog insurance (Hundeforsikring) – if you have a dog

DANISH LANGUAGE LESSONS Once you have your CPR number, you are eligible for Free Danish courses offered by your local municipality. Please note that you may be required to pay a deposit to start the education at some schools. You can start learning Danish even before you arrive via online Danish Language providers. This will give you a good head start on learning the language. There's so much to learn about living in Denmark, so to make your transition here smooth, we are here to help. Homestead offers support with all of the above, including shopping, groceries, healthcare, cultural awareness, partner and family support, dual career opportunities, education, childcare, pet relocation and care. If you need any help settling in, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us at www.homesteaddenmark.com / www.inthq. org THE-INTL

LAURA WINTEMUTE OWNER, HOMESTEAD Laura is Canadian. After years of living abroad and travelling the world, she moved to Denmark in 2007 and started her new life as an expat living in Denmark. Laura’s experience working in the Danish relocation industry, encapsulating both her experience as an ex-pat and her desire for helping people, which is WHY she started Homestead. Homestead offers Settling in Services and Workshops focusing on the day to day challenges of expats, as well as the cultural differences in both their work and daily life. “In House” consultations for International employees are also one of Homestead’s specialties. Customized, personal consultations focusing on the individual employee. Homestead. We Are Your Settling in Experts. homesteaddenmark.com

COPENHAGEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL LIFTS THE LID ON LANGUAGE DIVERSITY

PHOTOGRAPHS COPENHAGEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

LANGUAGE IS BOTH universal and unique – more than words, language informs our identities, facilitates integration, and improves our learning and earning capacity. And exposure to multiple languages is better than one, as Copenhagen International School shows! Schools that embrace multilingualism report higher levels of academic achievement, and community engagement reports the International Literacy Association (ILA). Multilingualism will be the differentiator for job seekers of the future, says the ILA, and today's educators need to work on cultivating more accepting and welcoming environments to facilitate that*. Embracing language diversity is a key focus at the Copenhagen International School (CIS), where creating an environment where everyone feels that they belong and have equitable opportunities forms part of its vision and mission. "We're very proud of our diverse community, and it's definitely something parents and students appreciate – we do our utmost to help our students be multiliterate and multicultural," says CIS English as an Additional Language (EAL) teacher Ronald Rosenow.

LANGUAGE AND IDENTITY Language forms a pivotal role in our lives as it is inclusive of our culture and identities and is linked to a sense of belonging, which is linked to society, values, and heritage. This is according to Somikazi Deyi, a lecturer at the School of Language and Literature at the University of Cape Town, South Africa**. In that country, which boasts 11 official languages, extensive research has been conducted on the role language plays in children's learning, with additive multilingualism recommended to boost learning. As history shows there and elsewhere, language can be a tool for both divisiveness and unity – it's the latter that schools like CIS, as a proud home to multilingual students in (officially) monolingual Denmark, wish to emphasise. "Kids often talk about their language as something that they're proud of or find interesting, for example, in our recent 'Nations Series' of student interviews featured on our website. I think that's interesting that they do that because I don't ask; it's something they talk about unprompted," explains Head of Communications Ida Storm Jansen. In that series, children like Arnas from Lithuania and Fica from Indonesia reference the things they find the most remarkable about their home countries (whilst pointing out common cultural misconceptions) and their unique language(s) is what stands out for many of them.

TEXT THE INTERNATIONAL

Agreeing with the research conducted by prominent linguists like South Africa's Deyi, CIS recognises the importance of continued home language development for its international students via its Mother Tongue Programme, which offers native level language teaching to students from grade one onwards. To celebrate multilingualism the school observes the UN's International Mother Language Day on February 21st each year – this year, the school community was encouraged to translate the school's manifesto into their home languages. These translations showcased an array of languages and alphabets and can currently be seen in the school's foyer.

LANGUAGE AND INTEGRATION It could be argued that in a country where up to 85% of inhabitants speak English, internationals can get by without Danish at all! But acquiring the language of your host country is useful in integrating within its culture and society and being the ticket to higher education programmes, the Danish citizenship test, and the economy. English – the global lingua franca of commerce – is offered at CIS as an additional language in support of bilingualism, whilst Danish is offered in two streams – A, which is native language taught at the highest level and B, for non-native speakers. This integrated approach prepares pupils for both secondary and higher education programmes and the job market.

LANGUAGE AND LEARNING Aside from the cultural and economic benefits, did you know that there are also cognitive benefits to being multilingual? Learning new languages requires our brains to learn that one thought can be expressed in multiple ways – and this helps make us more creative thinkers, capable of more cognitive flexibility and more adept at problem solving. There's also evidence suggesting that bilingual and multilingual children develop better social skills, and that being exposed to multiple languages helps them have greater sensitivity to cultural norms and helps them build healthier cultural identities. That would seem to be a compelling case for exposing children to language diversity. At Copenhagen International School, there are over 60 languages represented in the diverse student body that includes young people from Austria to Zimbabwe, Colombia to Kenya, India to Israel - it is truly the students that put the 'international' into Copenhagen International School. THE-INTL Source: *https://www.literacyworldwide.org/blog%2Fliteracynow%2F2016%2F05%2F17%2Fthe-case-for-the-multilingual-classroom-a-growing-demand-for-multilingual-citizens **https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/opinion/why-mother-tongue-education-is-criticalfor-future-success-14623924

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THE IMPORTANCE OF CONNECTING WITH NATURE INTERACTING WITH NATURE ENHANCES PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING, BUT HOW DOES IT PLAY OUT DURING A PANDEMIC?

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK / AINA MASOOD

TEXT AINA MASOOD

BIOPHILIA IS THE tendency of humans to focus on life in all its forms. In everyday life, you can experience biophilia when you feel awe as you watch a blossoming flower. It is there when you gasp at the sight of a puppy or when you feel joy walking through a garden. The feeling of joy, pleasure, and connection with Mother Nature is what we call biophilia. Interacting with nature and urban green spaces is critical for psychological health. Our innate love for nature can help us reduce anxiety and relieve stress. It is a crucial factor in fighting loneliness and dealing with mental health problems. Going for a walk in nature can help us restore our brain and re-energise it. But the question is, how do you connect with nature during a pandemic? Is it safe to be outdoors? A quick look at the rule-book of COVID-19 restrictions can help us realise that outdoors are safer than indoors. When we are in an open space, we can maintain distance and follow the guidelines accurately. Does that make it easier to plan a walk or a meetup outdoors? No, it doesn’t. Why? Because it is scary. People can be irresponsible with wearing masks and honouring the two-meter distance rule. Thinking about meeting people can instigate feelings of anxiety, fear, confusion, and in some cases, panic. But remember, it is called the Great Outdoors for a reason. You can limit your social circle. If you don’t want to, you don’t have to be with people to experience the outdoors and enjoy nature. You can plan trips that involve forest-bathing, hiking, walking tours, beach day, photography retreat, street art hunt, and much more. I feel utterly grateful that I was in Denmark during the pandemic because we have beautiful parks and open spaces that have been my go-to throughout the last year. When we went into lockdown the first time in March, spring was approaching. I remember going for a

AINA MASOOD PSYCHOLOGIST Aina has completed her Masters in Clinical Psychology in Pakistan. She has lived in the USA for 6 months and has been in Denmark for a little over a year. Passionate about mental health work and destigmatising mental health problems, and is working to-

" WO R K I N G F R O M H O M E BRINGS FLEXIBILITY. YOU CAN USE YOUR COMMUTE TIME FOR YOGA OR A WALK IN THE NEARBY PARK." walk in the parks was the one thing that kept me sane. I felt gratitude for the moments I could connect with nature as it gave me a sense of joy and hope. Some people still struggle with the shift from office to working from home because, among other things, it has blurred the boundaries of work and home life. Research suggests the pandemic poses a multifold threat to our mental health. However, there is a hidden advantage that we

can use to turn the situation in our favour. Working from home brings flexibility. You can use your commute time for yoga or a walk in the nearby park. You can squeeze in a quick run around lunchtime. You can enjoy the relatively empty streets and parks. You can re-discover your neighbourhood because you see more when there are not many people around. To make your workspace somewhat livelier, you can put a potted plant on your work desk or perhaps working closer to the window, if possible. I can say I’ve personally experienced the benefits of feeling a connection with nature as it brings me a sense of peace, calm, gratitude, and joy. You can also benefit from these scientifically proven positive impacts of nature on human psychologywe can be healthier and happier together. THE-INTL

wards helping individuals and organisations be healthier, happier, and more productive. She accomplishes this by working with international clients via Skype; conducting workshops/webinars with various organisations through research and writing. She is a professional photographer and uses her pictures to reflect on her thoughts and daily life and shares them on her blog on Instagram. She is a psychologist, writer, speaker, mental health advocate, photographer, explorer, volunteer, and a wife 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/

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BEAUTY AND WELLNESS INDUSTRY HARDEST HIT BY COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS The beauty and wellness industry here in Denmark and worldwide has been savagely affected by the continuous Covid-19 lockdown rules. All hairdressers, beauty salons and yoga studios have been forced to close down for close to a year. In this month's issue, we get some first-hand insight into beauty and wellness business owners who have been heavily affected by the lockdowns.

LISBETH VOGENSEN, 37

DELIGHT IFEOMA BENSON OHABUGHIRO, 35 Owner of Must Beauty Empire www.mustbeautyempire.dk mustbeautyempire@gmail.com @mustbeautyempire "My business is in beauty, specialising in hair extensions for both white and black hair, braids, cornrows, crochet, relocking of dreadlocks etc. I also sell hair products like Brazilian hair extensions, wigs, ponytails, hair creams and body creams. Even though I haven't restocked my shop as much as I'd wanted to, at least I have some items until I am fully operational again. I have 5 years of working experience as a hairdresser, but I officially opened my salon on 1st Dec 2020, and then the Covid-19 lockdown hit. The lockdown hit me extremely hard because, as a new business owner, I wanted to run during the Christmas season and grow a new customer base, but, unfortunately, it didn't work out how I had planned. But I am still holding onto hope that everything will come back to "normal" again. My biggest struggle right now is paying rent, and due to me opening up the shop only a few months ago, there is no possibility to get the help package from the Danish government. I would love for my friends, loved ones and the international community to support my business. You can do this by following us on Facebook and Instagram to show some love or by ordering products directly from me."

LPG Endermologie Specialist Owner of Body Detox Klinikken www.bodydetoxklinikken.com @BodyDetoxKlinikken @body.detox.klinikken "I'm a specialist in LPG Endermologie treatments and Gua Sha and Cupping Facials. LPG Endermologie is a deep tissue massage using an electric motorhead which detoxifies, shapes the body, aids lymphatic drainage, revitalises your skin and reduces cellulite. The Gua Sha and cupping facial activate lymphatic drainage, stimulate cell repair, and give your skin a wonderful natural glow. I decided to start working on opening Body Detox Klinikken right when the COVID-19 pandemic erupted. When the situation got better in Denmark, I decided to begin taking on clients, which was the end of September 2020. The restrictions have locked me down so often that it has been challenging for my business it has never fully lifted-off! I know many people want to have these treatments, but we keep on having to wait until I can start again. Having to endlessly start-up again means I have to regain and search for clients and do a tremendous amount of start-up marketing to get back to covering my expenses, which takes time. Financially, this has been catastrophic. Not only can I not work, which means I do not make any money, but the current economic compensations do not cover those of us who have recently begun started-up businesses. The way you can help our small businesses stay afloat is to use our services once the restrictions are lifted fully. We encourage you to start booking appointments today!

JULIA GRÄSSER, 35

Yoga teacher – Owner of Warrior Princess Yoga www.warriorprincessyoga.com @warriorprincessyoga

"I am a self-employed full-time yoga teacher and studio owner. That means I work for other studios on a freelance basis and myself in my own yoga studio. I have been working as a teacher for 3 years now. The first lockdown took all my income away as all studios were closed. I moved to a new place which provided me with just enough money to pay my rent, and then from one moment to the next, I was bankrupt due to Covid restrictions. I wanted to continue and give students a safe space to take care of themselves in these stressful and uncertain times. I found a room, and in just one week, I opened Warrior Princess Yoga in the heart of Copenhagen. The government decided to put us in the same category as gyms, and my little studio had to close down again after just 3 weeks of business. Some clients left, some stayed to support creating a space where people can meet, connect and learn yoga. I moved my classes online, and luckily a few students joined in on the virtual journey. Wondering how you can help the yoga industry? Firstly acknowledge its importance! Mental health is a real issue, and there are many people in Denmark on sick leave with stress-related issues. If you're not already a member, book an online private class, advance your practice support, yoga teachers. Like and share their Social Media posts. If you enjoy their classes, workshops or courses, leave them a review on Google, Trustpilot or Facebook. Share it with your friends, ask them to join online for a class?

BARBARA MENSAH BEAUTY EDITOR & MAKEUP ARTIST Barbara was born in England, London and relocated to Copenhagen, Denmark in 2017. She has been a professional International Makeup Artist for 11 years and a professional Lash Stylist for 3 years. After moving to Copenhagen, Denmark, Barbara became the owner of Barbara Mensah Beauty Studio. Her stylish, cosy and chic studio provides a welcoming, comfortable space for clients to spend their time getting glammed and pampered for those special moments and occasions. All bookings for Lash Extension and Makeup can be made via her social media or tel: +45 53564504 barbaramensah.dk beauty@gmail.com barbaramensahbeauty/ barbara.mensah. beauty/?hl=en

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PLANTING A VEGETABLE GARDEN

ANYWHERE IN DENMARK TRANSFORMING THE NEGATIVE VIEW OF LIFE DURING LOCKDOWN INTO A HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE NEW HOBBY. PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH.COM

TEXT KELLY KRISTENSEN

OVER THE PAST year, many people in Denmark have spent more time in their homes than ever before. Living in multiple lockdown periods has had its challenges, but it has also encouraged many people to find more creative and self-sufficient ways of doing tasks that are normal parts of their everyday lives. If you travel to any country farm, small town or coastal village in Denmark, you will see quaint homes decorated in the front with lovely flower gardens. However, did you know that the Danes are just as talented in growing lush gardens of fruits and vegetables in their backyards as well? D enmark's climate is fantastic for plants, so it is no wonder why so many people choose to grow their own food. Harvesting foods grown at home can be a gratifying task for any year, but after spending much time in lockdown, creating your own vegetable garden could be just the excitement you are looking for to give your time at home more purpose this year.

STARTING YOUR VEGETABLE GARDEN INDOORS March is a great month to start preparing seeds indoors. Since the weather can still be somewhat unpredictable, it is best to start growing your plants in your frostfree home or greenhouse. You will need to visit a hardware store or plant store to get your potting soil, seeds and seedbox. It is essential to moisten the soil before adding it to the seedbox. Then, you will add your seeds. The directions for when and how deep to plant the seeds is often on the seed packages, so check there for specific details. Be sure you place your seedbox in an area where it will get lots of light, and check it daily to ensure that the soil doesn't dry out.

KELLY KRISTENSEN WRITER AND BLOGGER

MOVING YOUR VEGETABLE GARDEN OUTDOORS Once your seeds have grown and the weather has turned warmer, you are ready to transplant your vegetable plants outside. Vegetable gardens can take up a lot of space, so it is a good idea to use raised garden beds to designate a focused area for your garden. You can buy these at the garden stores or easily make them yourself with very few materials. Also, raised beds are a great way to keep your vegetables separate from your flowers and bushes and high up from any small creature looking for a snack. Garden beds can be placed on grass and stone yards, as well. Just be sure to fill them with good potting soil and pick a place that gets enough sunlight.

APARTMENT GARDENS For some people, planting vegetables outside is not an option because they live in apartments. This is not a problem since many vegetables grow quite well in pots on patios or in rooms with lots of sunlight. Also, if you wait a few weeks into the spring, you can buy seedlings of

many different plants that grow well in a pot indoors. Some of these include herbs like basil, dill and oregano. Other plants will continue to give you a good harvest throughout the summer, like tomatoes, peppers and peas. You can also grow strawberries in a pot, and the nice thing about these plants is that they will continue to grow every year.

REGROWING VEGETABLES FROM SCRAPS If you would like to get a bit more creative with your gardening at any point in the year, you can use scraps to create new plants. This is probably the most sustainable and cost- effective way of gardening because you can regenerate a plant from the plant's parts that you usually don't eat. By placing the bottom 2 inches of celery or Romain lettuce in a dish of water, you can get new leaves to form in the plant's centre. When the leaves start to show, transfer the plant to a pot with potting soil. Voila! You have a new plant. You can also regrow many other fruits and vegetables like onions, leeks and pineapple. THE-INTL

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. Absorbing her inspiration and happiness in Denmark’s natural places, she is often found in the nearby woods around Viborg, Denmark, where she lives with her husband and two sons, ages 10 and 8. mynewdanishlife.com facebook.com/Mynewdan ishlife/ instagram.com/my_new_ danish_life/ youtube.com/mynewdan ishlife

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FIRST ASSESSMENT KNOW-HOW THE PEDAGOGICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING UNIT PÆDAGOGISK PSYKOLOGISK RÅDGIVNING (PPR)

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

IF YOUR CHILD has special needs, or if you suspect that your child may have special needs, the main starting point is to contact your local municipality, where you should receive guidance and may be eligible for family counselling (familievejledning) - as covered in previous articles in this series. Efforts surrounding your child will include many different professionals and administrative offices and processes before the municipality can decide whether your child is eligible for special needs support and assistance. One of the bodies involved in this process is the Pedagogical Psychological Counseling unit (Pædagogisk Psykologiske Rådgivning - PPR).

WHAT IS PPR? How PPR is organised typically varies between municipalities and will usually depend on how the individual municipality has organised and prioritised managing tasks associated with children and young adults. Because of the differences between municipalities, our goal is to give a general overview of PPR and information about which tasks PPR typically is responsible for. PPR is the municipality's psychological and pedagogical counselling unit. Some of the professional groups you might encounter at PPR can include: school psychologists, clinical psychologists, speech-hearing consultants, counsellors or social workers. PPR has responsibility for a wide range of tasks, which may vary between municipalities. Some of these tasks include carrying out assessments to determine: if a child should be referred to a physician to examine if the child has an undiagnosed disability or illness; if special assistance should be initiated for a child; or whether a child may require special education or extra assistance at school or in daycare. PPR may also be involved in offering guidance and counselling in several situations, e.g.:  If your child doesn't thrive in school or daycare  If your child is delayed in their motor, linguistic, or cognitive development  If you or your child's teacher suspect that your child may have an undiagnosed disability

TEXT MARTINA POPADAKOVA / SARA R. NEWELL

 If your child has behavioural or attachment difficulties at school or in daycare  If your child has speech, hearing, or language difficulties PPR can become involved either by request from your child's school/daycare or caseworker, or by request from you, the parent or guardian. Besides providing assessments and guidance, PPR services can also include: carrying out psychological and pedagogical assessments of your child's function level, participation in network meetings regarding your child, counselling children and their parents, and supervision of teachers and pedagogical staff. However, the services offered by PPR can differ significantly between municipalities. You can find more information about PPR on your municipality's website.

HOW DOES PPR PLAY A PART IN APPLYING FOR ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT? If you are applying for extra assistance for your child at school or in daycare, this will only be granted if PPR has carried out a pedagogical psychological assessment (Pædagogisk psykologisk vurdering - PPV). As a parent, you have the right to contact PPR, but your child's school or daycare typically initiates a PPV, the health nurse or your general practitioner - as long as you, the parent, have given your consent. A PPV is essential in assessing your child's resources and assistance needs at school or in daycare and is valid for up to one year once it has been carried out. Unfortunately, there is no legal time limit for how long it may take PPR to initiate a PPV or how long they may use to carry it out.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS SURROUNDING CONTACT WITH PPR? The first dialogue meeting (dialogmøde) will include parents, teachers or pedagogs, and consultants from PPR. You will need to fill in the dialogue form (dialogskema), which will create the basis for the collaboration. Therefore, all key people must be represented at meetings to give a thorough picture of your child's challenges. While

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

you as a parent know your child best, it is also essential that teachers and pedagogs can give a picture of how they experience and observe your child during everyday life at school or in daycare. Before registering the case in the PPR system, you may be concerned whether your child may need to be examined by a psychologist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech-hearing consultant or other specialists. Besides consultants employed at PPR, you can request to be referred to external specialists. For example, if you suspect that your child might have an undiagnosed handicap such as ADHD or autism, you may prefer your child be examined by a child psychiatrist or clinical psychologist with specialised knowledge in this specific area.

A WORD OF CAUTION Be aware that it is not always easy to get PPR to initiate your child's assessment or refer your child to an external specialist. The process surrounding this can vary greatly between municipalities. Regardless of the outcome of an assessment, you have the right to get a second opinion from outside the PPR. For example, you have the right to consult a private psychologist, physiotherapist or occupational therapist at your own cost. If you do so, you can apply to be reimbursed by the municipality. However, it is often a lengthy and challenging process to be reimbursed, and applications often are denied.

OPEN COUNSELLING Most municipalities offer anonymous counselling services, which you can contact if you have questions about your child's help. THE-INTL FOR MORE INFORMATION (IN DANISH): https://www.foraeldreraadgivningen.dk/ artikel/p%C3%A6dagogisk-psykologiskr%C3%A5dgivning-ppr-0 https://www.dukh.dk/Selvhj%C3%A6lp/B%C3%B8rn/ Skole-og-specialundervisning https://socialstyrelsen.dk/udgivelser/foraeldre -tilet-barn-med-fysisk-eller-psykisk-handicap-guide-tilhjaelp-og-stotte

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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EASTER TRADITIONS

IN VIKING LAND

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

TEXT JOSEPHINE WAN

DENMARK CELEBRATES THE festive fervour of Påske (Easter) traditionally. Like other religious festivities, the Danske Folkekirke (National church of Denmark) decides which religious holidays are observed, and the culmination of Easter festivities is Danske Folkekirke's most important religious holiday. Easter in Denmark falls in April this year, indicating the arrival of the bountiful season of spring. Not only is it a religious holiday for some, but also a time that Danes enjoy family gatherings.

JOSEPHINE WAN B2B SALES COORDINATOR

EASTER EGGS Most of us know about Easter eggs before coming to Denmark. According to many sources, the Christian custom of Easter eggs started among the early Christians of Mesopotamia who stained eggs with the red colouring "in memory of the blood of Christ, shed at His crucifixion". Today, you can see chocolate Easter eggs decorated beautifully in shops around Easter time. Some local chocolate shops handmake their own chocolate Easter eggs. Most people give an Easter egg to their loved ones, just like giving presents at Christmas time. In kindergartens and schools, teachers paint and decorate Easter eggs together with the children for them to bring home to display. In many homes around Denmark, parents prepare Easter egg hunts for their children. Like Santa Claus brings children Christmas presents, many parents tell their children that the Easter bunny brings them Easter eggs. Companies have also been known to give their employees chocolate Easter eggs as a company gift, and people love it!

WRITE AN EASTER LETTER The Easter letter (Gækkebrev) is a Danish tradition that originated back in the 17th18th century. The letter consists of a poem written in verses that rhyme, and the paper is cut into many different symmetrical patterns. The names or the initials of the sender are written with punctuations instead of letters. The receiver has

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Born and raised in international Hong Kong, Josephine developed her interests in languages and culture from an early age. She speaks Cantonese, Mandarin, English, Gerone chance to guess who the sender is. If he/she guesses correctly, the sender owes him/her an Easter egg. Even though this fun tradition is mostly among children nowadays, many adults still practice this.

SMELL THE DAFFODILS Yellow is the Easter colour, and many people have yellow Easter decorations and daffodils (påskeliljer) - both inside and outside. Many already plant daffodil bulbs in their gardens during winter so that they are ready to flourish and add atmosphere come Easter time. Since Easter falls during spring, many people also start taking out their garden furniture during the Easter weekend and look forward to a season with more sun.

MAKE ROOM FOR LUNCH

Danes love to hygge sig (the experience of being together), and one way to do this is to enjoy delicious food with great company. Traditional Easter lunch (påskefrokost) is usually a combination of many different foods: sild (herring); tarteletter (tartlets) filled with a mixture of chicken, gravy and peas; various types of fish; eggs; shrimp; and course Aquavit – a vodka or

gin-like spirit. If you don't enjoy a strong spirit like Aquavit, you might enjoy the variety of Easter beers produced during this time of year. Påske is when many families and friends visit each other – but due to Corona restrictions last year, this has not happened in a while.

THE LONG EASTER WEEKEND Easter always falls over a long weekend with public holidays starting from Thursday (skærtorsdag) to Monday (second Påskaedag). Besides taking advantage of the many days off for family visits, weekend getaways and påskefrokost, many also hold their children's konfirmation (confirmation). However, this year with the pandemic still going on, many churches have already postponed many planned celebrations. This year, it is more than likely that many påskefrokost (easter lunches) will probably be cancelled, as it is not recommended to hold events with many participants right now. It might be an option for you to hold small or virtual family get-togethers. Still, we advise all our readers to follow the government recommended guidelines: www.coronasmitte.dk THE-INTL

man 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 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

FINDING THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR TEEN NORTH ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HOSTS ITS FIRST IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME VIRTUAL OPEN EVENING.

PHOTOGRAPHS NORTH ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

TEXT SHANI BISHOP

AS 8PM APPROACHED on the 20th January 2021, Karen Bøttger, Head of North Zealand School, was apprehensive. She had hosted webinars and run face to face open evenings before, but this was a little different. A virtual open evening for the Pre-IB and IB Diploma Programme was something new. Karen was joined by Cathy Lowder, IB Diploma Science teacher and students Theo, Cecilie and Malthe, for this eventful evening. NIS is used to welcoming new students, so it has a very welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Karen explained how peer tutors support and welcome new students. Small class sizes mean teachers can really spend time on team building and helping new students feel comfortable. There were many questions that students and parents asked. Here we answer the most frequently asked questions that explain how NIS supports new students on arrival in this programme.

WHAT IS THE TALENT PROGRAMME?

KAREN, CECILIE AND THEO EXPLAIN THE NIS IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME DURING THE EVENING.

Students have the opportunity to be taught by university academics and take part in science competitions. Cecilie went to Greenland as part of the programme to research natural resources in Greenland.

WHAT IS THE MUSIC ACADEMY? Cecilie explained about the vocal and instrument line. The college provides training to allow you to perfect your craft. No experience is necessary, so anyone can sign up.

HOW DO THE DANISH AND INTERNATIONAL CLASSES OVERLAP? The NIS Diploma Programme students will be based in the Gymnasium. The Music College, Talent Programme and Sports College will be taught together with other Danish students. Students from all Gymnasium courses go on trips together, so there are many opportunities to develop good friendships and socialise together.

CECILIE LOVES SKIING AND MUSIC COLLEGE.

CAN IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME STUDENTS APPLY TO DANISH UNIVERSITIES? Karen explained that all options remain open to attending local or overseas universities because the IB Diploma Programme is recognised worldwide.

WHICH TEACHERS WILL TEACH THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME? Teachers are drawn from the international school and Gymnasium. The website now has a video bank of short films explaining the IB DP at NIS.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DOES THE SPORTS COLLEGE PRESENT? NGG is a Team Denmark Gymnasium and has a Sports College to develop skills in football, skiing, dance, badminton, basketball, handball, golf, fitness, strength and adventure. There is regular training, and coaches work with you according to your needs. Cecilie shared how she has loved training to be a ski instructor.

TRAIN TO BE A SKI INSTRUCTOR AS PART OF THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME AT NIS.

HOW DOES THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME COMPARE TO STX? Karen explained that the IB Diploma is a rigorous and challenging programme that encompasses more than just academics. Cathy described how the programme provides so many opportunities to develop well-rounded individuals ready for further learning. Some of the learning is comparable to the first year of university. NIS alumni tell the school that the skills they have developed with the Diploma mean they are really ready for a university programme.

WHY SHOULD YOUR TEEN DECIDE TO CHOOSE THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME AT NIS? Malthe said he liked the fact that he knew everyone at school because it isn’t that big. Cecilie commented that she really liked the flexibility and has been part of every programme NGG offers (sports college etc.). Cathy believed that being part of a small school means students feel more confident in speaking out. Karen reiterated the sense of community and approachable teachers. THE-INTL

MALTHE LIKES THE FACT HE KNOWS EVERYONE AT SCHOOL.

Students can apply for the Pre IB and IB Diploma Programme through Open Apply on the NIS website www.ngg.dk/international and www.optagelse.dk Please contact the school directly for applications after March.

MARCH 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

NON-DANES DENMARK'S SCAPEGOAT

PHOTOGRAPHS VISITAALBORG / ISTOCK

TEXT NARCIS GEORGE MATACHE

A A FEW CENTURIES

ago, Danish peasants were tied down to their place of birth, with no say over their freedom. After a nonDane paid with his life for telling them about freedom, they received it and went on to build Denmark. Freedom became a trait of Danish society. Like the Danish peasants, we, the non-Danes, left our birthplaces searching for a different life, for something better, or whatever that means. Although our birthplace shouldn't define us as humans, it unfortunately does. Some politicians in Denmark seem intent on making us pay dearly for leaving our birthplace, for using that freedom. Why? To cover their own failures in government. Mix "immigrant, foreigners, danish without a western background, refugee, asylum seeker, etc." with "stronger punishments, lower benefits, obligatory job, less education, etc.", and you will get the perfect "get out of jail" card for politicians. It just has to sound like "Non-Danes are not equal to Danes", and you can get a good part of the population to forget about the problem at hand. However, they seem to forget one thing. Non-Danes are also everyday humans, with fears, hopes and dreams. Do we have to work longer and harder? Yes. Do we have to get used to instability, with rules changing all the time? Yes. Does this make us superheroes? No. It makes me tired. It makes us all tired. Too tired to pursue our dreams or to even mimic being part of Danish society. You can only take so many beatings, humiliation and cake-celebrated restrictions on our freedom. To cope, you have only one choice – create your own world, where you can feel happy and respected.

LESS EDUCATION IN ENGLISH IN DENMARK Although the ominous Danish People's Party (DF) is almost history and the in-

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NARCIS GEORGE MATACHE POLITICIAN Born in 1990 in a village in the north-east of Romania, Narcis

"LIKE ME, THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHER NON-DANES THAT BENEFITED FROM STUDYING IN ENGLISH AND THEN WENT ON TO DO GREAT THINGS. WHY SLOWDOWN THIS PROCESS, BY REDUCING THE POOL OF TALENT?" famous Inger Støjberg an outcast of Danish politics, they kickstarted a race to the bottom for the mainstream parties. "Who can make life harder for non-Danes in Denmark? Me, me, me." Their latest target? Higher education in English. I am a product of Danish higher education in English. I arrived in Denmark to study. A decade later, I'm still here. Why? Because I have fallen in love with the meritocracy of the Danish system. With my peasant background, I would never have shined in Romania. Under the stability shield of European law, I was able to rake in thousands of hours in the name of Danish society's service (both in civil society and abroad as an ambassador). Like me, there are thousands of other

examples. Non-Danes benefited from studying in English and then went on to do great things. Why slow down this process by reducing the pool of talent? For money? The Finance Ministry clearly pointed out that non-Danish students bring or produce more than they use, helping the Danish economy.

HOW DO WE FREE THE SCAPEGOAT? As non-Danes, we have only one path ahead of us. To obtain stability for our mental health and our children's, we must become part of the Danish system. We need to join the decision-making tables around the country and ensure that we are no longer used as scapegoats. Luckily, the system is built so that anyone who is organised can exercise influence over it. I know I'm asking you to add yet another heavy stone to your backpack, and it's easier to remain in the comfort zone of your bubble. However, your imagination can help you cope only so much. At some point, the bubble will burst. You should do it, get involved and free the scapegoat. THE-INTL

made Aalborg his new home since 2009. Smitten by the Danish model, he decided to get involved in the local community leading to him becoming a strong voice on the topic of usage of the local political rights by the internationals. In 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, Europabevægelsen, Socialdemokratiet Nørresundby, DSU Aalborg, and Frit Forum International. www.facebook.com/Narcis George.Matache/ https://www.linkedin.com/ in/narcisgmatache/

FOOD ART

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Nothing beats a warm chocolate chip cookie fresh out of the oven! This recipe is a twist on the classic; the addition of ground oats and cinnamon adds a great texture and depth of flavour. The cookies are finished with a sprinkling of sea salt to create a delicious sweet and salty combo. The result is a perfect cookie—crispy on the edges with a soft, gooey centre. And the best part? You can make the dough ahead of time, freeze, and bake a few whenever the mood strikes! PHOTOGRAPHS CLAIRE BOGUSZ

TEXT CLAIRE BOGUSZ

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES (MAKES APPROXIMATELY 38 COOKIES)

INGREDIENTS: ½ cup rolled oats (havregryn) 288 g flour (hvedemel) 1 ½ tsps baking soda (natron) 1 tsp baking powder (bagepulver) ½ tsp table salt 1 /4 tsp ground cinnamon (kanel) 225 g butter, softened 165 g brown sugar, packed (brun farin) 150 g granulated sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla sugar (vanilje aroma or vanilje sukker) 2 eggs 350 g dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (mørk chokolade) Coarse sea salt for sprinkling (Maldon salt is a good brand) METHOD: #1 Placed rolled oats in a food processor or food chopper and pulse until fine. #2 In a medium mixing bowl, add the ground oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk to combine. #3 In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter, and both sugars together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. #4 Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. #5 Add the dry ingredients (the flour mixture) to the wet ingredients. Stir together with a spatula until combined (being careful not to over-mix). #6 Stir in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate. #7 Using a cookie dough scoop (or large spoon), scoop dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Place balls of dough close together (they can be almost touching). Note: if your freezer is too small to accommodate a baking sheet, you can line a freezer shelf or drawer with parchment and place cookie dough balls directly on top of the parchment. #8 Sprinkle balls of dough with sea salt flakes. #9 Place cookie dough in the freezer and freeze for 2 hours. #10 Once frozen, transfer cookie dough balls to a gallon-sized sealable freezer bag. Keep frozen until ready to bake. #11 When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 160° C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. #12 Place frozen dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Note: you do not need to thaw dough before baking. #13 Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cookies are golden around the edges but soft in the middle. #14 Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before transferring with a spatula to a wire rack to cool completely. #15 Baked cookies can be kept in an airtight container for 1 week. The frozen dough can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months.

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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CYBER SECURITY BE AWARE – CONNECT WITH CARE!

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

TEXT MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES

CYBER SECURITY IS the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks and data from malicious attacks. It is also known as information technology security or electronic information security. Modern society is a global digital village that knows no geographical boundaries. We rely more and more on our digital devices and in so doing, we are increasingly open to identity, private data and financial theft. There is a constant challenge between the effectiveness of security systems and the hacking community's innovative techniques.

MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES

SCALE OF CYBER THREATS The global cyber threat continues to evolve rapidly, with a rising number of data breaches each year. An official 2019 report revealed that close to 8 billion digital records had been exposed by data breaches in the first nine months of 2019 alone. This figure was more than double (112%) what was experienced in the same period in 2018. Most of these breaches were experienced by medical services, retailers and public entities, with malicious criminals responsible for most incidents. Some of these sectors are more appealing than others to cybercriminals because they collect financial and medical data. However, all businesses that use networks can be and are likely to be targeted for customer data, corporate espionage or customer attacks. With the scale of cyber threats expected to continue to rise, experts predict that worldwide spending on cyber-security solutions will reach a massive USD 133.7 billion by 2022. Governments worldwide have responded to the rising cyber threat with guidance to help organisations implement effective cyber-security practices.

TYPES OF CYBER THREATS The most experienced threats encountered by cyber-security systems are threefold:  CYBER CRIME which includes single actors or groups targeting systems for financial gain or seeking to cause maximum disruption.  CYBER ATTACKS these often involve politically motivated information gathering.  CYBER TERRORISM which is intended to undermine electronic systems to cause panic or fear.

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PRESIDENT & CEO OXFORD ONE OF THE MOST COMMON CYBER THREATS, MALWARE, IS SOFTWARE THAT A CYBERCRIMINAL OR HACKER SPREADS VIA AN UNSOLICITED EMAIL AT TAC H M E N T O R A L EG I T I M AT ELOOKING DOWNLOAD.

Malicious software called "malware" is used to carry out these attacks. One of the most common cyber threats, malware, is software that a cybercriminal or hacker spreads via an unsolicited email attachment or a legitimate-looking download.

CYBER PROTECTION AWARENESS End-user protection or endpoint security is a crucial aspect of cyber security. After all, it is often an individual (the end-user) who accidentally uploads malware or another form of cyber threat to their desktop, laptop or mobile device. So, how do cyber-security measures protect end-users and systems? Cyber security relies on cryptographic protocols to encrypt emails, files and other critical data. This not only protects information in transit but also guards against loss or theft. In addition, end-user security software scans computers for pieces of malicious code, quarantines this code and then removes it from the machine. Security programs can even detect and remove malicious code hidden in a primary boot record and are designed to encrypt or wipe data from a computer's hard drive. Electronic security protocols also focus

on real-time malware detection. Many use heuristic and behavioural analysis to monitor a program's behaviour and its code to defend against viruses or trojans that change their shape with each execution (polymorphic and metamorphic malware). Security programs can confine potentially malicious programs to a virtual bubble separate from a user's network to analyse their behaviour and learn how to better detect new infections. Cyber security software is regularly updated as security programs are forced to evolve new defences as cyber security professionals identify new threats and new ways to combat them. To make the most of end-user security software, employees need to be educated about how to use it. Cyber security software must not be turned off and must be updated frequently to protect against the latest cyber threats.

CYBER PROTECTION TIPS I conclude with six general tips on how to protect yourself against cyber threats:  Update your software and operating system regularly.  Use anti-virus software.  Use strong passwords.  Do not open email attachments from unknown senders.  Do not click on links in emails from unknown senders or websites.  Avoid using unsecured WIFI networks in public places. Cyber protection is only as strong as the weakest link in any network. THE-INTL

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

FELINE HERPESVIRUS If your cat develops signs of an upper respiratory infection, it could easily be caused by feline herpesvirus. Although highly contagious among felines, it is species to specific, which means you don't need to worry about catching it.

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK / UNSPLASH.COM

TEXT TAREK ABU SHAM

THERE ARE SOME crucial steps you can take to help them recover and prevent its spread.

WHAT IS FELINE HERPESVIRUS? Feline herpesvirus is more correctly referred to as feline herpesvirus type-1, and it can cause a disease process known as feline viral rhinotracheitis. This virus is easily spread between cats because it can be transmitted through droplets, from nasal secretions to saliva. If you have multiple cats and one is shedding the virus, your other kitties can get it from sharing food or water containers, litter boxes, bedding, and even you!

TAREK ABU SHAM

Typical upper respiratory illness symptoms include:  Sneezing  Watery eyes  Lethargy and depression  Lack of appetite Affected cats may also be affected by conjunctivitis or inflammation of the tissues around their eyes. In some cats, this may lead to ulcers on the surface of the cornea, scarring, and even dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). Secondary bacterial infections can develop in cats with feline herpesvirus, which may worsen upper respiratory signs, thick mucoid discharge, and even lower respiratory signs, such as pneumonia, although that is less common. While this virus only affects cats, some bacterial infections that can take root in infected kitties may be contagious (or zoonotic) to humans. Most cats will recover uneventfully, but the virus may lie dormant in their system. Stressors, such as new family members or moving, can trigger them to have another active infection.

OWNER, MYPETERINARIAN 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 pies. The simplest way to do this is to bring them into the bathroom with the shower running to provide a moist, steamy environment.

PREVENTION OF FELINE HERPESVIRUS

It is challenging to prevent infection from this widespread disease, especially when many pet owners get cats with unknown histories from rescue situations. The good news is that vaccines are available that can help protect your cats. Depending on where you live and the vaccine manufacturer's label guidelines, the vaccine is generally effective for 1 or 3 years after being apTREATMENT OF FELINE HERPESVIRUS propriately boostered. If your cat is diagnosed with feline herpesvirus, treatment genNew feline additions to the household should be quarantined erally consists of supportive therapies. Cats that are reluctant before being introduced to the family, and sick cats should be to eat may be offered different foods or carefully heated canned separated from other cats. Any materials that may have been exfood to make it more palatable since they often have trouble posed should be decontaminated, such as washing bedding in the smelling. Antibiotics may be used to treat or prevent secondary washing machine with detergents or sanitizing all dishes and litbacterial infections, although they are not ter pans with disinfectants. The virus does effective against the virus. not last long in the environment, but moist "MOST CATS WILL RECOVER UNEBecause many cats develop eye issues secretions can harbour the virus. when they are infected with feline herpesviFeline herpesvirus is a common infecVENTFULLY, BUT THE VIRUS MAY LIE rus, your veterinarian may recommend antion in cats, typically characterized by upDORMANT IN THEIR SYSTEM. STRESStibiotic ocular medications to treat corneper respiratory-type symptoms. VaccinatORS, SUCH AS NEW FAMILY MEMal ulcers, as well as eye lubricants to help ing your cats can help reduce transmission, BERS OR MOVING, CAN TRIGGER with decreased tear production. as well as symptoms, and your veterinariTHEM TO HAVE ANOTHER ACTIVE For congested cats, you may find that an can make appropriate suggestions based INFECTION." they benefit well from humidifying theraupon your cat's lifestyle. THE-INTL

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. With mypeterinarian, Tarek has combined his veterinary experience with his entrepreneurial spirit. MyPeterinarian cares for pets in the Copenhagen & Aalborg area, offering pet care and veterinary services. www.mypeterinarian.com

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JUTL AND

TAKING THE LEAP AARHUS AND EASTERN JUTLAND IS HOME TO MANY INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS CONTRIBUTING TO THIS AREA'S INTERNATIONALISATION. THIS MONTH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY GIVES THE FLOOR TO CEO AND FOUNDER OF LIGHTNING ENGLISH, KRISIA JUSTESEN.

PHOTOGRAPHS JUDY WANJIKU JØRGENSEN

TEXT KRISIA JUSTESEN

ALL THE QUALIFICATIONS and experience that I had from before meant nothing when I came to Denmark! It was 2010, and I had built up the foundations for a successful career teaching English as a second language to adults. I lived in 7 different countries, had training and experience, and was doing well as the head teacher and teacher trainer at a boutique immersion English course in Istanbul, Turkey. I met and married my Danish husband, and I was excited about moving to Denmark. I assumed that my experience and credentials as an effective English teacher would help me get a job teaching English in Denmark. I thought it would be easy….

"In 2017, I visited Startvækst Aarhus and took part in the Iværksætter Accelerator programme." - Krisia Justesen

REALITY CHECK There were no teaching jobs except unreliable freelance gigs working for language teaching agencies. Over the next ten years, I took whatever jobs I could get. I love cooking, so I got jobs in cafes, a cafeteria, and a fast-food chain. Meanwhile, I was always trying to pull together teaching jobs on the side so that I could quit, but it was never enough. I was completely frustrated and demoralised. I had spent years developing and refining my own techniques for learning English, and they worked. I knew that If I could actually find the people I was looking for, the people I wanted to teach, I could build something very different from what’s being offered here in Denmark. Instead, I was making salad or serving another order of fried chicken. So why did it take ten years for me to get started?

MINDSET AND TAKING ACTION My biggest hurdle was my mindset. In 2017, I visited Startvækst Aarhus and took part in the Iværksætter Accelerator programme. I had a business plan, but I didn’t get a CVR number and start my business until September 2019. Why not? I was scared to death! I was afraid of failing, of putting myself out there and being

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rejected. I was afraid that I couldn’t compete with all these big agencies owned by Danes, who already have a corporate world network. So what changed? Not much. I’m still scared!

DO IT ANYWAY! In the words of Michael Hyatt, “More often than not, being brave means doing it SCARED.” I realise now that imposter syndrome is something that most entrepreneurs face especially women and people of colour. I’ve joined a small group of international women who are starting their own businesses here in Denmark, and we encourage each other, lift each other up, and push each other forward through the fear. Now, I’ve started my online company, Lightning English, where I teach people how to improve their English through daily practice instead of studying grammar and vocabulary. It’s still very early in the game, but I’m happier than I’ve ever been - working for

myself and building something real from dreams and ideas. So far, my biggest takeaways have been: Use the resources you have available, find your tribe, and take action even if you’re afraid! I am looking forward to seeing what Lightning English becomes in the years ahead. Meanwhile, I’m going to keep doing it, scared! 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:

Krisia is originally from Bermuda and is now living in Jutland with her husband and two sons. She uses her extensive English teaching experience to offer online courses, in-company workshops, and coaching sessions to people who feel stuck at the same English level. She also offers weekly free live lessons online: www.lightningenglish.com

www.erhvervaarhus.dk www.internationalcommu nity.dk @internationalcommunity Aarhus @internationalcommunity aarhus

EMERALD GREEN IS SPRING GREEN

SUSAN JESSEN SPIELE LIBRARIAN Susan is a librarian at Roskil-

March is the harbinger of both Spring and Sct. Patrick’s Day. On the 17 th, the World becomes Irish, and though we cannot celebrate this year, here are some of my favourite Irish writers. Enjoy!

A FAVOURITE WRITER EXTRAORDINAIRE THE THING ABOUT DECEMBER BY DONAL RYAN While the Celtic Tiger rages, we follow a year in Johnsey’s life; a lonely man struggling to make sense of a world moving faster than he is, in a little Irish village where bullies and scheming land-grab bers stand in his way.

THE MISTRESS OF DARKNESS BROKEN HARBOUR BY TANA FRENCH A father and two children dead, the mother in a coma. What happened in a half-built suburban housing development to an apparently ordinary family? Star detective Kennedy has a high profile case that will test him in many ways and cost dearly.

CHARMING, FUNNY AND MELANCHOLY

CONTEMPORARY AND FUTURE CLASSIC

HOLDING BY GRAHAM NORTON

NORMAL PEOPLE BY SALLY ROONEY

A remote little village w h e r e n o t h i n g e ve r happens is shaken by the discovery of human remains near the local school. Sergeant Collins has his first real police investigation on his hands as the peaceful village slowly reveals the underlying anger and regret.

Marianne is the brilliant, rich outcast at s c h o o l , Co n n e l l t h e popular, brilliant student and footballer. They are f inding a strong connection, mentally and psychically, that is rekindled when they meet again at the university. But loving somebody and growing up is hard.

de Library, and in charge of the English section. She does English events all year; everything from expat dinners and pub quizzes, to karaoke nights and book talks. She is also busy with Roskilde Horror, a club dedicated to scaring the town.

DID YOU KNOW?

Even though the libraries are mostly closed, you can still get help through phone and mail. If you are working on your Bachelor or have a teenager doing their SRP, you can book a librarian at Roskilde Library and get help online via Zoom; a personal link where you will be guided and helped, all for free.

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ASIAN COOKING

VIETNAMESE SPRING RICE ROLLS

PHOTOGRAPHS WINNIE TANGO / ISTOCK

TEXT WINNIE TANGO

Spring is coming, and I love sharing fresh and crunchy rice rolls, no matter if you are a meat or veggie lover. The ingredients are interchangeable to create your own version. It is crucial to create a crunchy and fresh texture, for example, cucumber and carrot for crunchiness. Remember to purchase fresh herbs to create a fresh aroma - I recommend using mint and Thai basil, making the fresh roll taste even fresher. Next, you can use shrimp, chicken slices or even leftover roast beef. The most challenging part is working with the rice paper wrappers - I like the texture to be soft but still chewy. So I will not recommend soaking them in water until soft. Instead, my experience is to soak rice paper wrappers in room temperature water for a few seconds and place it on a flat plate. Set them aside for less than a minute - the wrapper will absorb the water, and the texture is perfect for wrapping.

VIETNAMESE SPRING RICE ROLLS

WINNIE TANGO

PREPARATION & COOKING TIME: 20 MIN

ENTREPENEUR

FILLING FOR INGREDIENTS: 1 pack of Rice roll wrapper lettuce leaves 1 avocado, sliced 1 cucumber, sliced 1 cup of chopped purple cabbage 20 medium cooked shrimps (I recommend using Argentina red shrimp) Fresh herbs (Thai basil, mint or coriander)

Growing up in Hong Kong, she set her sights on becoming a successful entrepreneur. After moving to Denmark in 2017, and with her previous experiences in finance, tourism, and food created a new

DIPPING SAUCE INGREDIENTS:

opportunity by starting a re-

½ - 1 tbsp dried chilli flakes or fresh diced chilli 1 tbsp diced garlic 1 tbsp fish sauce 1 tbsp lime juice 1½ tbsp sugar or honey 3 tbsp water Additional: you can use a sweet and sour sauce

al estate rental business. Not forgetting her passion for food, she has also started a new Facebook page - Winnie Tango Foodie - God mad, and Foodie in Denmark. Not just a successful entrepreneur but

METHOD: #1 Prepare the dipping sauce and mix it all together. #2 Place the rice paper wrapper into water for a few seconds and place it on a flat plate until water is absorbed. #3 While the rice paper is soft but still elastic, place the lettuce and the filling on top of the bottom ⅓ of the rice paper. #4 Now roll up tightly. Gently pull up the bottom of the roll and roll over the filling by folding two sides simultaneously. Just like you’d roll a burrito! #5 After rolling them one by one, then you can cut them into two or three depending on the size you want.

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loves being a single mom to her young daughter. Winnie lives by this quote by William Arthur Ward: "If you can imagine it, you can create it, and if you dream it, you can become it.

TIP #1: THE RICE PAPER TEXTURE IS ESSENTIAL BEFORE YOU ROLL THEM. IF IT IS TOO DRY AFTER THE WATER IS ABSORBED - BRUSH SOME WATER ONTO THE DRY AREA. TIP #2: MANGO IS ALSO A PERFECT COMPLEMENT TO THE SHRIMP. TRY IT IF YOU LOVE MANGO!

https://www.facebook. com/winnietangofood https://www.instagram. com/winnie.tango.foodie

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Face masks must be worn

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sst.dk/en/English