The International - May 2022

international

the

ISSN 2596-5220

VICTORIA SPONGE CAKE

REINVENTING YOURSELF

MAY EVENTS IN DENMARK

A MOTHER'S STORY

MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

KIWI MOM AND WRITER KERI

ON DISCOVERING HER BEST DANISH LIFE

MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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MOTHERS ARE PROFESSIONAL JUGGLERS THE WORD 'MOTHER' CONJURES UP A PICTURE OF NURTURING AND INSPIRATION. AND A REALITY CHECK REVEALS THAT WHETHER IT'S CHILDREN, A BUSINESS OR A BRAND, THEY NEED TIME, ATTENTION AND NURTURING.

MEET THE TEAM EDITOR & FOUNDER Lyndsay Jensen - lyndsay@the-intl.com

MANAGING DIRECTOR & PARTNER Kenneth Macalpine - kenneth@the-intl.com

CONSULTING EDITOR Conrad Egbert

GRAPHIC DESIGN Karen Steyn - www.stainedmedia.co.za

WRITERS TEAM

I

IT IS AN emotionally moving experience when a mother feels the first signs of life. It would be correct to imagine similar stirrings of creating a new business. Like mothers go through the experience of pregnancy leading to the moment when the life you've spent time growing, a business founder also feels overwhelmed with love when their business is born. Add a sense of responsibility to nurture it to evolve or grow it into a wonderful and successful entity.

In a broader perspective, all business owners face similar issues involving bringing up kids. You plan the business growth and guide the brand's direction both with the target market and competition. But is this all structured and scientific? Not always, planning a business's future involves being prepared for roadblocks and U-turns and the occasional crisis. Motherhood is like a training session for starting a business in many ways. There's a lot at stake, and entrepreneurs have to be innovative and adaptive. They must learn along the way, as well.

So, all 'maternal instincts are in full swing when a woman (and mom) entrepreneur gives the final push to her startup, which can give you a bit of an edge in business. Here are some points for harnessing the 'mamabear' instincts to nurture your business:

JUGGLING MANY BALLS Mothers are used to juggling. After all, they have children to look after and most probably hundreds of different chores in and out of the house. So, multitasking quickly becomes a part of the daily routine. While running a business it's not that different. Unexpected disturbances can crop up in a business ( just like it can happen with kids). Dealing with customers, employees, vendors, or tech issues, and it's not uncommon for any or all of them to need your attention at the same time.

Since moms are used to keeping going on or completing several tasks at once, they're prepared to absorb, prioritise and accomplish any task that is sprung at them during the workday.

ARE MOTHERS MIND READERS? Another factor that is naturally associated with Moms is problem-detecting and problem-solving. Babies may not be able to tell us why they're crying – but mothers instinctively realise what to do. The term "mother's in-

MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

Ophelia Wu; Vanessa C Petersen; Alexandra Beck; Mariano Davies; Skyler Bentley Hall; Monika Pedersen; Narcis Matache; Sara R. Newell; Aina Masood; Susan Jessen Spiele; Nikolaos Papadopoulos; Michaela Medvedova; Shani Bishop; Natasha Liviero; Heather Storgaard; Katie Noyed; Anna Charlotte Kanst tuition" is common, and for a good reason. Science supports the idea that the biological changes in a pregnant woman enhance her intuition. Just as these skills are applied to parenthood, they can also be valuable to the entrepreneurial environment. Thinking and analysis skills are critically important when launching or growing a business, and when it comes to success, it's intuition that comes in to play a critical role. Remember, intuition isn't just a "feeling," it's also informed by an accumulation of experiences. The knowledge you accumulate during motherhood is like none other; most significantly, it can easily be adapted to your professional life.

THE ART OF NEGOTIATION One thing, in particular, Moms constantly have to negotiate is communicating with kids. They instinctively try to arrive at winning solutions when it comes to negotiations.

This quality of 'being tough but fair' can go a long way in establishing a successful business. No one wants to feel they aren't receiving good value for their money or proper compensation for their work. Here, women can often find natural solutions that work for all involved. If you want to succeed in a business, you need to "win" - and you also have to "win over" consumers and nurture a loyal customer base. Again, an efficient negotiation ability goes a long way in accomplishing this.

THE MOTHER OF ALL INVENTIONS Kids often question or give their opinions on almost everything. Being inventive comes in handy when facing tasks, challenges, or decisions. Today, we see female entrepreneurs who successfully start their businesses and take care of their families. Many mothers view launching a startup business as a smart solution when they have a family to take care of. Running their own business enables them to establish a schedule that works for them and their families. The autonomy and freedom that accompany being your own boss are indispensable. So, why not do it? As a woman and Mom, you have exemplary skills and attributes that you can bring to the marketplace. Importantly, these qualities can become strengths that will form the backbone of your winning, successful businesses.

Love,

LYNDSAY JENSEN - EDITOR & FOUNDER THE-INTL.COM

Events Coordinator Anna Charlotte Kanst - anna@the-intl.com

COVER PICTURE Ieva Vi Photography

SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM SoMe Coordinator Alberte Borggreen - alberte@the-intl.com

SoMe Ambassadors Neelam Gahlaut; Michaela Medvedova; Aina Masood; Katie Noyed; Ane-Sophie Custura; Terumi Mascarenhas; Manon Coolen; Leslie Noygues; Shelly Pandey; Shivangi Singh; Ritika Jain; Pavlos Tsiakoumis; Sakib Akhter; Rashmi Jadhav; Gemma La Rocca; Isabel Pereira Lima

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

SALES sales@the-intl.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS For corporate delivery of the printed edition please contact: lyndsay@the-intl.com The International is published 12 times a year.

This issue was published on 6 May, 2022.

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 © 2021 The International ApS. Registered in Denmark / CVR Number: 39118181

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THE FEEL-GOOD STORIES OF DENMARK ceived very well in Denmark, both by the government, politicians, and the general public: “The support from Denmark has been huge - we feel it so much, and we felt it from the first day of the war.”

ANNA CHARLOTTE KANST

UKRAINIANS ARE MET WITH OPEN ARMS "Ukraine is always in my heart." Anna Coen has been involved in improving conditions for the Ukrainian diaspora in pretty much all the places around the world where she has set foot since she left Ukraine 17 years ago.

Now she is putting her skills to good use as a volunteer with The Association for Ukrainians in Denmark, AUD.

erates a hotline to provide immediate advice to newly arrived Ukrainians.

According to Anna Coen, the AUD and their essential work have been re-

Anna Coen’s primary focus is on promotion and spreading awareness: “I see it as my personal mission; I am fighting on the informational front.”

Her advice to anyone in Denmark who wants to help is to use their social media to share information and stop the myths and misinformation from spreading; “even one small comment helps.”

To find out more about how you can help or find details about upcoming events, you can check out or contact AUD via their Facebook page or website, or you may contact Anna Coen directly via Facebook. THE-INTL

MICHAELA MEDVEĎOVÁ

CONNECTING THROUGH CUISINE AND CULTURE Whether you're a proud foodie or can't tell your veggies from your fruits, one thing is undeniable - food connects people unlike anything else.

International Family, an Odense-based voluntary association bringing internationals closer, knows this very well.

Food is at the heart of Dinner Tuesdays, a project organised jointly with Ungdomshuset that aims to bring the Odense community together through food, introducing different cultures.

“Food is a common language, no matter where you come from,” explains Eleni Pasa Yıldırım, the board president.

On a Dinner Tuesday evening, the doors of Ungdomshuset’s café are open between five to nine, with food being served between six and eight o’clock.

Diners can choose between two main courses - a vegan and non-vegan option - priced at 50 DKK. For an additional twenty, they can enjoy a dessert.

There’s no need to sign up for the event, but it might be good to show up early to have all available meals. “On

NIKOLAOS PAPADOPOULOS

“The organisation helps provide accommodation, gives free legal advice, helps with urgent translation needs, and provides f ree psychological aid.”

PIC COURTESY OF VIAN BACKER SHAKER

The organisation, run entirely by volunteers, was formed as a union to centralise the different Danish Ukrainian support organisations and functions as an ‘umbrella’. Besides providing critical humanitarian aid directly to the Ukrainian borders, the AUD has ensured that Ukrainians arriving in Denmark get the best possible welcome. The organisation helps provide accommodation, gives free legal advice, helps with urgent translation needs, and provides free psychological aid. The AUD also op-

LIFE AS AN INTERNATIONAL MUM IN A NEW COUNTRY

some occasions, we are sold out. We cannot predict how many people will come, and we are also trying to avoid food waste. That’s why some people come a bit earlier - they don’t want to miss the dessert.” The dinners attract around 40 people - Danes and internationals alike.

Some come to meet new people - others want to practice their Danish. The event had its biggest success with Brazilian night, which also celebrated carnival when around 80 people arrived to try the food. “What made this a little more attractive was that we donated all the profit to a Ukrainian non-profit organisation.”

Since February, they have already

NIKOLAOS PAPADOPOULOS is originally from Greece, but has been living in Esbjerg for a few years. With a Bachelor's degree in Economics and a Master's degree in Marketing from the University of Southern Denmark, he has always had a passion for creative writing.

organised an Italian, Indian, and Ashkenazi Jewish night - it depends on the volunteers who are available to bring in the recipes and lead the effort in the kitchen. Still, the organisers also try to take seasonal holidays into consideration. “It doesn’t matter if the person heading the dinner has cooking experience or not - they can just come with authentic recipes and lead us. We also have some professional chefs volunteering with us.”

After a brief break in April, the dinners are back in a monthly instead of a weekly format - but going forward, the events will focus much more on culture and the delicious meals. THE-INTL

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

Meet Nicola Zulu, expat, mother of 2, global citizen, and Head of Secondary in Esbjerg's International School. Her family has been around the world. She personally started in the UK and then moved to Zambia as a volunteer. This is where she met her husband, Michael, and had her two children. While Zambia was generally a great place to live, they decided to move to Singapore once the children were in their teens. Zambia presented minimal choices for children their age, while Singapore had abundant!

However, Singapore proved to be a nightmare where work-life balance was concerned. They could hardly spend time together as a family or pursue their interests. So, after six years, in 2019, the family decided to move again to Denmark.

What mainly appealed to them were the rumours of the country's excellent worklife balance, safety, cleanliness, and lack of overpopulation. But, of course, it is one of the happiest countries in the world!

Not everything was easy when they moved here, of course. The main challenges were adapting to a non-English speaking environment, the long and cold winter nights, and finding a new social circle. But, while it was hard, to begin with, Nicki, as she likes to be called, has managed to find a job, learn Danish, become a distinguished member of the local Toastmaster's club (a venue for public speaking), and survive the weather! "There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing," she says, laughing, referring to a common Danish saying.

With her children now in the UK pursuing further studies, as they are now 18 and 21, Nicki enjoys spending time with her husband, Michael, a professional massage therapist and personal trainer, and pursuing her own personal interests. Her children even often visit Esbjerg and love the city! The family is delighted with the quality of life Denmark offers and plans on staying here for the foreseeable future.

We can only hope that they have finally found their forever home here. THE-INTL

ANNA CHARLOTTE KANST is a Danish student of Language and International Studies located in Aalborg. Before moving to Aalborg, she worked with rhinos in Africa, seals in The Netherlands, and next year she is going to Costa Rica to work with sloths.

MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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MAY EVENTS AROUND DENMARK ANNA CHARLOTTE KANST EVENTS COORDINATOR anna@the-intl.com

COPENHAGEN

VISIT DENMARK - DANIEL_RASMUSSEN

BOTANICAL GARDEN FB PAGE

PALADSPASSAGEN SOCIAL DINING FB PAGE

ZEALAND

VISIT DENMARK - PETER KIRKEGAARD

FUNEN

VEJLE

10 MAY

10 MAY

GUIDED TOUR OF THE BOTANICAL GARDEN

A TRIP TO THE MIDDLE EAST

Experience the Botanical Garden on a guided tour around Denmark's most extensive collection of rare plants worldwide. On tour, you experience the outdoors in the romantic garden and into the greenhouses and the famous Victorian Palm House from 1874. The route passes many of the garden's highlights and is adapted to the season and the day's weather.

The themes of the tours follow the change of seasons in the garden and can, e.g. focus on a holiday or special events in the world of plants.

As something special, the tour goes through the garden's conservation greenhouses with Seidenfaden's famous orchids and other rare plant collections, which are usually not accessible to the public.

Paladspassagen Social Dining is a restaurant constructed of 8 different carefully chosen kitchens to ensure that there is something for every taste. In an attempt to combat loneliness and make room for socialising, the restaurant puts great emphasis on making some initiatives and events that break the ice between people - and in May, the all-night food experience event focuses on the Middle East! Yazzy's Pita is known for delicious pitas and salads, but this evening Yazzy will treat you to some of the dishes served in his childhood homeland Iran, so there's something to look forward to! The owners of Paladspassagen Social Dining have always had in mind to create a place where the guest is at the centre and where guests have the opportunity to have a culinary experience at a fair price. Unfortunately, spaces are limited, so hurry to secure your space!

WHERE: BOTANICAL GARDEN, GOTHERSGADE 128, 1123 COPENHAGEN K TIME: 16:30-18:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/1MJU9ZBFJ

WHERE: PALADSPASSAGEN SOCIAL DINING, VED ANLÆGET 12G, VEJLE TIME: 17:30 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/1M4TLFPGZ

MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

UNSPLASH

UNSPLASH

VISIT DENMARK - GITTE LINDEBORG_FLYING OCTOBER

JUTLAND

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HELSINGØR

COPENHAGEN

4WATER FB PAGE

HIVEMIND

M/S MUSEET FOR SØFART FB PAGE

GRENAA

11 MAY

11 MAY

11 MAY

HIVEMIND AT ARRESTEN

EASTER AT THE MUSEUM SOGNEFOGEDGÅRDEN

LATIN SOCIAL DANCING WITH 4WATER

Every Wednesday at M / S Museet for Søfart, you can get a free introduction to the new exhibition 'Dannebrog - Royal ship for 90 years. At the same time, you get to see the many different disciplines in the museum's engine room daily. Depending on the day you choose, it can be anything from the museum director and exhibition architect to the museum inspector or Dream Ship Captain, each giving their personal take on 90 years of royal maritime history.

Free admission to the museum.

You sign up for the tour on arrival.

30 participants - first come, first served.

The tours start in our foyer at 13:00

Your favourite thing to do on a Wednesday night is back!

Every Wednesday, you'll find 4water at Urban House, so come and dance the night away! The night starts with a 45-minute intro class. Then, every second week we will teach the basics of Cuban Salsa, and every other week we will introduce you to Bachata. All the more reason to come more than once.

WHERE: M/S MUSEET FOR SØFART, NY KRONBORGVEJ 1, 3000 HELSINGØR TIME: 13:00-13:30 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/1HFYTVEVT

Can't get enough of dancing? Then join us every Sunday for Cuban Salsa: https://fb.me/e/6k2CFJ61b And Bachata: https://fb.me/e/1JK2CcAXA

The Aalborg band HiveMind is paying a visit to the Arrest in Grenaa. HiveMind presents a modern take on an energetic, young, and progressive instrumental quartet directly from the burgeoning North Jutland music scene.

Inspirations are drawn from the members' lives, whether it is from the small everyday situations, the encounter with foreign cultures, the joy of becoming a father, the dog sleeping on the carpet, or the dream of travelling to a distant galaxy. HiveMind gathers these inspirations and expresses them through the music. Entry is 50 DKK, but free for everyone under 25.

UNSPLASH

M/S MUSEET FOR SØFART FB PAGE

WHERE: ARRESTEN, MOGENSGADE 1A, GRENAA TIME: 18:00-21:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/1IFXDO79H

Programme: 19:00-19:45: Intro to Cuban Salsa (even weeks) or Bachata (odd weeks) 19:45-23:00: Social Dancing!

All profits from our classes go to WaterAid, which provides clean water and sanitation in developing countries!

Please note: The safety of our students and teachers is our number one priority, so please only attend if you are feeling healthy. We can't wait to see you all! P.S. Join our mailing list to be the first to know about important dates: https://forms.gle/SMJy4LB1gu4Nm3MR7

WHERE: COLBJØRNSENSGADE 5-11, 1652 COPENHAGEN TIME: 19:00-23:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/1GBUXA5N3

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COPENHAGEN

SALSA LIBRE COPENHAGEN FB PAGE

AALBORG

BIG SPLASH DAY

LITTLE PINK MAKER FB PAGE

COPENHAGEN

13 MAY

13 MAY

13-15 MAY

COMMUNITY BREAKFAST AND CO-WORKING

BIG SPLASH DAY

COPENHAGEN SALSA FESTIVAL 2022

Start your morning with a healthy organic breakfast, get inspired by Danish design, rapid prototyping, makerspace culture and getting to know other creative people, then work side by side with other makers on your project.

A morning well spent is the aim of our game - so we'd like to invite you to the Little Pink Maker community breakfast and co-working day. A free community event for connecting, tinkering, working and community.

Our events are for everyone but especially creatives, who're looking for inspiration and connection in their business life. You'll be able to enjoy a delicious breakfast assortment, sip on your favourite morning beverages and engage with other creatives from all different sectors. Whilst being able to get comfortable and co-work with us the whole day!

Kunsten kicks off the summer with their traditional Big "Splash" Bathing Day, where Jeppe Hein's fun fountain is officially opened! Kunsten invites you to a day of entertainment and creative activities hosted by the rebellious and imaginative Oda Omvendt, known from Danish children's TV. The activities in the park start at 11:00, when family workshops open at 13:00, Oda Omvendt will be performing; at 13:30, children and adults are invited into the fountain, where water jets shoot up, allowing for lots of water-filled-fun. The event is free, but you must pay admission if you are over 18 and do not have a club card.

WHERE: KUNSTEN, KONG CHRISTIANS ALLÉ 50, AALBORG TIME: 11:00-15:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/36NXXU0MM

UNSPLASH

WHERE: TAGENSVEJ 186, 2400 COPENHAGEN TIME: 10:00-14:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/1ZLOOH3TL

Copenhagen Salsa Festival offers: - More than 40 dance workshops in Salsa, Mambo, ChaCha, Bachata sensual, Dominican Bachata Boogaloo.

- World class shows and performances by some of the best artists in the world.

- 3 Social dancing parties with performances and a selection of Danish and international D.J.s.

Artists and Performers: Johnny Vazquez [Mexico] Yanet Fuentes [Cuba] Luis Vasquez & Weronika Pilat [Mexico/Sweden] Alfredo & Andrea [Spain] Rohan Brown [U.K.] Junior & Carolina [Dominican Rep/Colombia] José Diaz & Nerea [USA/Spain] Salsacrew [Italy] Mouaze Konate [France] Jakob Garcia [D.K.] NinjaCrew [Italy] Erodys Castillo [Cuba] Jessie & Ana [Sweden] Yosvany Torres [Cuba] Love Dance Academy [Sweden] Nina & Su Timba Divas [Sweden] Impulse Dance Company [Sweden] Nordic Dance Squad [D.K.] A.K. Dance Company [D.K.] Cesar & Kerstin [Peru/Germany] Mambo Vikings [Sweden] Latin Vibe [D.K.] ...and many more!

Workshop programme: https://adobe.ly/3P1zcxf

UNSPLASH

LITTLE PINK MAKER FB PAGE

We are happy to welcome you to a probably the cosiest festival in Northern Europe in a fantastic historic venue with a high ceiling and state of the art dance floor.

The parties (Friday and Saturday) will take place on two dancefloors: - Salsa/Mambo Floor: Salsa On1, On2, Salsa Cubana, Son and Cha-Cha. - Bachata: Floor - 100% Bachata all styles.

Interested in joining - Keep an eye open for our sign up sheets so we can avoid food waste!

Vi ses snart venner!

MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

Salsa Libre Copenhagen presents: The 10th annual Copenhagen International Salsa Festival.

WHERE: NYELANDSVEJ 75A, 2000 FREDERIKSBERG TIME: 13 MAY AT 12:00 – 14 MAY AT 05:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/2QC3T3ORR

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COPENHAGEN

COPENHAGEN

RANDERS

PICK

UP SPOT

!

UNSPLASH

RED DOOR FB PAGE

ART ESCAPE STUDIOS & CAFE FB PAGE

GRAB A FREE COPY OF PRINTED PAPER AT THE ESCAPE ST ART UDIOS

14-15 MAY

14 MAY

14 MAY

THE TROUBLE WITH HAPPINESS:

REGENERATIVE PAINTING WORKSHOP

KIDS TOUR

American writer Michael Favala Goldman will read from his new translations and poems, including the just-released collection of Tove Ditlevsen’s short stories, The Trouble with Happiness and the New York Times Top 10 Book of 2021, The Copenhagen Trilogy, also by Ditlevsen.

Michael is a translator of Danish literature, an awardwinning poet, educator, and jazz clarinetist. Over 130 of Michael's translations and poems have appeared in periodicals such as The Harvard Review, The Los Angeles Review, and The New Yorker. He has translated 17 books of Danish poetry and prose, including Dependency, book three of The Copenhagen Trilogy by Tove Ditlevsen. His third book of poetry, Small Sovereign was awarded a Best Poetry Book of 2021. He lives in Northampton, Massachusetts, USA.

Painting with Natural Pigments: new regenerative painting workshop by Art Escape Studios & Cafe Our Regenerative Painting course is an insightful experience into creating and painting with natural pigments.

The depth and earthly tones created with these edible and naturally sourced colours reflect our daily organic environment. The tones are lush and emotive and their vibrance is harmoniously tuned to nature's intrinsic colour scheme.

The purpose of the course is a reflection of our motivation to explore how art can be regenerative and environmentally sound and a part of the green transition.

In this course, you will learn how to make your own water-soluble pigments, how to paint with those colours, how to utilize the tools needed to create a successful image, and how to balance colours to enhance the unique quality in each tone.

Art Escape Studios & Cafe are focused on renewable solutions in creative development.

WHERE: MØLLEGADE, 2200 COPENHAGEN TIME: 14 MAY AT 16:00 – 15 MAY AT 20:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/1FTUWU9RF

WHERE: TRONHOLMPARKEN, TRONHOLMEN 1, RANDERS TIME: 10:00-15:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://BIT.LY/36ELUAA

ALL LEVELS ARE WELCOME The tickets are 595 dk, It includes all materials and instruction. Book yours here: https://bit.ly/3NS9L0d

WHERE: BLEGDAMSVEJ 68, 2100 COPENHAGEN TIME: 12:00-16:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/38S6OML81

KIDS TOUR

Exhibition and event: - At 16:00 we invite you for a welcome drink, in celebration of the simultaneous exhibition of Alan Rankle's solo show "Pastoral Collateral".

- At 18:00 we invite you to Michael Goldman's poetry reading and talk, followed by a Q&A session. Welcome drinks will be served.

The whole family can look forward to the Kids Tour - a day where the children are in focus and where it is not about winning but about participating! With cycling, play and fun activities, the day focuses on joy and traffic safety, exercising and having healthy values - with room to have fun with the family. The event venue opens at 10:00, where you will find a lot of fun activities, while the actual bike race kicks off at 12:00. In addition to a fun day out, all participants in the cycling race receive a start number, a delicious goodie bag, and a diploma. Everyone is welcome at the event site, where all activities are free. All proceeds from the sales go to the Børneulykkesfonden to promote the foundation's work to increase child safety in Denmark and reduce the number of traffic accidents.

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MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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ROSKILDE

COPENHAGEN

COPENHAGEN ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL FB PAGE

UNSPLASH

MUSICON BYDELEN FB PAGE

ALBERTSLUND

14 MAY

14 MAY

15 MAY

YOUTH NETWORK MEETING

JUNK IN THE TRUNK MUSICON

COPENHAGEN ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2022

Programme: 14:00 - Welcome and introduction by Ahmad Farooq, Ambassador of Pakistan 14:20 - Perspectives of a Danish-Pakistani investor (Renewable Energy), Mubashar Rashid, Managing Partner P2X 14:35 - Perspectives of a Danish-Pakistani youth, Zarqa Iftikhar, Sweet Homes International 14:45 - Panel discussion 15:00 - Short break 15:10 - The audience divided into groups for networking and small group discussion 15:20 - A group activity 16:00 - Panel discussion (audience topics) and open conversation 16:30 - Way forward - discussion 17:00 - Finish event

Experience true retro, nostalgia and vintage things in Musicon's cosy surroundings. Go exploring and discover some new treasures among the old and exciting things.

Scandinavia's ONLY Asian Film Festival is back!!

WHERE: KONGSHOLMCENTRET, 2 LILJENS KVARTER, 2620 ALBERTSLUND TIME: 14:30-17:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://WWW.EVENTBRITE.DK/E/YOUTHNETWORK-MEETING-NETVRKSMDE-FOR-UNGE-TICKETS321761997797?KEEP_TLD=1

Sales: - Food, beverages and other kiosk goods may not be sold.

- If items are sold that may require special approval, the sellers' responsibility is to apply for the necessary permission.

Meeting time: - 10:00-17:00.

- Set up your stall for the day from 8:00-9:45. Don't show up later than 9:30, or you'll lose your space and deposit.

Stall: - The stall space must be within the specified guidelines.

However, you can rent 2 stalls at a time.

- When you sign up, you agree to keep your place from start to finish and do not pack up ahead of time, as this can confuse the participants and visitors.

Cars and parking: - As this is not a requirement, you can choose whether you want to park the car at your stall or somewhere else, but between 9:45 and 17:00, you are NOT allowed to drive on the site.

Tables and tidying up: - If you have ordered a table, this will be handed out on the day.

- The stalls must be left tidy and clean.

- Waste must not be left on-site or next to the waste bins.

- Always clean up after yourself when the flea market is over.

Loads of activities including: - A lovely day out for you and your family at Musicon: - A large flea market.

- Street food market.

- Vinyl and tackle market.

- Also take the opportunity to visit one of Musicon's many attractions, eg Ragnarock, Containerstriben, and Kunstsmedjen.

The programme will be packed with movies from Asia – China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. We can guarantee that there will be something for everyone!

Rules for renting a stall

WHERE: RABALDERSTRÆDE 9-5, 4000 ROSKILDE TIME: 10:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/39GCGPJSO

UNSPLASH

Our mission is to give Danish people a diverse insight into the Asian movie universe and showcase some of the many movies that don't usually find their way to Danish cinemas.

So we will be showcasing the very best in Asian cinema from the recent to the retro!

There is free admission for visitors. Registration only for stall holders.

If you have any questions, you are always welcome to write to: info@pse-musicon.dk

MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

CAFF will celebrate the Lunar New Year with an abundance of Asian films, Events and Parties.

So whether you're into crazy action movies, hilarious comedies, romantic dramas, genre-twisting thrillers or classic martial arts – there is something for everyone. Then, there will only be good reasons for you to sit down in the darkness of the cinema and explore the versatile Asian cinema.

The festival will have three sections: current, reviews and classics.

- Current will feature some of the new films from 2020 / 2021 – which will also open and close the festival.

- Reviews will look back at the most impactful Asian films and biggest blockbusters from the last 20 years.

- The third section is called classics which we are pleased to announce will be featuring some old Shaw Brothers classics and much more.

The festival will also start a tradition of presenting CAFF Awards to honour and recognise outstanding Actors and Directors from Asia that are still under the radar here in the West.

WHERE: THE KITCHEN, UNIVERSITETSBYEN 14, AARHUS TIME: 13:00-16:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/2JEQWWZWM

COPENHAGEN ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL FB PAGE

About this Event:

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COPENHAGEN

MARIBO

THE GREEN HOUSE FB PAGE

BRØCHNER HOTELS FB PAGE

YOUNG RESEARCHERS EVENT

COPENHAGEN / ONLINE

16 MAY

18 MAY

20 MAY

YOUNG RESEARCHERS EVENT

FIVE DAY FESTIVAL / PORT WINE TASTING, JAZZ & TATS!

INTERNATIONAL HAPPY HOUR

We're turning 40 and celebrating everywhere for five days straight. The second day of our FIVE DAY FESTIVAL will be at Hotel SP34, and we're inviting YOU to drop by and celebrate with us.

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY LOLLAND-FALSTER is hosting our monthly Happy Hour event at The Green House and you're invited!

HBP and EBRAINS, together with the University of Copenhagen and the Copenhagen University Hospital, invite the entire scientific community, particularly early career researchers, to join the forthcoming Young Researchers Event, taking place on 16 May at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Participants can explore how EBRAINS supports the next generation of basic and clinical neuroscience during this one-day free event. Topics like data sharing, brain atlasing, translational and computational neuroscience, and neurorobotics will be delivered in interactive plenaries and hands-on workshops. The event also offers ample networking opportunities for participants to exchange with peers and renowned experts.

WHERE: MAERSK TOWER, 3B BLEGDAMSVEJ, 2200 COPENHAGEN TIME: 08:00-17:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://WWW.HUMANBRAINPROJECT.EU/ EN/EDUCATION/YRE2022-DENMARK/

What's on 16.00-19.00: jazzy D.J. and saxophonist Nick Coldhands 16.00-19.00: Special port wine tasting from Dalva 16.00-19.00: Pop-up local tattoo artist @deathorglorykbh What you get - FREE port wine cocktail pack with Port Tonic / Ombré / Douro Cobbler - FREE #40 Brøchner cocktail / Nohrlund - FREE #40 Brøchner beer / Svaneke Bryghus ...You'll get all this for FREE from 16.00-19.00 or until we run out!

Four other #40 events to join We're continuing the celebration for the rest of the week in Copenhagen! See all the other events here: - TUE x B OOK1 // Dj, quiz, prizes: https://f b.me/ e/3ljcFuEph - THU x Hotel Ottilia // 3 different concerts & gin tasting:https://fb.me/e/1TY6gXlFl - FRI x Hotel Danmark // Rooftop party & Dj line-up: https://fb.me/e/2tl2e8vo0 - SAT x Avenue Hotel Copenhagen // final outdoor patio party with food trucks & different D.J. line-up: https:// fb.me/e/1GtRJRv2c

Happy Hour is from 16:00 to 18:00 and we will have beverages for purchase at an affordable price.

Everyone is invited, but we especially encourage newcomers on Lolland and Falster, Danes and internationals alike, to take this opportunity to join our network in an informal setting and start the weekend in good company.

Come by yourself, with your partner, or bring the whole family.

The International Community Lolland-Falster looks forward to seeing you at The Green House!

Learn more about the community here: https://www.facebook.com/internationalcommunitylf Join the community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/internationalcommunitylollandfalster

WHERE: THE GREEN HOUSE, VESTERGADE 32, 4930 MARIBO TIME: 16:00-18:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/6GJYRXUJN

Psst! All events are free and open for everyone!

UNSPLASH

UNSPLASH

UNSPLASH

WHERE: SANKT PEDERS STRÆDE 34, 1453 COPENHAGEN TIME: 16:00-19:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/5LZ1MPRY9

MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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COPENHAGEN

HORSENS

UNSPLASH

WALL OF SOUND FB PAGE

AALBORG KARNEVAL FB PAGE

AALBORG

28 MAY

20-21 MAY

21 MAY

AALBORG CARNIVAL

WALL OF SOUND

Participate in the Aalborg Carnival and let your imagination run wild! The Aalborg Carnival has been held every year in May since 1983, and today, it is Northern Europe's largest, with hundreds of thousands of participants at the association'sQ three main events: International Parade and Children's Carnival on Friday and Saturday in week 20, and Aalborg Carnival on Saturday in week 21.

Aalborg Carnival aims to spread the understanding and knowledge of the carnival's traditions, history, music, universal character, and local differences. Everyone can participate in the parade, so do not miss this colourful and imaginative experience! This year's theme for costumes is "When I grow up…". The parades start in Nørresundby at 10:00, at Østerport at 10:30, and from Vestbyen at 11:00.

Following the parade, there will be a party with live music at Kildeparken, which requires a ticket.

Wall of Sound is a festival for everyone who loves music and new experiences! You get to participate in two days of fantastic concerts, delicious street food, and fun, crazy, and different experiences. All the events are held in the park area at the FÆNGSLET, where you can disappear into a world of great music and quirky experiences, meet new people or hang out with good friends. The many experiences at Wall of Sound are created in collaboration with actors from Horsens and the surrounding area and offer everything from street food, coloured drinks, quizzes, art installations and much, much more.

CAREER BREAKTHROUGH CONFERENCE BY FEMME LEAD

WHERE: FUSSINGSVEJ 8, FÆNGSLET, HORSENS TIME: 10:00-15:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FAENGSLET.DK/BEGIVENHED/ WOS/

Career Breakthrough is the first step to bringing together the community of Femme Lead Podcast in Denmark for a one-day event aimed to inspire and give actionable advice about career progression. We want to advance women in leadership, and the best way to support this initiative is to bring together people in a safe space where they can network and ask questions.

Femme Lead is an organisation that supports women in pursuing their professional dreams. We are a community developed in Copenhagen, Denmark, and expanding worldwide through a podcast series and online events to help career-minded women learn and aspire to a successful career.

WHERE: KILDEPARKEN, GAMMEL KÆRVEJ 11, AALBORG TIME: 10:00-23:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/1GTYZXFZ5

WALL OF SOUND FB PAGE

AALBORG KARNEVAL FB PAGE

Are you looking for career advice? Do you want to plan your next career move and find yourself needing inspiration? Then join us!

Programme: 12:30 - Reaching Career Breakthrough: Knowing who you are to know what you want with Antesa Jensen, EQ Expert & Coach.

13:00 - How do you develop your career path? Talk about confidence.

13:30 - Workshop on Critical thinking: How to negotiate, work in a team, and set yourself for success with Violeta Todorova, BCG. 14:30 - Break.

15:00 - How to succeed in the Danish job market with Mozhgan Gerayeli, Career Coach.

16:00 - How to advance in your career? Talk about career progression and promotion with Angela Timofte and Dana Aonofriesei, Trustpilot.

16:30 - Workshop on Mental Health & Wellbeing: A key to growth with Raluca Stana Ph.D. 18:00 - Networking event.

22:00 - The event ends.

WALL OF SOUND FB PAGE

AALBORG KARNEVAL FB PAGE

The event is free to attend and is open to anyone interested in career advice. However, please note a 250 DKK no-show fee if you register and do not attend the day of the event.

MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

WHERE: MATRIKEL1, 10 HØJBRO PLADS, 1200 COPENHAGEN TIME: 12:00-22:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://WWW.EVENTBRITE.DK/E/CAREER-BREAKTHROUGH-CONFERENCE-REGISTRATION293991214637?KEEP_TLD=1

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ROSKILDE

AALBORG

21 MAY

GLOBAL NORTH

ORANGE MAKERS FB PAGE

KALØ ØKOLOGISK LANDBRUGSSKOLE FB PAGE

RØNDE

25 MAY

25-27 MAY

ECOLOGICAL SPRING MARKET REPAIR CAFÉ ROSKILDE

GLOBAL NORTH

Spend a spring day on a farm with your friends, family or kids. You will find food stalls serving snacks and meals made with ingredients from their organic school farm. The farm shop will be open, stocked with what the season offers in small plants, herbs, fruit trees, homemade treats and other local delicacies.

We are a group of volunteers who want to help you learn how to repair/fix your things, so you do not have to throw them out and buy something new. It can be anything from an old bike that lacks lubrication, a pair of pants that need to be sewn or a computer that has become a bit 'rusty'.

We can not always guarantee that we can fix everything, but we can give it a go!

Global North is a new showcase festival where the best new Nordic names are presented. The festival is based on the newly started trans-Nordic network by the same name, which will ensure ample opportunity to hear some of the best new names living in the North, with roots in traditional music from all four corners of the world! Ticket prices start from 75 DKK.

WHERE: ORANGE MAKERS, PENSELSTRØGET 66, 4000 ROSKILDE TIME: 17:00-20:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/1WSTNYINI

WHERE: HUSET, HASSERISGADE 10, AALBORG TIME: 20:00-23:45 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/2BDVH4QWA

WHERE: KALØ ØKOLOGISKE LANDBRUGSSKOLE, MOLSVEJ 38, RØNDE TIME: 10:00-16:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/1UDSP9MFR

ADVERTISEMENT

Thursday the 12th of May 2022 9:00 to 12:00 Aalborg Portland Park Lounges Harald Jensens vej 7-9, 9000 Aalborg It’s FREE and we also serve networking lunch from 12:00 to 14:00.

Participate or read more here:

www.ihnd.dk/ndcc2022 Panel debate

Welcome

You are more than welcome to contact Project Coordinator Miguel Oliveira at miol@aalborg.dk or +45 5037 4872

Keynote speeches

Matchmaking sessions

Lunch & networking

MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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COPENHAGEN

MOVE&GROW FB PAGE

AARHUS

AARHUS PRIDE FB PAGE

PRISON INK - FÆNGSLET HORSENS FB PAGE

HORSENS

26-28 MAY

28 MAY

28 MAY

PRISON INK

AARHUS PRIDE

For the sixth time, FÆNGSLET opens the doors to the international tattoo festival Prison Ink. Prison Ink is Scandinavia's largest tattoo convention measured by the number of participating tattoo artists: This year, no less than 250 tattoo artists from countries such as Finland, Belgium, Poland, the Czech Republic, Canada, the USA, Turkey, France, and of course Denmark, will participate.

But Prison Ink is also about more than tattoos. Over the three days, you can, for example, experience live music from exciting upcoming names and follow high-flying skate competitions. You will also be able to see the creation of the most fantastic graffiti works by professional graffiti painters, or you can take a look at the showcasing of motorcycles and American cars. The festival is for everyone, and there is something for every taste - regardless of whether you have tattoos yourself. The entry price starts at 100 DKK.

Come along and celebrate diversity with Aarhus Pride!

The organisation's goal and purpose are that Pride Day is a day of celebration of a diverse Aarhus and a diverse world; a day that puts the love between people in focus; and a day that sees a future where everyone is equal.

The day is meant to celebrate the progress in Denmark.

Aarhus Pride highlights that they work hard to foster an environment where everyone feels free and encouraged to stand up for themselves at all their events. They believe in a healthy debate where attitudes can be opposites and where opposing attitudes are welcomed, listened to, and respected. Participation in Aarhus Pride is free and open for everyone.

EMOTIONAL FREEDOM HEALING THROUGH FEELING: WORKSHOP+GROOVE

WHERE: BISPETORV, AARHUS TIME: 11:00-13:15 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/4LJZWE3P5

WHERE: FUSSINGSVEJ 8, FÆNGSLET, HORSENS TIME: 12:00-23:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://BIT.LY/36MRMOA

Would you like to get rid of constant overthinking and stress and finally feel at peace in your mind and body?

Then you will benefit from attending this workshop.

It is tough to stay connected to our true selves in the modern world.

The constant push for performance and overload of information keeps us stuck in our heads and numb in our bodies. We often feel empty, lost, and NOT GOOD ENOUGH. When we don't pay attention, accept, and understand our feelings, this disconnection results in our inability to properly care for our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Being connected to your body and emotions is critical to understanding your inner world, thoughts, needs, and behaviors. It is a pathway to healthy self-expression, authenticity, and freedom.

This workshop will help YOU with: - Reducing stress and creating more peace from the inside out - Accepting different emotional and mental states and meeting your own needs - Implementing a compassionate self-care practice in your everyday life The first part of the workshop will be theoretical (including getting familiar with The Emotional Freedom SelfCare Journal, which paperback copy will be provided).

The second part will include a body movement exercise: The GROOVE dance.

Programme: 14:15 - opening circle and introduction to the topic 14:45 - 15.40 - dancing 15:40 - 16:00 - closing circle, journaling, and integration

AARHUS PRIDE FB PAGE

PRISON INK - FÆNGSLET HORSENS FB PAGE

Practicalities: Book your spot via mobile pay, 175 DKK to 71359765. The first-come, first-served rule applies!

The ticket is valid for this WORKSHOP and cannot be refunded or exchanged for future events. You are always welcome to sell your ticket to another person if you can’t attend last minute.

MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

I am looking forward to meeting you!

Olga (Move & Grow)

WHERE: VODROFFSVEJ 51, 1900 FREDERIKSBERG TIME: 14:15-16:00 FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/2MXZLKWKG

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INTERESTED

IN GETTING THE LATEST ISSUE AT YOUR WORK? If you would like a subscription ask your company to send us an email by following the QR code

HOW COMPANIES CAN HELP: By purchasing a subscription to support your internationals in your company Using the copies as a conversation tool between internationals and Danes An opportunity to highlight your company as a distribution spot in Denmark MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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WELLINGTON TO COPENHAGEN PIC COURTESY OF IEVA VI PHOTOGRAPHY

KERI IS LIVING HER BEST LIFE

HOW TO CREATE A NEW LIFE FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY IN DENMARK WHILE BEING NOTHING LIKE A DANE? TAKE A PAGE OUT OF KERI BLOOMFIELD’S BOOK - LITERALLY.

PHOTOGRAPHS ANDREW TURNER / IEVA VI PHOTOGRAPHY

MAKE IT COUNT. This thought jumped into Keri Bloomfield’s head just about three years ago. She was sitting on the plane, about to return to Denmark after visiting her home country of New Zealand, thinking about how it would be another two years before she could retake this big trip.

She decided to turn living 18,000 kilometres away from the land she grew up in, her family, and her old friends into a positive. So building on the tradition of her blog detailing the nuances of her two-cultural life, she wrote a book.

Last month, Nothing like a Dane hit the shelves and captured both the joyful and challenging experiences Keri had while finding her way in Denmark.

A NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURE The book title encapsulates Keri’s reality of being in a two-cultural family with her Danish partner and their daughter. It means that you are closer to locals, and you have to integrate differently. “You’re living with a Dane, but you’re nothing like a Dane. Just because you got on a plane and happened to get off in Denmark does not make you a Dane. You need to grow into that person. And at the end of the day, even if I become more Danish in the way I do things, it won’t take away the fact that I’m a New Zealander living in Denmark.”

And it seems that being a proper New Zealander is what brought her to Denmark.

“New Zealanders have a reputation for wanting to travel and live abroad. In part, it’s because we’re so remote - we don’t have the opportunities Europeans have to quickly go see another country for a weekend.” The distance makes them more curious about the rest of the world - so Keri, fueled by the curiosity, moved to London for two years in her twenties for what New Zealanders call an OE: overseas experience. When the two years were up, Keri moved back home. “And my parents were relieved when I came back without a foreign boyfriend,” she laughs.

MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

TEXT MICHAELA MEDVEĎOVÁ

But they counted their chickens. Keri met a Danish tourist in Wellington about five years later, and they started talking. That’s the New Zealand way - they like to talk to strangers and show off their country. Shortly after their chance meeting, The Dane, as Keri calls her now-partner in her writing, flew back to Denmark but searched for a job in New Zealand. He found one, moved back, and their relationship started. “We lived there for three or four years, and then it was time to try living in Denmark - so six years ago, we arrived with a four-month-old baby.”

NO DUOLINGO, NO HILLS While some expats move to Denmark with a defined period of time in mind - or, if the country isn’t a good fit, they can easily move away - things were different for Keri. “When you’re in a two-culture relationship, one partner is always arguably giving up more than the other.” The couple doesn’t have a set timeline for staying in Denmark or moving on - it’s always been about what feels right, which, right now, is their Danish home. “I often get asked what I think of Denmark. It’s a loaded question because people want you to say positive things like me asking tourists in New Zealand if they had a nice holiday. But my answer is: Denmark is a great country, and so is New Zealand. I’m lucky to have two great countries to choose between. But it doesn’t come without challenges.”

Keri’s father passed away just before she moved to Denmark, so - combined with having a small baby - she didn’t have the normal time to prepare and go over the checklist other internationals do: looking into the country or studying the new language on Duolingo. Also, after arriving, the physical country itself was a novelty. In New Zealand, Keri was used to seeing green hills in the background, bushes, rivers, and parks in her daily surroundings. “I clearly remember arriving at our Danish apartment for the first time and being overwhelmed with the flatness and the rows of brick buildings, with little to no greenery and no hills in sight.”

PIC COURTESY OF IEVA VI PHOTOGRAPHY

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MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

PIC COURTESY OF IEVA VI PHOTOGRAPHY

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But moving to a new country also means finding a network, making new friends, learning a foreign language, and understanding and placing yourself in a different working environment. To put it simply, you need to recreate yourself.

“I was also learning to be a mother. I couldn’t just go out and see all the sights and learn my way around the city. One of the big challenges for me was to work out who I was in Denmark.” But the idea of changing who she is just because she relocated halfway across the world was a puzzling concept for Keri. “Am I supposed to be a completely different person after stepping off the plane? How can I fundamentally change what’s inside me in 36 hours and start to do things differently?”

But what Keri heard after she first arrived in Denmark was integration, integration, integration.

to question your confidence, and you don’t have much power as you don’t know how the system works here.”

DANISH KERI, NEW ZEALAND KERI

Theoretically, having a Danish partner should help you transition into a new culture. But it may not be so easy. “When you’re in a two-culture relationship, all of a sudden, you’re doing things your partner’s way. And there are so many rules or ways of doing things dancing around the Christmas tree? We don’t do that in New Zealand. There are small things your partner can forget to tell you about because it’s normal for them.”

Living with a Dane also brings an expat closer to the language. But it’s not a miraculous learning technique. For example, when visiting her mother-in-law, Danish is the language at the dinner table. Keri now understands most of what’s being said but only has the confidence to reply in short sentences - and she’s not the person she would be if Some of the stories Keri has about becoming more Danish make her smile. Like eating she were speaking English. “There’s still a barrier there, but it’s nice to be surrounded the traditional Danish lunch - rugbrød. “I do like it, even though I still can’t pronounce by the language and learn in a different way.” the word for it,” laughs Keri. Or scouring supermarkets for But it’s not just Keri and The Dane in the relationship. They even basic ingredients. “Small things like finding the right share a daughter born in New Zealand and raised in Denmark, milk in the fridge or cooking dinner can be quite challenging. known to Keri’s readers as the Bilingual Backpack Baby. “In BUT IT'S NOT JUST KERI AND THE You have your normal recipes, and you are used to being able my head, she’s a New Zealander because she was born there, DANE IN THE RELATIONSHIP. THEY to find certain ingredients - and all of a sudden, you don’t have and in hers, she is Danish.” The balance between the two culSHARE A DAUGHTER BORN IN NEW that.” In New Zealand, supermarkets are much bigger. In comtures is delicate. For Keri, it’s crucial to ensure that she feels ZEALAND AND RAISED IN DENMARK, parison, Keri jokingly refers to shops like Netto as “pseudoconnected to both cultures regardless of what country her KNOWN TO KERI'S READERS AS THE supermarkets”, and looking for everyday things like a shamdaughter lives in. “That’s why returning to New Zealand is BILINGUAL BACKPACK BABY. "IN MY poo may not be as easy as expected. “I remember saying to important to me, so that she can connect with my family - so HEAD, SHE'S A NEW ZEALANDER my partner once, as there wasn’t much selection in terms of they become more than a Skype call.” She’s doing her best to brands: Can we just go to a normal supermarket next time? educate her daughter on all things New Zealand with posters BECAUSE SHE WAS BORN THERE, He didn’t understand what I was saying. For him, this is noror books. Her daughter already knows all about kiwis, the naAND IN HERS, SHE IS DANISH." mal. And six years in, it’s my normal now, too.” tive birds. “I don’t think my parenting style would be differBut integration is not just rye bread and shopping trips to ent in New Zealand, but my daughter would be in quite a difNetto. “It’s a word the government uses quite a lot, particularly for a non-EU person ferent environment, and she would be moulded into a different person.” such as myself who is here on a family reunification permit. I have to sign an integraHaving a Danish speaker for a daughter is also great motivation. The extra push is tion contract, I have to create an integration plan with the Jobcenter, I have to report good because attending language schools is not something Keri particularly enjoyed. “I for integration meetings.” As part of the process, Keri had to go through her qualifica- had hoped to be fluent after three years, and that didn’t happen. And I turned up to evetions with a job integration consultant to discuss what job she aims to get and in what ry lesson and did all my homework. Finally, I recognised I needed some timeout because timeframe she plans to learn Danish. “It can be quite a negative experience as you start it sucked all the enjoyment out of my life.”

PSEUDO-SUPERMARKETS AND RYE BREAD

MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

PIC COURTESY OF ANDREW TURNER

This was about the time Keri started to write her book - working on something that wouldn’t just be ticking off the government’s boxes. Something that would nourish her soul.

A PROBLEM SHARED IS A PROBLEM HALVED Keri’s always enjoyed writing, but she never really had the opportunity to pursue it in New Zealand. So when she first moved to Denmark, she decided to invest more time into writing. She was searching for a job and learning a language simultaneously - and was looking for something to get excited about.

So she started her Bilingual Backpack Baby blog: entries of a self-proclaimed Kiwi mom in Denmark, trying to find her footing. “I’m guilty of thinking too much. Writing helps me process my emotions and gain strength when other people are sharing their thoughts with me through social media. We’re all in this together, whether Danes or internationals.”

While the blog started both as a way to give herself a greater purpose in a new country and a means of communicating with people back home, Keri and her warm, engaging style inevitably grew a sizeable audience. She wanted to share her experiences with other people who are new in Denmark and see if they could get value from it. “It also gave me a chance to laugh at myself and with the Danes. We all think we’re normal until we leave our own country and realise not everyone does the same things that we do.

If we can laugh about our differences, we can grow from them and feel better instead of feeling like the odd one out. It’s about recognising the differences - and recognising that they work.”

About a year into her blog, The International launched its first issue. Keri pitched her blog content - and got an offer to write a column instead, which she did for about two years. “That gave me encouragement to set out on the path of writing. People were actually enjoying what I was writing. The hardest thing is to be yourself. You start off by writing what you think people want to hear - but the truer you are to your thoughts, the more like-minded people you attract.”

As a result, her first book is equally a work of heart and humour. Keri felt a book would be something she could leave behind. A piece of writing that will forever live in the world.

But she also wrote it for others who have had a similar journey or experience to hers.

“I hope those people read it and feel seen. That they feel it’s okay to recognise that moving to a new country and having to find out who they are there can be a tough process. That they are not alone in it.” THE-INTL

PIC COURTESY OF ANDREW TURNER

PIC COURTESY OF ANDREW TURNER

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Nothing Like a Dane will be launched in Denmark on 31 August. You can join Keri with a glass of wine in Copenhagen to celebrate at:

WHERE: Books & Company, 1 Sofievej, Hellerup, 2900 WHEN: Wednesday 31 August 2022 TIME: 19:00-21:00 RSVP: https://www.booksandcompany.dk/

MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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MUMMYHOOD AND THE TRUTH ABOUT “BOUNCING” OUR RESIDENT HEALTH & FITNESS GURU, ALEX, DISPELS THE MYTH OF A QUICK BOUNCE BACK TO PRE-BABY WEIGHT.

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH / ALEXANDRA BECK

H

HANDS UP IF your mom, friend or coworker told you that you would just “bounce back from pregnancy” in no time! Me, me, me!

I personally bounced alright. From one sleepless night to another. From one pack of Oreos to the next frozen pizza slice. From one hip to the other… but never really “back” from pregnancy. For that to happen, I believed that we would have needed a full-time nanny, cook and indoor motored vehicle to keep our child asleep at night.

Can you relate?

Superhero mode “on”. ALL. THE. TIME. Growing a human and then raising one ain’t no joke! And finding the energy to do it… the joke is on us.

For the past few years as a personal trainer and coach, I have encountered many moms who have felt that time has been lacking for any form of self-care. And not just new moms…

Sometimes years will pass, and I hear, “I want to reclaim my body”.

After delivery, it is recommended to not vigorously exercise for around 6-8 weeks, depending on the type of delivery and your doctor’s advice. After that, any date is an excellent time to strengthen one’s body. The sooner, the better, really. Our bodies undergo quite some stretching while hosting little munchkin, and the longer we wait, the less feasible it seems, mentally and physically. More often than not, 6-8 weeks have a tendency to become 6-8 months and beyond… for 101 valid reasons!

But hear this: it will ALWAYS come down to our mindset. We are tired and busy, and yet we are consumed by the thoughts of wanting more energy, better quality sleep and strengthening the bits that have softened. What if all these “thinking” minutes were put together into some form of movement instead?

MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

TEXT ALEXANDRA BECK

HERE ARE THREE EXERCISES TO GET STARTED THAT ARE EASY TO DO AND PRETTY FAMILY-FRIENDLY - NO GYM OR FANCY EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED:

#1

#3

While stirring the meat sauce, stand feet hip -width apart and perform pelvic tilts. Exhale on the tilt forward, contracting your abs (imagine you are blowing out a magic candle and feel your abdominal muscles contract) and gently return to a neutral stance.

Feet in a wide stance position to wards the pram, push the pram with both arms to full extension and squat simultaneously. Return to starting position while pulling the pram back towards your body.

THE KITCHEN CORE

MUSCLES WORKED Abs, lower back, glutes.

THE PRAM “SUMO” SQUAT AND PRESS

MUSCLES WORKED Adductors, glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves, hip flexors, abs, biceps, back, triceps and shoulders.

BONUS: YOUR TODDLER THINKS THIS IS FUN, AND YOU GET TO TAKE HIM/HER FOR A RIDE TOO!

#2

THE GLUTE GAME As you are on the floor playing with your toddler, place yourself on your back, lower back glued to the floor, heels close to your butt and gently lift yourself up, pushing through your heels while exhaling and squeezing your glutes. Return slowly to the floor, softening your sternum, belly button and tailbone back to your starting position.

ALEXANDRA BECK PERSONAL TRAINER & NUTRITION COACH Alex is a Swiss/Brit mom and wife who has lived in Copenhagen since 2009. She switched from corporate life in communications to the independent life of an outdoor personal and group fitness trainer. She coaches people of all ages and fitness levels to find fun and consistency in movement through individual and group workouts. Delivering entertainment and spreading group fitness magic is her superpower. Alex encourages you to high-five her if you see her in the capital!

MUSCLES WORKED

@alexbeck.fit

Glutes, hamstrings, abs.

@alexbeck.fit hello@alexbeck.fit

Mums out there! YOU GOT THIS! Your bodies are wonderful and can do so much more than you believe. Trust that you can, and I promise that if you start integrating the small movements into your daily routines, you will feel much better than not doing anything for yourself. THE-INTL

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FOOD ART

VICTORIA SPONGE CAKE A CLASSIC VANILLA CELEBRATION CAKE FOR MOTHER’S DAY! PHOTOGRAPHS & TEXT: NATASHA LIVIERO / UNSPLASH

VICTORIA SPONGE CAKE MAKES 1 X 20CM ROUND CAKE

INGREDIENTS: 230g caster sugar 230g butter 10ml vanilla extract 4 extra large eggs 210g cake flour 20g cornflour 12g baking powder 45ml milk 250ml whipping cream 100g strawberry jam, room temperature Strawberries, flowers, mint and confectioner sugar for decorating

METHOD: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C or 160°C fan assisted.

2. Grease 2 x 20cm cake tins and line the bases with baking paper.

3. Cream the caster sugar and butter with a paddle attachment until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and beat for another minute.

4. Sift the dry ingredients together and set them aside in a bowl.

5. Add the eggs one at a time, alternating with the dry ingredients and mixing well after each addition.

Scrape down the sides as you go along to ensure all the ingredients are properly combined.

6. Slowly add the milk to improve dropping consistency and smoothness.

7. Place equal amounts of the batter into each cake tin, spreading it out evenly.

8. Bake for approximately 25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and a skewer inserted into the cakes comes out clean.

9. Wait 10 minutes before inverting the cakes onto a cooling rack. At this point, choose the best looking cake for the top tier and leave it to cool the best side up to not have the rack indentations on the surface of the cake.

10. Before serving, whisk the cream to firm peaks and place it into a piping bag with a 1cm plain nozzle.

11. Place the bottom tier cake onto a serving plate, top side down, and spread with the jam.

12. Pipe the cream onto the layer of jam and gently place the top tier cake on top.

13. Decorate the cake with strawberries, flowers and mint, followed by a light dusting of confectioners sugar.

14. This cake is best eaten the day it’s made.

NOTES: 4I used long life cream as it has a firmer consistency for piping. If using regular cream, it will be easier to spread it over the jam layer.

NATASHA LIVIERO - PASTRY CHEF Natasha is a recently qualified pastry chef who is South African by birth and Croatian by blood. She spent many years working for a wellness publication but did an about-turn at the beginning of 2020 when she joined a culinary school to fulfil a lifelong dream to study patisserie.

She’s passionate about European patisserie and loves spending time in the kitchen experimenting with recipes (while quibbling with her feline friends), and is always on the hunt for interesting new cookbooks. natashaliviero

MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

20

THE COOL MOM FASHION GUIDE

D

"DO MOMS HAVE the time to be fashionable?"... Depending on the day of the week, the answer may be unthinkable. So, mama… sit back, relax, make a cup of (whatever makes you happy), and let's talk about some mom fashion.

ds for my top go-to bran ra / H&M / za l: ra staying neut NastyG al NA-KD / Bershka /

Building a strong neutral foundation is key in any wardrobe. These pieces are dubbed the 'repeat offenders' and have unlimited wearing capabilities. Meaning, that if you need to wear that beige shirt two days in a row…go right ahead. These pieces are versatile…wear them alone or layer them for a memorable slay.

ds for my top go-to bran nt: kanthabae making a stateme / NastyG al / pampasnu / Akira

The Staple Mom Jean

T O

T H E

Jeans are a crucial part of any outfit and have the power to elevate any look. Unfortunately, there are so many options that moms often find themselves going down a denim rabbit hole. The whole ideology behind the "Mom Jean" is that it is comfortable and convenient. Spring and Summer 2022 lookbooks have been filled with distressed denim, cargo/utility structures, and bold patterns and prints.

A staple mom jean can be worn every day of the week without judgment.

T U R N

Making a statement Every wardrobe must include that one 'Statement' piece.

That piece of textile magic that turns heads and leaves lasting impressions. Something…one-of-a-kind and handmade…a possible heirloom for future fashion generations.

Bold patterns, floral prints, jacquard fabric, fringing, and silk kantha can all be seen throughout the 'making a statement' trends of 2022.

A neutral top and a pair of staple mom jeans can all be brought together with the perfect statement piece. Popular structures for statement pieces are dusters, kimonos, kaftans, ponchos, and crocheted dresses/skirts.

These boots were made for momming ds for shoes: my top go-to bran erlab / miista shoes / camp llsKill Mango / Asos / Do

F A S H I O N ,

T U R N

T O

T H E

L E F T . . . F A S H I O N ,

ds for my top go-to bran urban n: jea the staple mom priest / ed gg outfitters / ra M/ H& / D Bershka / NA-K g Garage Clothin

Staying neutral

R I G H T . . . O O H

F A S H I O N

Mothers wear many abstract hats, and most are often worn without any thought to aesthetics. But why must the badge of motherhood take away from the glitz and glamour of womanhood? Spoiler Alert…it doesn't. Have you ever heard the saying, "When you look good…you feel good"? That saying is a two-way street and will always be for 'your' benefit.

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Shoes have the sheer power to make or break an entire look. Like the mom jean, the mom shoe has to also be comfortable and practical. Who are we kidding? Most of our shoes will be broken in by chasing kids and apple juice spills. Finding the perfect shoe requires a lot of research and trial and error. Make sure to read over the terms and conditions of websites and lean towards those brands with a forgiving exchange policy during the Cinderella phase.

Nothing is perfect, but the brands I will be sharing come pretty darn close.

One shop and done Sometimes a mom just wants one brand where she can shop in peace. So why overcomplicate your shopping experience? Especially if it's your dedicated 'me-time' away from your children. Not to worry, there are all-encompassing brands made just for that. These websites have it all, from shopping for staple jeans to finding the perfect statement piece.

My top go-to all-around websites: Zalando / Asos / Miinto / Free People / Akira

VANESSA PETERSEN JEWELRY DESIGNER OWNER OF STYLEFREED Dubbed the 'Jill Of All Trades', Vanessa hails from the sunshine state of Florida. After visiting Copenhagen several times as a former International Flight Attendant, she permanently settled in Denmark in 2017 with her husband. Currently, Vanessa is the owner of the hand-crafted jewellery brand, the Style Freed. She creates personalised jewellery centred around healing crystals worldwide.

Being a creative "mompreneur' has also allowed Vanessa to focus on her son's developmental journey with autism in Denmark. @mystylefreed @thestylefreed www.stylefreed.com

21

GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN BEREAVEMENT IS COMPLICATED ON ANY DAY BUT IS FELT ESPECIALLY STRONGLY ON HOLIDAYS OR SPECIAL TIMES OF THE YEAR, SUCH AS MOTHER'S DAY.

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH

TEXT HEATHER STORGAARD

M

MY MOTHER-IN-LAW, Jane, got early-onset Alzheimer's when my husband was still in primary school. This left him in a strange position growing up, as he had a mum, but she couldn't be there for many of the milestones of his life due to her illness. I met my mother-in-law and spent a lovely Christmas with her before she passed away the following February. I wanted to write about this for the Mother's Day issue to remember her and reflect on my husband and family's experience of losing a mum at a young age and experiencing Mother's Days afterwards.

Not yet wholly independent adults, but people bereaved as young adults are placed in a difficult position outside of children's supportive family and school environment. My husband got delayed at university, as he was left emotionally upset and, practically, very busy with funeral arrangements and administrative tasks. He applied for an extra allowance of student finance with SU Styrelsen but was informed by them that losing your mum was "part of the course of life", even if you are twenty-one years old. There was also no state provision for therapy in our area, although that has thankfully changed since. We felt that the system in Denmark was unfortunately not set up for the loss of a parent for someone attending university.

In the UK, there is a charity called "Let's Talk About Loss" for bereaved young people. They have special meet-ups and messaging on Mother's Day and over holidays. They also organise group meet-ups to give people the opportunity to talk about bereavement and anything relating to it, which is a brilliant idea. The concept is to offer a safe space for young people to talk about the person they have lost, knowing that those around them understand what they are going through. I haven't come across a similar concept in Denmark, but the UK charity has helpful tips and even online meet-ups that you can find through their Facebook or Instagram.

Growing up as a TCK (Third Culture Kid), I benefited from two Mother's Day opportunities, usually spending British Mothering Sunday with my grandparents and the May Mother's Day with my mum. I find it sad that if I one day have children, they won't have a Danish farmor (grandma) to introduce them to Danish activities and traditions. My mother-in-law loved knitting, making paper Christmas decorations and baking. Beyond the stereotypical grandma activities, she was also a business woman who eco-

"WE FELT THAT THE SYSTEM IN DENMARK WAS UNFORTUNATELY NOT SET UP FOR THE LOSS OF A PARENT FOR SOMEONE ATTENDING UNIVERSITY."

"Children can gain so much from grandparents."

HEATHER STORGAARD WRITER Heather Storgaard comes from Northern Scotland, grew nomically supported the family for many years. At her funeral, a former employee told me how my husband would go to work with her as a toddler and play at being a secretary. Children can gain so much from grandparents, and I feel sad that mine won't have a female Dane in their family life.

Many people I know talk about challenges in relationships with in-laws, often mentioning themes such as language challenges or culture clashes. But, in a twist of irony, I feel like I would actually have lucked out on the mother-in-law front. Jane was clearly very internationally-minded, having spent time in France and twice intended to move the family abroad, to Ireland and Sweden. My husband remembers being shocked as a child at the sheer threat of being relocated to Sweden and risking becoming a Swede (a big Danish no-no). Although those moves never happened, my mother-in-law still wanted to retire one day to Germany, as she loved the vast forests. She left behind brilliant photos on projector slides, showing intrepid travel in her youth to the USSR, Iran and Greenland. We enjoy looking at them to remember her and are always struck by how much she managed to experience and achieve in the short time she had. THE-INTL

up in Switzerland, and lived in England and Germany. She met her Danish and soon-tobe British husband back in 2017, and they now split their time between Central Scotland and Helgenæs, a peninsula in rural Eastern Jutland.

Languages and cultural studies are a big passion, leading Heather to pursue a degree in Culture and Heritage and a career in photography and translation. @heatherstorgaard

MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

22

CELEBRATING MUM IN THE UK WELL-TRAVELLED WRITER SHANI BISHOP SHARES HOW SHE CELEBRATES MOTHER'S DAY WITH HER MUM. PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH

TEXT SHANI BISHOP

T

THE MAIN DIFFERENCE between Mother's Day here and in Denmark is the level of decoration. There are big beautiful displays and suggestions for gifts, cards, and flowers everywhere you go in the UK. But, like all the celebrations now, this one is big. It's not just shops and supermarkets - restaurants and pubs have Mother's Day menus to tempt you to book a table to celebrate. It is normal to take your mother to lunch, so everywhere books up early.

When I was a child, I gave my mum daffodils and a homemade card, but now it's taken on a life of its own!

It's been five years since I was home for Mother's Day so I was determined my mum would have a good day. The UK is different from the rest of Europe as we celebrate Mother's Day earlier. It's always on the fourth Sunday during Lent, exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday. Apparently, we share this date with Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, Ireland and Nigeria!

HOW MY BOYS CELEBRATE On Mother's Day, my sons arrived in our bedroom with a tray, a white towel over their arms and a printed menu.

Listed were all sorts of lovely goodies, so I asked for scrambled eggs. Fifteen minutes later, my eggs arrived with drinks, cinnamon and raisin bagel, homemade cards and chocolate gifts. The thoughtfulness was terrific, but I was impressed mainly by my son's cooking skills. At secondary school, my son is learning to cook and now regularly makes himself eggs for breakfast (he cycles to school and realised the protein kept him full until lunch).

We have always encouraged our sons to be independent.

This was turbocharged when we got to Denmark, and I found out that kids in Denmark learn to do all the chores rather than a few regular ones. So after arriving in Denmark, I slowly taught them to do every household task. I was never this independent as a child, so I found this really pleasing.

HOW I CELEBRATE MY MUM We booked a lovely country pub halfway between our homes (pubs in the UK which sell delicious food are called Gastro pubs, some have Michelin stars). The Seven Stars Pub is picture-perfect - think Midsomer Murders. There is a duck pond outside with picnic benches, and inside is a beautiful fireplace and wooden interior. It was fully

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booked and lively. We had been told the food was good, and it didn't disappoint. We all ordered beef and venison roasts as this is very traditional here and just delicious.

My mum got a free mini bottle of blackcurrant gin and tonic as it was Mother's Day. Gin is huge here now, and you can get all sorts of flavours - there are even Gin bars.

For three adults and two children (main courses, desserts and drinks) it came to just over a thousand kroner which I think is very reasonable.

After the pub meal, we drove to a small market town and walked around a lake there. It was busy with many families enjoying the warm weather, picnicking and children

playing in the playground. However you decide to spend your Mother's Day, make it extra special as all mums deserve to be cherished and spoilt. THE-INTL

"WE HAVE ALWAYS ENCOURAGED OUR SONS TO BE INDEPENDENT. THIS WAS TURBOCHARGED WHEN WE GOT TO DENMARK, AND I FOUND OUT THAT KIDS IN DENMARK LEARN TO DO ALL THE CHORES RATHER THAN A FEW REGULAR ONES."

23

EMPOWERING OUR YOUNG CHILDREN PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH

TEXT MONIKA PEDERSEN

R

RELATIONSHIPS ARE THE essence of our lives, and, in our early

“Being a good listener and empathetic also supports the development of a grounded young person who feels selfassured, valued and capable.”

years, especially, it tends to be the connection between a mother and her child that is of primary significance.

The maternal bond between mother and child begins in the womb. The months during pregnancy and after a child is born is the time when a child is almost entirely dependent on their mother. In these very early stages, the interactions between the two form the tight social and emotional connections that are crucial in the formative years of a child's development.

The love lavished by a mother helps newborns trust others and encourages them to feel stable and secure in their surroundings.

The time invested in creating an environment of safety through physical contact, verbal interaction, play and stimulation are invaluable. In fact, it is critical in nurturing the development of a child's processing abilities, functioning skills, and cognitive growth.

MOTHERS ARE THE LINCHPIN A child is very impressionable, so a mother needs to consider the tone of voice and language used, facial expressions exhibited, and reactions, for negative emotions and behaviours can impact young minds in a lasting way. In addition, the routines followed, the values demonstrated, and the attitude modelled towards life and its obstacles all influence a child's perceptions and consequent behaviour.

Establishing routines helps young people feel reassured - thus, repeated practices such as a set dinner, bath, and bedtimes provide valuable structures that encourage a child to transition well and navigate the day. Discussing the plan for the weekend shows a child their thoughts are appreciated and again reinforces their importance as an individual. While visiting favourite places like the park and enjoying activities such as an ice cream together provides the opportunity to talk and learn about your child's inner thoughts and feelings. Being a good listener and empathetic also supports the development of a grounded young person who feels self-assured, valued, and capable.

PARTNERSHIP WITH SCHOOL When a child starts to attend school, a mother's influence and involvement with her child helps to extend and reinforce classroom learning. For example, a mother who reads with her child regularly oversees homework assignments being completed and organises visits to the library, museums, art galleries, and recreational activities such as swimming or ice skating aids a child's educational pathway.

Forming a positive relationship with your child's school and the class teacher is a profitable partnership for your child. The interests and goals are aligned and provide a fantastic platform of support. In addition, being involved with the class parent group through activities such as birthdays, play dates, sleepovers etc., gives an insight into your child's friends and friendships. It also offers an invaluable network of fellow parents who look out for each other's children and support each other.

By taking a healthy interest in your child's education, you dem-

MONIKA PEDERSEN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATOR Monika comes from the London area of the UK, where she onstrate to your child that school is important and that working hard and trying to do your best are essential aspects of life.

Praising a child's efforts encourages them to try again and instils a desire to succeed. Being mindful that the focus is on trying and participating is key, for it is crucial not to place pressure upon a child to have the best grades or show disappointment if they have not made a standard. This is damaging and a sure way to discourage and sour the schooling experience.

worked in the state system

LATER YEARS

overview of the British, Inter-

and the international school system, as an English teacher of 11-18 students and then a section leader. She has also worked in Germany and now in Denmark. She has an

As your child evolves into a teenager, the role can become a significant challenge. Teenage moods, experimentation, boundary testing, and evolving into an independent young person are challenging for both parties. The best approach is to remain supportive, keep the channels of communication open, and continue demonstrating the love you have for your child. This is not easy, but the benefits of your efforts will be rewarded in the long term.

national, and American ed-

A GENTLE REMINDER

sion. She has relocated to Co-

We live with different considerations and economic challenges, whereby it is often impossible to fulfil the desired, as the reality can differ significantly. As a mother, you can only do the best you can in your circumstances, so avoid comparing your provisions to others'. The love and time shared over any material goods are what is remembered by a child. THE-INTL Sources: https://bit.ly/3kbXSEO https://bit.ly/3KdecQp

ucational systems and is currently learning about the Danish system. She has been in education for 32 years and continues to enjoy the profespenhagen as she is married to a Dane. She enjoys jogging, waterside walks, and cooking. @monikapedersen @monikapedersen @monikapedersen

MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

24

THE STRENGTH OF PARENTS - A MOTHER'S STORY FOR OUR MAY ISSUE, THE INTERNATIONAL HONOURS MOTHERS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS - STORIES ABOUT STRENGTH AND PERSEVERANCE.

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH / SARA R. NEWELL

TEXT MICHAELA MEDVEDOVÁ

I

IN HONOUR OF Mother’s Day, our own writer Sara R. Newell shares her story of fighting to get the right help for her daughter and how she found strength in a network of other parents.

THE WINDING ROAD TOWARD HELP “My daughter has always had an amazing imagination and fascination with details. When she was two or three years old, I began to suspect that she had autism since she was so sensitive and would easily become overwhelmed and stressed,” Sara explains. But the first time she talked to Pædagogisk Psykologisk Rådgivning (PPR), the Pedagogical Psychological Counseling unit, they responded that she must be stressed or that it must be challenging to be a single mother. Her daughter must be reacting to Sara, so she should consider taking mindfulness classes or yoga.

“I thought it was impossible to get anyone to take me seriously because I was a foreigner. It wasn’t until several years later that I found out that this is a pretty typical scenario for parents (including Danes) who try to get the municipality to refer their child for psychological testing.”

It wasn’t until 11 years later that her daughter was diagnosed with autism and ADD. By then, her daughter was 14 and was very unhappy in school and struggling socially.

“The only reason we could even have her tested was that we paid for it ourselves in the private sector.”

Now, her daughter is almost 18 and is thriving in a great residential home - where she has lived for the last year and a half. “We are so grateful for the collaboration we have with the people there. They treat the adolescents living there as if they were their own. But the road here has been brutal and has had a lot of personal and economic consequences for our entire family. The struggles we have been through were incredibly unnecessary - sometimes I wonder what life would have been like if somebody had taken me seriously when my daughter was three.”

A LACK OF KNOWLEDGE Sara points out that while about 18.000 children in Denmark have autism, there’s a lack of knowledge about autism in general, especially about how it presents in girls and women.

When #enmillionstemmer, a movement fighting for the rights of people with disabilities and mental vulnerabilities, asked parents where they found information about special needs - only 2% named their municipality. “My experience was definitely of being sent away. It was as if the primary purpose of the people sitting across the table was not to help but to get me to go away. It is often based on people not having relevant knowledge about disabilities, but thinking that they do.” It was a never-ending story of trying to convince caseworkers that her daughter needed assistance and that it wasn’t a matter of Sara’s parenting abilities. “I was never informed of the option to apply for compensation so I could work fewer hours to help my daughter. Instead, I had to use vacation days and then vacation days without pay - I simply didn’t know any better and was never informed otherwise.”

According to a survey carried out by #enmillionstemmer, 59% of family members of people with a disability had to leave the workforce entirely because of the inability to get help.

Sara points out that it’s definitely not the children that make their parents’ lives difficult - it’s having to put the child’s needs aside to fight the system. “And then you realise you used all this energy to get the system to work instead of helping your child. Having a child with special needs doesn’t have to be this hard.”

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

She works at Umbraco as a Magical Copy Whisperer and started a podcast with her friends - @humans.of.sdu. She loves watching and talking about movies, Harry Potter, karaoke nights (even though she can't sing to save her life), and pub quizzes (winning them, to be specific).

MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

STRONGER TOGETHER But parents don’t have to be alone. “Realising I wasn’t the only one was a real eye-opener and a lot of help. Having a network of people to talk to meant I wasn’t so isolated and could get advice from people in similar situations. I wish I’d known about parent networks years ago.”

Different Facebook support groups were also where Sara connected with the other four parents behind #enmillionstemmer. At the start of their shared journey, there was a petition of 53.000 signatures to try to remove the responsibility for disability assistance from the municipalities’ control, where it has been since 2007.

The motto of the movement is the right help the first time. “People don’t get the right help in the very beginning - and instead, the family’s situation snowballs until they become less and less well-functioning as a family.” In March 2022, a report published by the National Audit Office criticised municipalities for the handling of disability services and criticised the Ministry of Social Affairs for failing to properly supervise the municipalities. For the parents who experienced the realities of the system, the disclosure of the report was incredibly validating.

Talking to others can also give the parents the strength to keep fighting. “Through networks and support groups, you use togetherness to help each other find the right help,” concludes Sara. THE-INTL

SARA R. NEWELL is from Canada, went to high-school in Costa Rica, and has worked and studied in Iceland and Denmark. She is a disability rights activist and has a master's degree in Technological Business Development and Biomedical Engineering from Aarhus University. Sara has lived in Denmark since 2003, and lives with her husband and daughter. She hopes to contribute and share insights with others who have children with disabilities. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sararose-newell-b1904726 / https://m.facebook.com/groups/bakopomdepaarorende

25

THE PROCESS OF BUILDING HABITS GUIDE TO SELF- DEVELOPMENT (PART 5) PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH

TEXT AINA MASOOD

I

IN THE PREVIOUS article, I talked about identifying core values.

These core values can be your ground information to start identifying what kind of habits you want to work on and what habits you want to eliminate. In this article, let’s focus on how to build habits. I was inspired by the book Atomic Habits by James Clear to think more about building habits. I feel that habits are an essential part of our lives. According to research, habits account for 40% of our behaviour. Consequently, if our lives are a sum of our habits, understanding how to build new habits is paramount to self-development.

HOW TO BUILD HABITS 1. ROUTINES VERSUS HABITS Routines and habits are words often used interchangeably. However, they are very different in nature. Habits are behaviours we do with little or no thought, while routines are a series of behaviours that are repeated intentionally and frequently. Hence, to build a habit, we need to develop routines.

Developing a routine is the hard part, and we often want to skip this phase as it is uncomfortable and requires effort. On the other hand, habits are so ingrained in our lives that it might even feel strange when we don’t perform them—for example, not drinking coffee after dinner. Avoiding already formed habits can be a cause of distress. Thus, building a habit starts with making routines, and you can do that by using repetition.

2. USE INTENTION SETTING When you want to develop a habit, it is essential to understand “the why”. Pointing this out will help you associate your routine with an intention and motivate you to face challenges and obstacles. Pick a behaviour wisely, for example; maybe you want to be physically active or spend less time on social media. Reflect on why you chose this behaviour and why it is essential to you. It also helps to make these reasons visual. You can write them on a sticky note and put them up on the refrigerator or your work desk, wherever you are most likely to catch a glimpse of it every day.

3. START WITH MICRO HABITS AND INCREASE SLOWLY Make it simple. Often, habit formation is associated with having enough willpower or motivation to continue. Willpower, according to research, is like a muscle; with more usage, it gets fatigued throughout the day. Motivation also follows a wave-like pattern, where it rises and falls. Therefore, it may be counter-productive to wait for inspiration or rely solely on willpower. Instead, we can start by developing micro habits. These refer to behaviours that are so simple and easy that you do not need the motivation to perform them. For example, instead of reading one book per month, you start with one page a day. Hence, you gradually make incremental adjustments with micro habits and move closer to achieving your goal.

Another thing that you might find helpful in making things simple is to allocate specific time intervals on your calendar to do to

"TO BUILD A HABIT, WE NEED TO DEVELOP ROUTINES. "

AINA MASOOD PSYCHOTHERAPIST these micro habits. For example, you can add Mindfulness from 9-9:15 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Lastly, you can use the 20-second rule. This focuses on the idea that it is easier to integrate habits if you can decrease the activation energy of these behaviours (activation energy is the energy required to start the behaviour). The less time it takes to create a behaviour, the more likely you will do it. For example, if you want to drink more water, keep a water bottle at your desk or if you’re going to practice more, keep your guitar in your living room.

4. PREPARE FOR OBSTACLES When planning to start anything new, it is only natural to face some obstacles. You can make a list of some challenges that you expect beforehand and try to create strategies for how you will effectively overcome them. Some common hurdles might be experiencing fatigue or pain, the cost of the new change, making room in your calendar etc. To overcome challenges, you can use “if-then” statements. For example, if I am too tired to go to the gym, I will do a home workout. Planning for difficult situations will give you a better chance of continuing the behaviour.

5. CREATE A PLAN TO GET BACK ON TRACK QUICKLY Even if being prepared for obstacles fails, make sure you get back on track quickly. As James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, has said, never miss a habit twice. If you have missed a workout, do not let it turn into missing two workouts in a row.

6. BE PATIENT AND COMPASSIONATE Whatever behaviour you have chosen to turn into a habit, try to be realistic about the process. Every individual requires a different amount of time to develop the same habit. So, be patient, consistent and compassionate in adding habits to your life. It is also crucial that instead of starting with building ten habits simultaneously, focus on 1 or 2 behaviours and once you feel confident, move on to a new one.

In conclusion, building habits is an integral part of self-development, and I hope you find this article helpful in your journey on self-development. THE-INTL

Aina is the founder and C.E.O. of R.A.I.N. (Recognise, Accept, Investigate, Nurture).

This company helps universities and companies take care of the mental health of their colleagues and employees.

Aina has completed her master’s in clinical psychology in Pakistan. She has lived in the U.S.A. for six months and has been in Denmark since 2019. Passionate about mental health and destigmatising mental health problems, she is working towards helping individuals and organisations be healthier, happier, and more productive. She accomplishes this by working with international clients via Skype, conducting workshops/webinars with various organisations, and researching and writing.

In addition, she is a professional photographer who uses her pictures to reflect on her daily life and share them on her blog. A psychologist, writer, speaker, mental health advocate, photographer, explorer, volunteer, and wife, Aina is making her way through the world and narrating her life story. https://www.linkedin.com/ in/ainamasood/ https://www.instagram. com/ayena_reflections/

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26

REINVENTING YOURSELF PURSUING ADULT EDUCATION IN DENMARK

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH / KELLY KRISTENSEN

TEXT SKYLER BENTLEY HALL

K

KELLY KRISTENSEN IS from the American Midwest, but she spent most of her life in Northern Illinois working as an English and German high school teacher before settling in Midtjylland. Married to a Dane, Kelly and her two boys moved to Denmark in 2016 so they could try something new, and for Kelly, that meant reinventing herself personally and professionally. Kelly shares her courageous story of entrepreneurial efforts and academic pursuits in Denmark.

Q

SKYLER BENTLEY HALL

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO PURSUE FURTHER EDUCATION IN DENMARK? I had my teaching license approved by the Danish government and worked for two and a half years at an international school before exploring other interests.

After starting a blog and YouTube channel called My New Danish Life, I soon discovered I had to gain more marketing knowledge. I found the International Marketing Management course at Dania Academy offered in English. Getting a Danish education had a lot of positives. Not only would it help me in what I was doing on my own blog, but it could lead to something more.

I was happy to do an internship in Denmark as part of my programme. This gave me experience in my field at a Danish company before applying for jobs. It helped me get to where I am today, and I feel fortunate to have found a great job only three months after graduating.

Q

HOW HAVE YOU REINVENTED YOURSELF? The language barrier can make you seem less intelligent than you really are, as you struggle to communicate in the new language. English isn’t widely used where I live, so I had to change a lot about myself to fit the Danish mould. My small-town, Danish surroundings have affected my behaviour, way of thinking, parenting style, and social life. I really had to become a new person, but it took me many years of fighting this feeling before I accepted it. It

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EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT

"IT WAS SCARY TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL TO BE IN A ROOM FULL OF 19/20-YEAROLDS WHILE HAVING A FAMILY LIFE AT HOME, BUT I KNEW THAT IF I WAS EVER GOING TO MAKE SOMETHING NEW HAPPEN FOR ME, I WOULD HAVE TO DO SOMETHING NEW." has now been six years in Denmark, and though I still struggle to understand some things, I feel that I have more of a connection to the country and its people through my blog and YouTube channel. I can experience Denmark and share these experiences with other expats and Danes who are curious to know more about foreigners. It has helped me transition from being a teacher who constantly communicated and educated others in the classroom to share it online with the blog and YouTube.

Q

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE SOME WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR NEWCOMERS IN DENMARK?

I often heard from other expats when I told them that I was going back to school over the age of 40, “that is so awesome. I wish I could do that!” For many of them, reinventing themselves seems like a fara-

way idea that is only for the selected few, but from those conversations, it always seemed that many have thought about it.

It was scary to go back to school to be in a room full of 19/20-year-olds while having a family life at home, but I knew that if I was ever going to make something new happen for me, I would have to do something new. I would love to encourage other people to do the thing that they feel only happens to other people. Face it many people back home would probably love to live abroad but never do it. We did it, and there are many more things we can do. Denmark is a great place to do that if you want to change careers since education is part of the culture. No matter the age. Don’t feel that you have to keep doing the same thing, because it is all you.

Now is the time to start something new and see where it takes you. THE-INTL

Skyler is originally from Canada, and after living in Switzerland for several years, she transitioned to Denmark with her husband and son all proud Canadians. Skyler has worked in the education sector for three decades and found her true passion for supporting students with their educational journey. As the Founder of Bentley Hall Educational Consulting, she advises on career and university options globally. Skyler enjoys spending time with family, exploring new cultures, and embracing the hygge lifestyle in beautiful Denmark. bentleyhall.ca instagram.com/skylerbent leyhall/ facebook.com/skyler.bent leyhall

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THE UPCOMING REFERENDUM WILL DENMARK BE A LEADER OR A FOLLOWER IN EUROPE?

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH

TEXT NARCIS GEORGE MATACHE

F

FEBRUARY 2022, THE world irreversibly changed. Russia invaded Ukraine in its attempt to rebuild the former Soviet empire and opened up Pandora's box. Words like "world war" and "nuclear weapons" dominated the headlines. Images of death, destruction and human barbarism fill our social media so that we become insensitive to them. In the minds of young people, the future picture is getting more and more distorted. For some, it's already pitch black and seemingly no hope ahead.

War brings poverty, hunger, disease, pain and hatred. It challenges the human condition; it makes us question our purpose in this world. The European Union was created never to experience war in Europe again. But unfortunately, some of the other global players don't seem to care much for our future vision.

We have relied on NATO for military protection for decades now. However, the USA is not infallible, e.g., the Trump episode.

We simply cannot move forward depending on others to protect our way of life. The European states seem to have understood that crude reality, as they have started to invest heavily in our defence and military capabilities. In Denmark, we will invest 18 billion DKK yearly to raise our army's capacity.

The European Union states will have to coordinate more often in defence and military cooperation to protect our peace and defend our way of life. The different armies will have to know how to work together, and we should have the ability to act fast during a crisis. Luckily, we started doing that through PESCO, where we have 60 cooperation projects on joint procurement for defence and military training. But unfortunately, we have one EU state on the sideline. Yes, Denmark.

Denmark is the only EU state outside of the EU's cooperation on security and defence. Why? In a national compromise from 1993, Denmark conditioned their continued participation in the European Union with four reservations (no to euro, no to cooperation on police and justice, no to cooperation on security and defence and no to European citizenship).

However, for Denmark to continue being outside of the EU's security and defence cooperation is dangerous with the current world situation. These are facts understood by prime-minister Mette Frederiksen and most political parties who have made a new national compromise. They want to say "Yes to security and defence cooperation". However, the 1993 national compromise forces us to have a referendum on the matter. So ultimately, the people of Denmark will decide if the "NO" turns into a "YES".

On 1st June (this year), the citizens of Denmark (yes, unfortunately, this time, the non-citizens cannot vote) will go to the voting booths to decide on our shared future. This will show if Denmark will support Europe by joining the centre or remaining in the periphery. Since the exit of the United Kingdom, Denmark has had a historical chance to punch above its weight on the European stage. We can influence the future of the European Union and make sure we make it more Danish. However, we can only do

NARCIS GEORGE MATACHE Political Analyst Born in Romania, shaped by Denmark and dedicated to the European Union, he has spent most of his twenties advocating for a more internationalthat if we are fully committed to the project. We need a majority "YES" on the referendum. THE-INTL

SO, WHAT HAPPENS IF WE VOTE "YES"?

ly-minded Denmark. As one of the most active youth leaders in Denmark (top 20) and Europe (top 50), he has built the largest youth organisation in

 Denmark will be allowed to participate when European defence is discussed at the decision-making table.  Denmark will be able to participate in the EU's military missions. Also, Denmark will be able to participate in the decision to launch or not during a military mission and to provide troops, ships and aircraft for EU-led military missions.  Denmark will be able to purchase cheaper military equipment, as it will buy in bulk together with other EU states - and we would have access to newer technologies in the field.  Denmark will be able to participate in the European Defense Agency, cooperate on military research, share military technology, and procure defence equipment.  Denmark will be able to participate in response to a defence crisis.

Aalborg, making the city more

If we vote "NO", we will continue to invest massively in our army (despite knowing that no matter how many investments we make, we cannot stop an invader without external support) and hope for the best. We will lose our chance to be a part of leading Europe and accept our provincial status.

politics, and media literacy.

inclusive. Today, he continues his mission to make Denmark more inclusive by building an information service that produces multilingual content to connect the non-Danes to Danish society. You can book him for workshops, seminars, training, speeches on youth participation, democracy, European citizenship, Danish

@narcisgeorgematache

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HONOURING OUR GENERATIONS OF MOTHERS AND FEMININE ENERGY THE MOTHER FIGURE PLAYS AN ESSENTIAL ROLE IN ALMOST EVERY CULTURE, YET THE FEMALE ENERGY HAS OFTEN BEEN SUPPRESSED. ON THIS MOTHER'S DAY, HOW ABOUT WE TAKE A MOMENT TO HONOUR OUR MOTHER AND THE WOMEN FROM OUR LONG ANCESTRAL LINEAGE FOR ALL THEY HAD DONE FOR US AND STEP INTO OUR OWN FEMININE ENERGY.

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH

TEXT OPHELIA WU

T

THERE IS NO bond like a mother carrying her baby for nine months, and no greater love has been able to replace it. Motherly love is naturally a nurturing love. It's instinctive, survival, and can only be felt and experienced. We always forget and take it for granted that our mothers became mothers because it's part of life's journey, their duties. No, it sounds like one, but it is not; most of the time, it's a choice. We grew up looking up to our mothers for advice, role models, friends, and guardians, and we forgot our mothers also needed to be loved, nurtured, and looked after. They were once the little child we were, seeking approval, waiting for their parents to come home, hug them, and read them a bedtime story. A mother's love is passed along our long lineage- it's the will to keep their children safe and protected, nourish them and make sure they grow up healthily.

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR MOTHER AND OUR FEMININE ENERGY In many religions and spiritual realms, even in psychology and the family constellation system, it's believed that our relationship with our parents heavily affects our relationship with almost everything in life. We don't need to dive into all of these, but we just need to remember and understand that there's an inner child and an inner Mother within us. Many of our frustrations and life lessons come from our frustrations toward our parents. Suppose we had not been validated or given enough attention as a child. In that case, we easily fall into the lower self-value side of the spectrum, constantly being a people-pleaser and overcompensating, all because we seek the approval we desperately wanted but didn't get from our parents.

We can take a step back and try to understand that our parents probably gave us everything they had and could within their knowledge and experiences from their upbringing. It came from generations of habits. The patriarchal society and pressure are not helping either, especially back in the day's women were heavily deprived of many opportunities.

MAY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

OPHELIA WU FASHION CONSULTANT & JOURNALIST

When we are feeling guilty for taking time for ourselves, feeling shameful for resting, that's when we are disconnected from our feminine energy. Not being able to fully step into it (i.e. feeling unattractive, body-conscious, not appreciated, etc.), and unleashing the inner goddess because what we had been taught by generations of motherly figures that we were more on the survival level, duty before self.

So there simply wasn't time to feel. Once we realise this suppressed feminine energy, we might be able to unlock our own and be connected to it, slowly becoming our own women.

Some might decide to embark on an ancestral healing journey, some form of psychotherapy to heal that. Whatever method suits you is of no one else's business, but on Mother's Day, let's take a moment to honour all that had been passed down from our great-great-great-great grandmother's generation or further back. We are their living legacy; they did all they could so we can be here living our dream lives now.

It's not just our mothers we need to honour; it's all the female figures in our family, their wisdom, protection, love, scarification, or even their mistakes. So own it, honour it, and be thankful to all of them, for they had proved to be these resilient women with incredible strength even during wars when resources and education

were limited. When we honour this legacy, we favour our future generations by freeing them from suppressing their feminine energy - it is powerful. So looking after ourselves and being consciously aware of this is already a great way to honour them.

Those who are blessed to still have their mothers and grandmothers alive and around, take the chance to express your love and gratitude; for those who sadly don't have them around, may you continue feeling the love and blessings while remembering them. May all mothers be honoured, remembered, appreciated and loved. THE-INTL

L i ke he r hometow n Hong Kong, Ophelia has a diverse background and upbringing.

She moved to Copenhagen in 2019 after 10 years of living in London. Her fashion and journalism career began in 2007 at ELLE Hong Kong magazine, and later on as an online stylist at Net-A-Porter.com in the UK; she has worked with all sorts of creatives, brands and celebrities globally.

She now works on everything fashion and communicationrelated. With her love of travelling and places her work brought her to, people she met from all walks of life inspired her to start her own business M for Minimal: a place to raise the awareness of going back to basics through conscious consumption and mindfulness with a touch of spirituality - something she has been practising since her teenage years. @mforminimal.com @mforminimal.mfm @opheliawu

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THE DANISH EU OPT-OUTS ESTABLISHED AFTER DENMARK'S INITIAL MAASTRICHT TREATY REJECTION.

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH

TEXT MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES

D

DANISH PRIME MINISTER Mette Frederiksen has called for Denmark's citizens to vote to overturn the country's opt-out from EU Defence Policy in a referendum to be held on 1 June.

The urgency is undoubtedly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Denmark has four derogations or "opt-outs" from EU cooperation. These opt-outs stem from 1993 and were agreed amongst the then 12 EU Member States after the Danish population initially rejected the Maastricht Treaty in a referendum in 1992.

The four opt-outs are outlined in the Edinburgh Agreement (1993) and concern the Monetary Union (EMU), Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) and the Citizenship of the European Union.

MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES

THE EURO OPT-OUT There was great concern among the Danish people as to whether Denmark should change its currency from the Danish Kroner to the Euro and the majority of other EU States. As a result, Danes voted not to adopt the Euro. The rate of the Danish Kroner is determined by the National Bank in Denmark. However, the Danish Kroner has been linked to the Euro and even though Denmark does not participate in the Euro-countries economy decisions, Denmark does participate in some of the Euro cooperation.

COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY (CSDP) Due to the Danish defence opt-out, Denmark cannot participate in any EU military operations or cooperate in developing and acquiring military capabilities within the EU framework. Additionally, Denmark will not provide military support or supplies for EU-led efforts in conflict areas nor participate in any decision or planning regarding operations – not to be confused with NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation), of which Denmark is a member country.

JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS (JHA) - LAWS REGULATED BY THE EU These legal reservations mean that Denmark will not have to abide by any EU laws concerning divorce between citizens from two countries, bankruptcy, asylum standards and legal standards that set minimum rules in civil cases. Furthermore, Denmark is exempt from all supranational legal policies and participates only in the field of the judiciary when rules are adopted by the Danish Government.

CITIZENSHIP IN EU This is perhaps the least relevant of the four opt-outs. Denmark voted against giving up Danish citizenship for purely EU citizenship. Instead, EU citizenship is an addition to an individual's Danish State citizenship. The opt-out on citizenship has become redundant after adopting the Amsterdam Treaty (1997), which clarified that EU citizenship is only supplementary, effectively nullifying Denmark's citizenship opt-out.

TWO REFERENDA ON THE OPT-OUTS Since the opt-outs were established, they have been the basis of heated debate in Denmark and two referenda on them have been held. Initially, in 2000, the Danes voted on whether Denmark should participate in the common currency of Europe,

PRESIDENT & CEO OXFORD BUSINESS SERVICES APS the Euro. Unfortunately, a majority of Danes voted "no." As a result, Denmark is not part of the Euro group and has kept its currency, the Kroner.

Over time, many have argued that the French EU President Jacques Delors made the mistake of overselling the importance of the Euro currency for Denmark's economy, which the Danes simply would not believe. Nevertheless, despite this decision, the Danish economy is thriving more than twenty years later.

In December 2015, the Danes held a second referendum on the opt-out concerning Justice and Home Affairs. The vote was to determine if Denmark would maintain the reservations held in the original opt-out or replace them with an opt-in model.

Denmark voted not to modify the original opt-out.

It has been suggested that this referendum was presented in such a way that for many Danes, the referendum became an issue concerning Danish sovereignty in relation to the establishment of new immigration rules and for this reason, the opt-out was once again ratified.

Mariano has over 40 years global experience as a bus ness executive. He spent ten years with KPMG, so far thirty years with British Chambers of Commerce (while also running Oxford Business Services ApS). 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 45 years and

WHY COULD THIS REFERENDUM SUCCEED?

has held over 150 official an-

Unlike the two previous referenda, this one has been called at a time when Europe finds itself having to deal with an escalating defence crisis with a genuine danger that this crisis could lead to a third world war with potentially devastating consequences. For this reason, Finland and Sweden are considering joining NATO, many countries (including Denmark) will increase their NATO contribution to 2% BNP and Germany has changed its position on weapons.

There is a potential danger that Danish Defence Opt-Out will hamper the protection of Danish interests if, in the future, there is dynamic integration, working towards increased European strategic autonomy. Conversely, the Defence Opt-Out will be less meaningful if the EU's defence cooperation stagnates or rolls back due to internal disagreement. THE-INTL

ti-Brexit speeches since 2016.

He both speaks and writes Danish without difficulty. oxford-business.com

FINLAND AND SWEDEN ARE CONSIDERING JOINING NATO, MANY COUNTRIES (INCLUDING DENMARK) WILL INCREASE THEIR NATO CONTRIBUTION TO 2% BNP AND GERMANY HAS CHANGED ITS POSITION ON WEAPONS.

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PICTURE COURTESTY OF: JOY PROUTY @JOYPROUTY / @KANTHABAE

WE ALL HAVE ONE...

SUSAN JESSEN SPIELE LIBRARIAN Susan is a librarian at Roskilde Library, and in charge of

They come in all shapes and sizes and are the beginning of us all. It is our first relationship and often a very close and/or problematic one. So here are four very different mothers. Enjoy!

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

RELATABLE AND FUNNY ESSAYS

BEAUTIFUL AND HARD STORY

I MISS YOU WHEN I BLINK

BY MARY LAURA PHILPOTT

SOPHIE’S CHOICE

When you got the life you thought you should have, but lose a part of yourself. Do you blow it all up or change some parts? Motherhood is not always what you thought it would be perhaps there is another way to go.

BY WILLIAM STYRON Stingo is looking back on the time he shared with the couple Nathan and Sophie, the latter a Holocaust survivor who faced an impossible choice in the camps.

Stingo’s friendship with Sophie evolves as her past increasingly haunts her.

BITTER, COMPELLING AND MAGICAL

AN OVERLOOKED FEMINIST CLASSIC

BELOVED

THE TENNANT OF WILDFELL HALL

BY ANNE BRONTË

BY TONI MORRISON Sethe is a former slave who escaped her abusive owner with her children. But unfortunately, not all made it and years later, her house is haunted by the angry ghost of her d a u g h t e r, B e l o v e d .

Then a young woman calling herself Beloved appears, and things unravel.

and book talks.

Helen and her young son move into Wildfell Hall in the quiet countryside. Helen keeps to herself, and nasty rumours start. The budding love between her and a local farmer finally forces her to reveal the truth about herself.

DID YOU KNOW? As an English speaker, you might not have the greatest selection of books in English at your local library. But at www. bibliotek.dk you have access to ALL public and university libraries in Denmark, and you can order to pick up at your local library – or any other. All you need is to be registered as a user at that library.

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where can i find a copy?

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

 PUBLIC PICK-UP POINTS ON ZEALAND SOCIAL BREW INTERNATIONAL HOUSE COPENHAGEN ART ESCAPE STUDIOS AMERICAN PIE ZOKU COPENHAGEN ROSKILDE LIBRARY LOLLAND NEWCOMER SERVICE

VESTER FARIMAGSGADE 3 - COPENHAGEN GYLDENLØVESGADE 11 - COPENHAGEN BLEGDAMSVEJ 68 - COPENHAGEN SKINDERGADE 25 - COPENHAGEN AMAGERFÆLLEDVEJ 108 - COPENHAGEN DRONNING MARGRETHES VEJ 14 - ROSKILDE TORVET 3 - MARIBO

PUBLIC PICK-UP POINT ON FUNEN CAFÉ L’ILE

DALUMVEJ 3 - ODENSE SV

PUBLIC PICK-UP POINTS IN JUTLAND DOKK1 LIBRARY (INFORMATION DESK) INTERNATIONAL HOUSE NORTH DENMARK ESBJERG NEWCOMER SERVICE VEJLE NEWCOMER SERVICE HERNING BIBLIOTEKERNE BILLUND CENTRET BILLUND GASTROPUB SØNDERBORG NEWCOMER SERVICE

HACK KAMPMANNS PLADS 2 - AARHUS RANTZAUSGADE 4 - AALBORG TORVEGADE 23 - ESBJERG SKOLEGADE 1 - VEJLE ØSTERGADE 8 - HERNING HANS JENSENSVEJ 6 - BILLUND BUTIKSTORVET 10H - BILLUND RÅDHUSTORVET 10 - SØNDERBORG

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

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#STAND WITH UKRAINE #PEACE FOR UKRAINE

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